Once upon a time almost 7 years ago, I got married to prince charming aka my husband Adam. We then decided ‘Hey, lets try to start this marriage off right and take Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. We did great, we followed most of the plan and we were able to pay off about $18k. Well, I would love to say that its been some sailing since but it hasn’t. 3 kids later, job changes, me becoming a stay at home mom (loosing 1 income). We definitely have some debt. So how do you stay fashionable and still live off of that Dave Ramsey plan budget? How can you be fashionable on a low budget? Here are a few tips I have learned over the years.
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How to be fashionable on a low budget:
Live within your means:
First, you have to live within your means. If you are drowning in debt then buying fashionable clothes isn’t at the top of your list for sure. Make sure you are taking care of your ‘4 walls’, Shelter/Utilities , Food, Transportation, Basic Clothing (not that designer bag you’ve been ogling from my last post lol). It can be so hard to wait and miss out of sales and deals that sound amazing but you know what? Their will always be more sales.
Every single year, the same sales happen. Trends come and go so don’t stress out about not being able to purchase something while you are focusing on other more important goals, such as saving for a new house.
You will feel much more at peace and satisfied working towards your goals, so that when you do spend your money on those sale items or deals at TJMaxx you will not feel guilty doing so.
Once you have made your goals then you can start to create a budget.
Create a budget:
Make a budget that has every dollar you bring home lined up. Dave Ramsey has a great budget worksheet. Set a budget for what you can spend on clothes for yourself. Budget shopping will so much easier when you know what you can spend.
You can create categories for your budget shopping list. Some of them may include:
- Shirts and tops
- Bottoms: shorts, skirts, pants
- Outerwear: jackets, coats, sweaters, cardigans
- Shoes
Shop Wisely:
Their are so many great places to shop for deals. Some of them include TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target, Forever 21, Shein, and Nordstrom Rack. You can often find designer brands at lower prices. #winning! I love that I am able to find some super cute stuff at Nordstrom Rack.
Their are also many boutiques that have great prices. Some of my favorites are Vici Collection, Shop the Mint, and Pink lily boutique. Their prices are fair mostly ranging from $30-60. Many of these items are good quality items as well. I have seen some of the similar items sold from VICI collection on amazon as well, keep that in mind.
Amazon has also been a on the rise with inexpensive and decent quality clothing items. I have purchased many products from amazon. You can read about them here:
Great Fall Fashion Items from Amazon
Best Amazon Earring Designer Dupes
Affordable Amazon Fashion, Home, & Beauty Finds
Fall Wedding Guest Dresses from Amazon
Shop Sales, Use coupons, and Promo Codes:
I love shopping sales! This a great tip that will help you be fashionable on a low budget. Sales make budget shopping easier and you can find some great steals. I especially love the one day sales like presidents day sale, Black Friday sales or when Express has their 40% off sale during the year. Most places give out coupons when you sign up for their newsletter or their membership clubs.
I love getting emails with coupons that I can use for the items I’ve been eyeing. Promo code are also a great to save when shopping for you outfits.
Be vigilant of this as well. There are times when I open an email and see all the cute sale items, especially the pre-fall items that are new. Nordstrom Anniversary sale anyone? This can lead me to a shopping frenzy. You can buy so many closet staples that are at lower prices but are such great quality and will last for years with proper care.
I know many bloggers often pair up with their favorites shops for a special promo code for their followers.
Buy Closet Staples:
This budget shopping tip can help you save money and fill your closet with essential items. When shopping buy items that you can use over and over from season to season. Colors that never go out of style are black, tan or nude, and gray. I like to buy items such as a good pair of jeans that will last me awhile and I can use them throughout the year. Think about buying accessories such as black or tan purse that will go with almost every outfit. I don’t mind spending a little more on these products because I will get so much use out of them, plus if I want to use them multiple times throughout the year then I need them to be good quality items too.
Save for big ticket items:
At the end of the day, when you want those special items that cost more than a baby, Save up! I have and still save up for designer bags, clothes, and jewelry. I love being able take my hard earned money and saving it for things that I really want. It brings a sort of satisfaction of a job well done. Or you can do like I often do and ask for them as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Even if they gift you half of the money for the item, it helps so much!
Budget shopping doesn’t have to feel like a chore and you will feel much more at peace when you use your money wisely.
You don’t have to buy everything your are marketed for.
Know that many times as bloggers, we receive a lot of free items in exchange for a story, post or blog. So don’t feel you need to buy everything just because a blogger or influencer is telling you to. Buy an item because you need or want it.
What are your budget shopping secrets? What would you add to the list?
Final thoughts on how to be fashionable on a low budget
There are so many ways to be fashionable on a low budget. Living within your means, making a budget, shopping wisely, and shopping sales are a few ways to shop on a low budget. You work hard for your money and you want to be able to use it wisely. Taking these steps to evaluate how to better use that hard earned money will not only make you feel better but also help you reach your goal much more quickly. I am rooting for you! You got this!
XO,
Jenni
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Amazon has some great finds that are affordable styles as well here are a few fall fashion items.
