If you're looking for creative ways to stretch your style budget this season, you are not alone! In a recent poll that we ran here at The Budget Babe, 29% of readers said they've cut down on fashion expenditures due to the slumping economy, while 52% reported that they were sticking closely to their already-frugal ways.
To help me stick to my limited budget, I made a list of all the things I really need (yes, need! Gotta feed my inner fashionista) for fall/winter. Making a list before you shop is a great way to get the wardrobe you really want, without racking up the debt you don't want. Think of it as building a tightly-edited European-style wardrobe where each piece is a hit.
These are the items I think are worth investing in this season:
- Drape-front cardigan
- Long button-front sweater vest
- Sweater dress
- Black and white striped turtleneck
- Wool or cashmere blend boyfriend cardigan
- Long sleeve layering tees in black, gray, white, ink blue, and/or dark purple
- Little black dress
- Black tuxedo blazer
- Black leather bomber jacket
- Wool peacoat or trench
- Wool or cashmere blend scarf or pashmina
- Wool or cashmere blend beanie/fitted cap/beret
- Wool or cashmere blend cashmere long gloves
- Oversized handbag in black, brown, or gray leather
- Black, brown or gray tall boots
- Ankle boots
- Wide leather belt in black and/or brown
- Charcoal gray opaque tights
- Black leggings
[Above: My idea of the perfect look for Fall. Photo courtesy of Shopbop.com]
What's on your Fall fashion checklist?
Living on your own and going to school AND working is hard, and having time for shopping is hard let alone the money I need to save for it.. So once a month I make a list 5-10 items specific items and thats all I get for the month
Definitely a great budget idea for everyone and anyone
Awesome posting it!
The thing is, the way that fashion is right now this season is the way that I ALWAYS like to dress, so I've been accumulating stuff cheap. Of course it is much easier to find thing now, but its also much more expensive...
Thanks so much for some of the ideas though!
If you're on a particularly tight budget (like I am), it might be a good idea to prioritize your purchases, and perhaps even set limits for how much you'd be willing to pay for a particular item.
My Mom traveled a lot when she was younger, the bracelet could very well be from Spain. Great eye!
Also try searching by "wide width" on sites like Zappos.com