5 Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Outfit

In the age of digital consumerism, it’s easy to believe that the only way to be fashionable is to spend hundreds of dollars to don the latest in name brand apparel and accessories. Items such as the Marc Jacobs tote bag and Sony WH-1000XM5, notorious for their lofty prices, are heavily marketed by lifestyle influencers across the internet. Despite this surge in influencer marketing, many have begun to speak out on the financial disadvantage consumers have in 2024.

According to the Consumer Affairs Research team, based on data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Gen Z dollars today have 86% less purchasing power than those of baby boomers when they were in their 20s.” 

Obviously, there is a struggle to have an aesthetically pleasing wardrobe and remain stable financially. Contrary to recent social media trends, it can be done. Keep reading to learn 5 inexpensive ways you can elevate your style on a budget. 

Jewelry

Jewelry has the power to upscale any outfit. From bedazzled hoops to beaded bracelets, no matter the look you’re trying to achieve, a nice pair of bangles can always improve your appearance. In spite of its power, jewelry has some of the best deals in the world of retail. Establishments such as Rue 21, Amazon, and Walmart have gorgeous pieces for less than $10. 

The best way to get the most out of your dollar is to buy in sets. Why buy one pair of acrylic earrings for $7 when you can get 20 pairs of varying designs for 15 dollars?! The same goes for bangles, necklaces, rings, and anything else you can think of! This is my personal favorite besides our next point.

Hold-ables

This is one of my personal favorites. A Hold-able, as I like to call them, is any item that adds both style and have purpose. Water bottles, purses, wallets, key rings, lanyards, etc, these are normal items that serve a purpose in your life, with the potential to define your style.

Imagine with me for a moment..

You walk into work and, per your routine, begin to place your belongings on your desk. As you’re wrapping up, you turn and see Mel, your coworker. Mel also has a water bottle, but it’s a fuchsia pink reusable tumbler that perfectly accents her white heels and matching work bag.

In this example, her hold-ables add value to her appearance by giving you the impression that this person invests in themselves. Matching hold-ables give the illusion of effort. And although certain hold-ables can be expensive they do not have to be. My favorite pink cup was $10 from Walmart, and I have used it for over 2 years!

Basics

Fashion Basics are versatile clothing articles that can pair with anything. An average mistake in retail shopping is stocking up on statement pieces and neglecting foundational clothing. It can be overwhelming and the viewer cannot appreciate the beauty of the outfit when each clothing item and accessory is meant to be the highlight.

For example, in this advertisement by GAP, the following outfit was curated to best showcase the high-rise trousers. Instead of donning their model in an array of colorful and stand out pieces, they grounded the outfit with the white undershirt. This allowed you to focus your attention on the product, aka the high-rise trousers. 

For every statement piece, there needs to be a basic that helps to support the piece and also brings attention to the stand-out pieces of your outfit. Fortunately, most basics are cheap because they are…basic. Plain colored tees, tanks, and long sleeves can be easily found at your local retail, most for less than $10. 1-5 nice pairs of varying pants found at your local second-hand can easily diversify your style. 

Minimal Make-Up

This is not a recommendation on whether you should wear an extensive amount of makeup or not. Beauty is determined by the individual and if heavy makeup is your style, you should explore that. I personally love the look of a well-done face bake. However, this is about inexpensive ways to improve your appearance, and make up can be especially hostile to one’s bank account.

That is why I love minimal make-up. This style of makeup enhances your natural features without breaking your wallet. Although, I don’t recommend irrationally cheap products, especially in the way of foundation or mascara, you do not need to initially invest in Fenti lip gloss and Kylie eyeshadow palettes. My personal favorites are mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss.  As time progresses, you can add onto that list such as blush or foundation.

5. Personality

Most people have heard the phrase “pretty on the outside, ugly on the inside ”. Nowhere have I seen this more apparent than in the beauty and fashion industry. The trap most people fall into when it comes to fashion is the deceitfulness of the outward appearance often tricks people into assuming the state of the inward soul. In actuality, if you are ugly on the inside, it will show through your disguise.

And that is essentially what you are doing, disguising yourself.

Fashion will not give you a personality. That is something much harder and takes much longer to cultivate. Yet, it is the most beautiful addition to any outfit. And the best part—it’s completely free! This is the cheapest and most overlooked style must-have. No, I do not mean professional therapy or costly self-care activities. I’m speaking of journaling, getting alone with yourself, and really discovering who you are. Once you learn to do that, tips 1-4 will start to take a vision that is perfectly you.