DO YOU NEED TO HAVE MONEY TO HAVE STYLE?
Recently I noticed I was the topic of conversation amongst a group of women in a public forum, discussing what a 'sell-out' I was because I was photographed wearing a brand that wasn't a 'high-end designer label'. They believe I only ever wear expensive designer clothes, and in their opinion, that's why I have a style. They continued to vent their disappointment and suggest that I was 'paid' to wear a non-designer brand, and it was "disgusting, beneath me, typical to wear it for money," etc. Sorry, but I find it hard to mask my frustration. These women a) don't know that 80% of what I wear, and feel very comfortable in, are non-designer brands and b) have no idea what real style is.
So I wanted to share my philosophy behind what having real STYLE is. Contrary to popular belief, looking good or stylish doesn't depend on your ability to exclusively wear high end fashion lables. The trick is knowing what styles to invest in and pay more to elevate other clothes you own that are much cheaper. I share a few ways you can have style on a budget and few "style" tricks to elevate your outfits by investing in the right things. X
SHOP STYLE ON A BUDGET
WORKWEAR WARDROBE
I always talk about building the ‘elements’ of your wardrobe - not only to get the most outfit options but also the most bang for your buck. Suiting is the easy answer to your ‘work uniform’ as you can treat each peice as a seperate and mix and match. Here is a guide of what a very wearable workwear wardrobe looks like - and this 12 piece wardrobe costs $880.
TIP": Add a couple of designer peices such as a belt, bag and sunglasses to elevate your looks.
CLOTHING CHECKLIST 1. A black suit, 2. Basics for layering, 3. Neutral pant, 4. White pant, 5. Navy blazer, 6. Trench coat, 7. White & blue shirt, 8. Pleat skirt, 9. Cardigan jkt.
ACCESSORIES CHECKLIST 1. Designer belt, 2. Designer sunglasses (black & tortleshell), 3. Designer tote, 4. Designer clutch, 5. Gold jewellery,
SHOE CHECKLIST 1. Strappy heel, 2. Classic pump (black and neutral), 3. Boot, 4. Flat
WHAT TO WEAR ON YOUR DAY OFF?
So you have your workwear sorted, but how can you still have affordable style on your days off? It’s really the same concept…. the “pieces” back with your designer investment purchases. These casual elements can be mixed with the above workwear elements too. Just like I have done in the video guide.
TIP: You dont have to treat your waredrobe as “work only” or “casual only”. For example, the dresses here can be styled back with blazers or the trench and worn to work with a desgner belt and classic heel.
If you are looking for affordable options, be mindful of finding styles you can get the most wear out of. Just because they are cheap doesn't mean you need lots of inexpensive options. Remember, it's not about having a wardrobe filled with clothes because they are affordable. Be considered with every purchase to avoid unnecessary waste. Don't buy cheap clothes if they look like they only one wear purchase.
My favourite affordable shopping brands are Zara, Uniqlo, and H&M, mainly because they classic, modern yet not distinct what brand they are. So I can style them back with boutique brands and high-end brands, and it all just works. Please avoid shopping, and super cheap fast-fashion retailers as the poor quality and seasonality of their products isn’t worth it.
This article is copyright and may not be used without the express written permission of Where Did Your Style Go.