In my time studying styling, I’ve noticed that even a lady on a generous salary can find it hard to drop a good $500 on a luxury t-shirt. It’s not that she can’t afford it, it’s just that when women shop, she needs to see the value for money. Besides, she’s got mouths to feed and her logical and practical mind kicks in. A woman’s sense of spontaneity when it comes to retail therapy does stop at the ridiculously priced.
So in essence, this story covers a very real topic given the rate of inflation, mortgages and job loyalty. Choosing wisely and understanding your personal style can help you achieve a timeless, elegant and sophisticated aesthetic on a budget.
I honestly believe, a new trend is coming our way and that is Budget Beauties. Budget retailers are in full force with Forever 21, Next, Uniqlo, New Look, Zara and H&M all pushing strong collections at a much lower price point than their bigger sisters.
Not to mention the likes of Brands Exclusive and other flash sale sites offering products at 70% off. There is in fact, a wealth of brands and e-tailers to shop at as well as outlets that offer great clothes, just not from the latest collection. But personal style isn’t necessarily following the trends; it is understanding your silhouette, frame and colouring and buying what works for you.
Budget Fashion from H&M
Budget looks that follow the Luxe trend are true winners if you add this formula to your purchasing efforts. Place an emphasis on unbranded, clear and simple clothes with minimum fuss and huge appeal. Colours are everything. If you buy your budget wear in monochromatic palettes you’re sure to pass the Luxe Look. How you wear your clothes is far more important than ‘what’ you wear. This is where a stylist can help you with some key looks to accommodate your shape and your personal archetype.
Budget fashion from Top Shop
For monochromatic pieces such as T-shirts, slim jeans, leather jackets, linens, trainers and accessories explore retailers like Zara, ASOS and Urban Outfitters who are all offering modernity on classic pieces. Choose blacks, white, cream, grey and charcoal. And if you are a blue fanatic, go deep navy, almost sapphire.
Budget fashion from Zara
If you’re looking for high quality basics on a budget, then you don’t need to look far. In Australia alone, with the onslaught of international value retailers, we now have Uniqlo, Gap, TopShop. Soon to travel down under is Debenham’s with their diffusion collections with high-end designers. But what we do know for sure is, the woman is now truly understanding that blending in stylish high and low end clothing into their final looks is an acceptable practice.
Budget Fashion from Debenhams
We all know that wearing well-known designer labels does not automatically make you a super-stylish woman. So if the budget brand fits you better than a well-known Italian brand, then go value, with a super luxe handbag and shoes.
