20 Ways to Revamp Your Look Without Breaking the Bank

20 ways to refresh your style without spending a fortune

1. Closet Cleanout

It’s easy to forget about the amazing pieces you already own, often stashed away in the corners of your closet. Start your style refresh by taking everything out and organizing your items. You’ll probably find treasures you forgot existed!

This is also a great time to identify things you don’t wear anymore. If you haven’t worn it in a year, consider donating, selling or trading it with friends to free up room for better picks.

Doing a thorough closet cleanout not only gives your wardrobe new potential but helps you clearly see what you have and what you need, offering avenues for thoughtful shopping later on.

For instance, after cleaning your closet, you might discover that your clothes mainly consist of neutral shades. This realization could inspire you to inject some color into your wardrobe!

• Toss out damaged or outdated items.
• Donate or sell clothes you haven’t worn in a year.
• Organize clothing by type (tops, bottoms etc.) and color.
• Set aside versatile pieces for outfit combinations.
• Identify gaps in wardrobe for future shopping.
• Trade unused items with friends for a fresh look

2. Shop Your Closet

Instead of rushing to the store or browsing online, shop your own closet! Challenge yourself to create an outfit made entirely from the items you already have, especially those neglected in favour of newer arrivals.

The key here is to embrace creativity and play around with different combinations. Assess each piece’s potential and revive forgotten styles to renew your image without spending a dime.

Learn how to mix and match, layering separate pieces to develop uniquely fashionable looks.

Imagine finding a maxi dress you only wore once at a wedding; try pairing it with a belt and a denim jacket for a casual look, or dress it up with chunky accessories for a night out

• Identify pieces you could potentially layer together.
• Try connecting clothing items in unconventional ways.
• Experiment with different looks using the same piece.
• Learn to create outfits suitable for different occasions.
• Select everyday basics that can be easily paired with bolder choices.
• Take note of successful ensembles for future use.

3. Recycle and Repurpose

The concept of recycling or repurposing might feel daunting at first as this involves modifying the item, but the results can be incredibly rewarding. It is all about bringing new life to old clothes, which include upcycling (transforming something old into something new), alterations, dyeing, or even reconstructing entire pieces.

By embracing the idea of DIY transformations, you’re not only saving money but also fostering sustainability.

Say you have an oversized button-up shirt in your collection. With some basic sewing skills, you can transform it into a trendy off-the-shoulder top!

• Repurpose jeans into shorts or skirts.
• Punch extra holes into belts if they are too big.
• Dye faded black clothes back to their dark color.
• Transform scarves into headbands or bracelets.
• Convert shrunken sweaters into cardigans.
• Crop longer tops for a modern style.

4. Thrift Shopping

While some may turn their noses up at thrifting, it’s undeniably a great way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Thrift stores carry a variety of different styles from various eras- sometimes barely worn and with their original tags!

Shopping at thrift stores doesn’t just save you money, it also encourages sustainability by giving used clothes a new home.

Check out your local thrift store and stroll through the racks patiently. You may be surprised to find a precious vintage handbag or a pair of stylish high heels in excellent condition!

• Visit regularly for new stock updates
• Go when there’s a rotating sale or deals
• Don’t forget to inspect items carefully before purchasing
• Try on the items as sizes can vary based on brand and time period
• Think about how the garment fits into your current style/wardrobe
• Remember, washing and minor adjustments could bring an old piece back to life.

5. Accessorize

Accessories are underrated game-changers that greatly enhance even the simplest outfits. The right hat, belt, jewelry, scarf, or bag can add a pop of color or element of interest to your look without requiring a significant investment.

By shifting focus to accessories, you add depth and variety to your wardrobe. It’s perfect for getting that “new outfit” feel whilst working with what you already have.

You’re wearing a plain black dress? Try pairing it with a statement necklace or experiment with a funky belt.

• A bold necklace immediately elevates a basic top
• Bangles and bracelets can add flair to an otherwise bland look
• The right hat can totally change the vibe of an outfit
• An interesting belt helps to define your figure against looser clothing
• A colorful scarf makes for a versatile accessory that can also provide warmth
• Invest in quality bags that stand out, but which work well with most of your wardrobe.

6. Clothes Swapping

Clothing swaps have gained popularity thanks to their many benefits, including environmental friendliness. These events allow you to trade your gently worn clothes for others’ items, ensuring you freshen up your wardrobe without spending any money.

Besides being a practical solution for fashion seekers on a budget, clothing swaps are also delightful social outings which make revitalizing your look a fun, community-based activity.

Consider setting up a swap event with your friends. You’ll be able to provide each other feedback and possibly discover an item that wasn’t working for them but looks fabulous on you!

