Keeping up with the latest trends is all very well and good, but unless you have an unlimited budget, it’s likely to prove impossible. However, with a little creativity you can give your wardrobe a facelift, keeping your look fresh and original without breaking the bank.
It’s all in the accessories
A relatively plain and simple outfit can be made into something far more interesting with some eye-catching accessories. If funds are tight then make sure you have a few wardrobe staples that can be dressed up or down according to the occasion. Multi-functional clothes can be useful, such as shirts that can double up as dresses.
Then simply add an interesting necklace (or two) to make the outfit into something really special.
They don’t need to be expensive – cheaper, brightly colored pieces can work just as well. And the great thing about accessories is that they are incredibly versatile. Scarves can be worn around the neck, but they also look lovely wrapped around a hat brim or threaded through trousers as a belt.
Long necklaces can be wound around the wrists to create an one-of-a-kind bracelet, whilst brooches can be hung from a chain or ribbon to make a beautiful necklace.
Creatively customize
There are plenty of tricks you can employ to breathe new life into tired old outfits. If your favourite skirt is last season’s length, either cut it down to make it shorter or add an extra panel of fabulous fabric round the bottom to make it longer.
If you love a piece but are bored of the color, why not dye it a different shade? Ribbon or beading is simple to stitch along a hem and will make a cheaper item look much more expensive than it really is.
One of the quickest ways to update a coat or shirt is to change the buttons. They come in all sorts of shapes, colors and finishes, so you’ll have no trouble finding ones to suit you perfectly. Embellish your clothes and accessories with fun little details to really make them stand out.
Flowers look great added to a coat or jacket like a corsage but can also be attached to a handbag or hat to create a pretty bespoke piece. Sequins, patches, beads and braiding are easy to use, so embrace your inner magpie and get busy with the glitter.
Mix and match
Combining high-street basics with more unusual pieces is a fabulous way to create a truly unique look. Charity shops can be a treasure trove of unusual finds, especially if you love the retro vibe. Alternatively, you could look to the internet – more people than ever are buying and selling their old clothes online and there are some really interesting pieces to be discovered.
Vintage clothes are popular once again, so whether you want a flapper-style tea dress, rockabilly fifties fashion or seventies boho, there’s some simply gorgeous ways to create a stylish look that is totally individual. Wear quirky one-off pieces with everyday basics to make a bold dramatic impact even if you’re on a budget.
Designing your own unique style doesn’t have to cost the earth. Get creative with your accessories, add some extra pretty details and you’ll end up with individual clothes tailor-made to your own taste.
photo via style.co.kr (editorial), shannonhearts.blogspot.com (bracelets), atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com (outfits)
Disclosure: This sponsored article is written in partnership with Marketzing.