How to Dress Chic + Classy on a Budget

by The Productive Pixie - July 20, 2019

Are you tired of feeling like you never have anything to wear? Or that you never have enough money to buy the pieces you want? I get this feeling! Sometimes, it just feels like you don't have enough clothing and money! In reality, you just need to shake things up and look at your wardrobe in a different way. Today, I'll be dishing out the tips on how you can dress chic and classy all while on a budget because I'm not a billionaire, and you probably aren't either! 😂

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Updated for 2024

Do you groan every time you look at a price tag on a piece of clothing you really want?

Dressing chic on a budget can be hard, especially if you don't have enough money to buy super expensive classic pieces and you don't like buying pieces that won't last. Cue trendy and cheap items that get holey and fall apart after you wash them a few times. None of us want that!

Don't worry though because today I have a bunch of tips to help you save money while looking chic and classy! You're welcome!

Tips for How to Dress Chic + Classy on a Budget

1. Save up + Buy One Item at a Time

If you save up to buy one item at a time, then you can buy something on the more expensive side that is better quality. Be aware though, that more money doesn't always equal higher quality. I always like to find an item with good reviews and then look for the store that sells it at the lowest price.

This can also help you to avoid shopping sprees! :)

I actually have a wish list in my bullet journal that I write down everything I want to buy on it. Then I go through this list one at a time, with an exception for necessary purchases. When it comes to clothes though, it usually isn't actually a necessary purchase, unless you are just lying to yourself, which is a possibility if you really really want the item. 😂

I also have a folder on my laptop called "Shopping" and anything I see that I like, I bookmark it to this folder. Then I can go back through this folder later and see if I still want it. This way, I don't impulse shop, which leads to my next tip.

2. Know What You are Going to Buy

I always use this tip. Sign up for your favorite store's email list so that you can know whenever they are having a sale. Then around once a month you can drop onto the site and see if there is anything that you like.

If there is, don't spend your money at once. Pin it to a special Pinterest board like "Wishlist" or add it to your favorites bar so you can come back later.

Now all you have to do is wait until it is on sale, or you have a coupon and then you can buy it for less. Plus, when you don't buy it on an impulse, you can decide if you really like it and if it is worth buying.

3. Wait for a Holiday

If you wait for a holiday, then most stores are going to be having sales. It is a great time to buy it then especially if it is Black Friday.

If you already have a folder on your laptop filled with items that you like, you can get the best deals, and you won't be tempted to spend money on something else that you don't like as much just because you want to take advantage of the deal.

4. Invest in Basic Pieces + Neutral Clothing

If you buy basic pieces like a white tee or black skinny jeans, you can make more outfits with that piece. Plus, basic pieces always look chic too! Investing in coats and jackets is also a good idea if you live somewhere cold because you will wear them a lot and it will make your outfit classier.

I find that clothing in neutral colors always looks more expensive than clothing in bright colors and bold prints, so keep this in mind when you are shopping.

If you don't know what to wear, you can't go wrong with sticking to neutral colors, and an entire monochrome outfit can look very classy.

Look at the quality of the material as well.

5. Add Some Accessories

Adding some cheap accessories can take any look from plain boring to super stylish. Even though the cheaper accessories may not be the best quality, if you pair them with one of the pieces you invested in, it will elevate your whole look, and no one will know that you got those accessories for a great deal!

The accessories should be cheap, but they should not look cheap. I think it is a great idea to go with classic Parisian accessories such as pearl earrings, small scarves, and berets. I have a beret and I'm a huge fan of it because it will make any outfit look so much more put together.

If you don't have one, and Parisian style is your thing then I definitely recommend buying one. You can see how I style a beret here. My beret cost less than $15, but it is made out of wool, so it was cheap, but it is of good quality.

6. Don't Buy Cheap Looking Items

Stay away from cheap-looking clothes and if you are buying them online, make sure that you read the reviews and you check the sizing charts.

The sandals in these pictures only cost me around $10, but because of the neutral colors and the braided straps, they don't look super cheap. If they were entirely plastic, and in a bright color, they would look cheap.

7. Have a Nice Appearance

The right clothing can do wonders for anyone, but if you have chipped nails, messy hair, and it looks like your face hasn't been washed in days, then your clothes aren't going to do anything for you.

If you wear makeup, make sure you keep it looking natural. The same goes for your nails unless you are getting a manicure, and then stay away from bright flashy colors.

Remember that a classy woman doesn't need to wear bright flashy colors to make a statement. She can make a statement by being her confident self. Clothing helps her to be more confident, but it doesn't steal the show.

How to Dress Chic + Classy on a Budget

Also, avoid clothes that are trendy today, and out of style tomorrow. Stick with classic pieces that you like and make you feel confident. Stay away from clothes that are purposely made to look used: ripped, holey, stained. Plus, as a last tip, always remember that less is more.

How do you try and look classy on a budget? Are there any tips that you would add to this post?

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I hope that you found some tips to dress chic and classy on a budget!

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Tags : capsule wardrobe, fashion

How to Dress Chic + Classy on a Budget