How To Update Your Style on a Budget with Calvert & Co. Wardrobe and Personal Styling
As a personal stylist, I know that updating your wardrobe without breaking the bank can be a challenge! I asked our Instagram family about their biggest style struggles, and the overwhelming response was about updating clothes on a budget. As of April 2024, the inflation rate for clothing and footwear in the US went up to 1.30%, which is higher than the long-term average of 0.12%.
If you google “how to update your clothes on a budget” the majority of search results are articles and YouTube videos with Amazon affiliate links for “cute but affordable wardrobe basics” or advice on “How to Shop sales”. Don’t fall into that trap.
Instead, follow these top tips from an expert personal stylist to actually refresh your wardrobe affordably.
*I may earn a commission for some purchases or clicks made through some of the links in this post.
1. Make a List and Stick to It
Think of shopping for clothes like grocery shopping: you need a plan. Just as you wouldn't go grocery shopping without a meal plan, you shouldn't shop for clothes without a clear idea of what you need. This prevents impulse buys and helps create a versatile wardrobe.
Create a detailed list: Outline the specific items you need.
Set an itemized budget: Allocate a specific amount for each item.
Avoid impulse buys: Stick to your list to prevent unnecessary purchases.
This method ensures your wardrobe is mix-and-matchable, making it easier to create outfits and ultimately saving you money. It also keeps you on track when shopping sales!
2. Don’t Compromise on Quality
Getting good quality for less isn't easy, but it is possible! Focus on fabric and fit to make your budget purchases count. Here’s how:
Inspect fabrics and stitching: Feel the fabrics and read the content tags. Look out for jagged stitching, wrinkling, and uneven hems, especially at fast fashion retailers like Target, Old Navy, and LOFT. For quality budget purchases, your best bet are natural fabrics like cotton and semi-synthetics like Tencel and Viscose. High-quality synthetics like are tricky to find at lower price points.
Explore new brands: Brands like Quince and Uniqlo often offer high-quality fabrics for less.
Beware of design shortcuts: Even with better fabrics, many budget brands cut corners in design, resulting in inconsistent, boxy fits. Be choosy! To make the price point lower, they have to cut corners somewhere!
3. Thrift and Consignment Stores
Thrift and consignment stores are treasure troves for budget-conscious girlies. Here’s how to make the most of second-hand shopping:
Know your sizes: Be familiar with your sizes in different brands to find the perfect fit. Especially when shopping online resale sites.
Research original prices: Understand the original cost of items to avoid overpaying.
Stick to your list: Avoid buying items just for the thrill of a deal. Keep your shopping list in mind to stay focused! This is extra important when shopping thrift stores in person!
Online resale sites like Poshmark, ThreadUp, Vestaire Collective, and The Real Real are great places to find specific high-quality, gently used items at a fraction of the original cost. They can be overwhelming though! Having specific items in mind is key! For example, type “Madewell Perfect Vintage Jean” into the search bar and filter for your size. This is an easy way to find wishlist items or old favorites for less!
Affordable Finds for Women - A Quick Note on Shopping Sales
You can update your style on a budget without compromising on quality or style but a word of caution for shopping sales! Clothes go on sale because the retailer has leftover stock that didn’t sell at full price.
Often fringe sizes, unpopular colors, and garments with poor fit are the ones that get discounted. Think about what that means if you only ever shop sales! It’s totally possible to find an amazing piece on sale but being choosy is key!
Focus on my top 3 tips above for updating on a budget and you won’t lose! I promise that sticking to your list and focusing on building up your wardrobe basics (see The IVY Method) will save you MORE money in the long run.
Calvert & Co. Wardrobe and Personal Styling helps busy women upgrade their wardrobes with our image consulting and personal styling services. We work in-person in Nashville, Tennessee, and virtually worldwide.