• Check out online platforms for clothes swapping.
• Find swap events happening near you.
• Keep the clothes in good condition for trading.
• Try different size clothing; they might fit better than expected.
• Schedule regular clothes swap parties.
• Accept only those items that truly fit your style and flatter you.

7. Consider Rental Services

In recent years, many rental services have sprung up offering a wide range of outfits for a fraction of the retail price. Depending on your lifestyle and fashion needs, investing in such a service can help you keep your style fresh without having to commit to buying new items.

Rental subscriptions give you a chance to experiment with different styles, sizes and colors, and allow you return items when you’re done.

You could borrow a high-end cocktail dress from a rental service for a special occasion, rather than purchasing it outright.

• Do research and find out what rental companies are available.
• Many offer affordable monthly subscription programs.
• Some cater specifically to designer wear, work wear, or everyday staples.
• Pick only those pieces that resonate with your style and needs.
• Follow the laundering instructions to avoid any damage charges.
• Take note of what you loved (or didn’t) for future rental selections.

8. Learn Basic Sewing

Having a basic understanding of sewing can significantly extend your wardrobe’s lifespan and save you money in the long run. Simple tasks like replacing buttons, adjusting hems and patching up small tears are all doable!

With beginner-friendly tutorials widely available online, there’s no reason why we can’t tailor our own clothes according to taste and fit.

For example, hemming a pair of jeans that are too long, can give them new life. Similarly, a plain T-shirt can be transformed with some simple embroidery!

• Try to mend damaged parts of clothes rather than discarding.
• Basic adjustments add personalized touch to clothing items.
• Replacing broken zippers can make a garment usable again.
• Add patches or embroidery to cover stains or to add design.
• Altering oversized clothes to fit perfectly can save tailoring costs.
• Self-patterned sewing helps in creating unique styles.

9. Styling Apps and Platforms

In this digital era, there are numerous styling apps and online platforms designed to help you coordinate outfits from your existing wardrobe. By uploading images of your clothing pieces, these tools combine them into different looks, streamlining your outfit decision-making process.

Not only do they handle the guesswork when you’re unsure what to wear, but also track what you’ve worn and suggest styles that you wouldn’t have thought of before.

Try a free styling app like ClosetSpace – it allows you upload photos of your clothing items and gives daily outfit suggestions based on your personal collection and the weather in your area.

• Take full advantage of features such as categorizing clothes or building style profiles.
• Try suggested styles, even if they seem out of your comfort zone.
• Some platforms may curate outfits based on season, occasion, or weather.
• Create digital mood boards inspired by fashion influencers or seasonal trends.
• Find apps that help you track the wearings of individual pieces.
• Use these platforms to prevent overbuying and promote mindful consumerism.

10. Invest In Timeless Basics

There will be times when you need to add something new to your wardrobe. Instead of splurging on trendy items that’ll soon fall out of fashion, focus on purchasing versatile basics which have proven to be timeless.

With a solid foundation of high-quality essentials, it’s infinitely easier to update your look simply by experimenting with how you combine them.

Invest in a well-cut pair of jeans, a classic white shirt, a little black dress, good quality black pumps, and a decent leather handbag – these are items always worth having in the wardrobe!

• A staple denim jacket can be worn with dresses, skirts or trousers.
• Invest in stylish, but comfortable flats for everyday wear.
• A good quality trench coat will last decades and never go out of style.
• Classic blue jeans go well with anything, anytime, anywhere!
• A simple, elegant watch can elevate an outfit immediately.
• Comfortable white t-shirts can act as a canvas for accessorizing.

Ways to Refresh Your Style	Description	Tips
Closet Cleanout	Analyze to learn what you need or don’t	Donate, sell and organize
Shop Your Closet	Create new combinations with current pieces	Be creative and keep experimenting
Recycle and Repurpose	Modify old items into new looks	Try DIY alterations, dyeing or upcycling
Thrift Shopping	Bargain hunting for stylish pieces	Patience is key, roll up your sleeves and get ready to rummage
Accessorize	Adds depth and variety to existing outfits	Go with bold pieces that make a statement
Clothes Swapping	Trade clothes for a fresh look	Involves both online platforms and physical events
Rental Services	Subscribe to used or designer clothes on rotation	Try before committing to expensive purchases
Basic Sewing Skills	Extend the life of clothes with simple adjustments	Mend instead of discard, personalize for fit, and style
Styling Apps and Platforms	Coordinates outfits digitally from your wardrobe	Saves time and widens style perspectives
Timeless Basics	Purchasing quality essentials for lasting style	High-quality basics can carry your wardrobe through years

Refreshing your style doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. With these ten methods, you can create a fresh and functional wardrobe suited to your taste. Explore the potential of what you already own, get creative with DIY ideas, try budget-friendly shopping routes, utilize digital tools, and invest wisely in classic essentials!