How to look chic on a budget or how to look chic on a budget? Bookmark this article because every advice applies forever and I live by them. Trends change, but not these guidelines! I will say this, it’s really not who you wear but HOW you wear it. Don’t get me wrong, I love good designer items but, after years of photographing street style (discover my series on Youtube!) the only philosophy of ‘how’ against ‘WHO’ always wins. To help you, I want to share my tips for selecting cheap and chic clothes.
Choose the right fit and size
Expensive clothes hang perfectly. When I shop at Zara (like it or not, Zara does a really good job of creating styles that are affordable if high end isn’t your speed) I choose coats that fit well. shoulders. I usually go up a size so it hangs properly without bunching. Clothes that are off the body tend to be more flattering, so my biggest advice for you is to ride them up. In sizing. I have a lot of US16 clothes. Size doesn’t matter, believe me, what matters is how it hangs.. Do the same with jeans: take a size above to get a perfect fit while keeping a semi-fitted look. You know, what else doesn’t matter? It doesn’t matter which section you shop in – men’s or women’s.
Pay attention to the fabrics
Avoid anything that looks rough or could move. Choose fluid fabrics (preferably natural like cotton or linen) that flow when you walk. Look for skirts that have a good weight. I have noticed that with pleated skirts, the heavier the material and the more defined the pleats, the more fluid the skirt feels when walking. Chic usually (not always) involves being a little more covered up without looking seedy. Generally speaking, I prefer to wear midi to maxi skirts. With the right material, the length makes the skirt loose and flowy.
If all else fails, wear black
Do you know that saying if all else fails, wear black? Use this philosophy and try an all-encompassing color family. The look above is all about green, but it could easily have been any color you like. Below are a few pieces that caught my eye at reasonable prices.
More general advice
Pointed shoes and kitten heels, regardless of price, always look chicer. Dull hardware tends to look more timeless than shiny, which can feel trendy. Expensive minimum readings. Choose basics in neutral colors: black, white, gray, navy blue, brown and camel. Small floral prints tend to look better and date more slowly than large all-over prints (read large flowers). Slim on top means oversized on the bottom and vice versa. Sunglasses are a great way to elevate a look. Check out the men’s section for single/double breasted coats and crew neck knits. The styles are classic, the details are precise, and the boxy fit gives the Céline a loose silhouette that would make Phoebe Philo proud. Finally, remember to buy vintage/used.
Do you have any other tips for looking chic on a budget? Drop them in the comments!
