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My name is Titi and I’m a fashion and lifestyle influencer. I love bargain shopping! However, fashion on a budget wasn’t something I even considered. I used to buy anything and everything as long as it was on sale; I was getting a deal, but I have since realized over the last few years how ineffective that is and, most importantly, that it is simply wasteful.

I found myself barely wearing a lot of these items because of the intent behind the purchase. Learning how to be fashionable on a budget and upcycle my clothes has saved me a bundle of money.

As a lifestyle blogger who heavily blogs on fashion, I have learned a few tricks over the years too.

And this article covers simple rules for you to follow to define your fashion goals and be fashionable on a budget. You can build your fashion on a budget, and have a killer wardrobe while saving money!

That said let’s get into the tips I have adopted over the last few years that have changed the way I shop and helped me become fashionable on a budget – and so can you!

9 tips on how to be fashionable on a budget

Here are 9 key tips to help you step up both your fashion and money savvy game!

1. Don’t spend too much money on trendy pieces

Fashion trends come and go and if trends are the main reason you are buying an item, then stick to a reasonable budget that you can afford.

A reasonable budget might be $20 for some and $200 for others. It all depends on your personal finances.

Keep in mind that what is “on trend” might not qualify as trendy to you. Ask yourself a simple question, “Do I see myself wearing it in 3 or 5 years?”

If you see yourself wearing the item for years to come, then that wouldn’t be considered as a trendy item.

If you love trends, you can be trendy and fashionable on a budget too. You just want to plan your spending accordingly so you don’t feel guilty about it later.

2. Look out for online sales

There are so many sales all year round, retailers simply use it to attract customers, but there are two sales I target—end of summer sales, which run from August to September, and end of year sales that run late December to January.

Why these two times? It’s simple! The seasons are changing, and retailers have to get rid of merchandise (they have no choice.)

During these two times, you are guaranteed to find treasures at amazing prices. I target these two times to buy my high ticket items.

Think of a classic YSL bag in colors other than black or even classic high-end shoes, or that Zara jacket that you wanted is finally 75% off.

This is also an excellent time to justify buying some luxury items that you have been coveting. Another sale to consider is the biannual Friends and Family events offered by most retail outlets.

3. Use online resources to find coupons

Before I buy any item, I always do a quick google search for two reasons, discount codes and lower prices.

I have saved hundreds of dollars from adopting this simple rule. For example, there were a pair of Black Stuart Weitzman sandals, which cost $498.

I purchased them for $195! I also always use Rakuten too. It’s an easy way to save money from your everyday shopping through cashback offered by thousands of stores. You will be amazed at how much money you can earn.

4. Invest in classic luxury pieces

Even though I love my sales and recommend fashion on a budget, there are items worth splurging on, specifically classic luxury items.

Not sure what are considered classics by a particular luxury brand that you love? Just go on their website, and they almost always have a section for it. These are items they also bring back season after season in slight variations.

Examples of what I consider luxury classics are the Chanel classic leather bag, Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps (they always sell out), and the 50/50 OTK boots by Stuart Weitzman.

One of my new year’s goals for big-ticket purchases is to “sell an item before I buy a new one.” See it as some type of wardrobe investment, something that will last for years, or something to pass along as a gift.

5. Invest in wardrobe basics

There are a few basics items that I feel every woman should own. Basics are the foundation for an amazing wardrobe.

What do I consider the basics? A good quality blazer, a well-fitted pencil skirt, black pumps, nude sandals, and a classic trench coat are examples.

The beauty of investing in the basics is that you don’t have to go high-end, and for the most part, you can find these items on sale.

You can create a lot of looks from the basics. Basics are great because you will find yourself wearing them over and over again.

6. Create a capsule wardrobe

Fashion on a budget can be a classic look that never goes out of style. Creating a capsule wardrobe will help you be fashionable on a budget.

You can pair your capsule wardrobe pieces with seasonal and trendy pieces without having to invest in a large wardrobe. Using this method can also help you declutter and save money while being stylish with your simple wardrobe.

7. Save on luxury items

Most luxury websites such as Saks, Neiman Marcus, Far Fetch, and My Theresa offer one-time discount codes simply for signing up for emails. Sign up and use the one-time use code and save!

You can save money on big-ticket items during friends and family sale events. Plus, you can sometimes get gift cards up to $500 or more when you buy your high ticket item during these sales.

8. Shop vintage & pre-owned fashion

I’m also a huge fan of buying luxury items like handbags, vintage or pre-owned! You can find designer brands at a lower price by shopping on sites such as Poshmark, eBay, and Thred-Up.

If you are shopping for more expensive brands and items that are preowned, then I recommended Fashionphile and The Real Real. These websites guarantee authenticity and help you avoid being scammed out of your hard-earned money.

These reputable sites carry your favorite luxury brands, but they are in a gentle pre-owned condition, which means a lower price for you. They also have discounts and outlets, making it even easier to be fashionable on a budget!

9. Avoid shopping on credit cards

One of the last things you want to do is put your shopping on your credit cards and rack up debt.

If you cannot pay off the balance in full when your bill is due, do not buy it. You will end up paying way more for those gorgeous shoes than they are worth due to the cost of interest on your debt.

Instead, open a dedicated savings account such as a Christmas Club Account to save for that beautiful Chanel handbag or whatever items you desire to have in your wardrobe.

You can be fashionable on a budget

By applying these tips, you can have a fabulous wardrobe and be fashionable on a budget. Merely learning how to be a savvy shopper can help save you thousands of dollars.

Remember to begin with a capsule wardrobe to have classic fashionable pieces that you can wear long-term, and be sure to shop luxury items on sale.

Be sure to avoid credit card debt when shopping and save money to purchase your items instead. You can be the fashionista of your dreams, even on a budget!