Page 26 - HFHB - Magazine

How to look good on a

budget

A large proportion of my pay had always gone towards fashion, even
when I was a poor University student earning $7.50 an hour. For me, it
was worth spending extra on clothes because when I feel good about
myself, I show up as the best version of myself: more cheerful, more
confident, more patient.

After we had bubba, budget was tight for our family. Not only does an
additional human being cost a bit a lot more, but my working situation
also changed. Luckily, what I lack in funds can often be made up for
with some ingenuity. Looking good on a budget doesn’t always mean
op shop glam (although that may be part of the strategy). Unlike many
things in life, where effort and results are directly correlated, in fashion,
the quality and the price of an item are not always correlated. And that’s

a great little loophole that we can exploit.

1. Plan First, Purge After

With the rise of Minimalism and the concept of the Capsule Wardrobe, a
lot of us have gone for a brutal cull of our wardrobes. Whilst I’m not
against the idea of a massive wardrobe clean-out, I think this is best
tackled after you have a clear sense of your personal style and what
works for your current lifestyle. That way you don’t throw out some-

thing, which you might later have to replace.

2. Make the Most of What You Own

When we say we have no clothes to wear, it’s rarely because we literally
have no clothes to wear. More often than not, I’ll purchase something
not because I have no clothes to wear, but because I’m bored with what
I currently have (I’m definitely not someone who can go with a signature

look). I dress according to my mood, emotions, and sometimes my
aspirations and these can often change quite fleetingly.

Here are some ideas that I frequently use to help me slow down my
fashion purchases:

• I look through my off-season clothes to see if any of those items can
work for the current season. Eg. A Summer dress may work as a top in
Winter, if worn with a woolen skirt, warm coat, leggings and boots.

• I look for ways to wear my clothes creatively. Eg back to front, inside