worthwhile style

How to look great without breaking the bank:

+ Accessorize. Accessories are great for taking a classic, traditional outfit and updating it instantly for a look that is more stylish and current. Accessories add layers, texture, detail, shine and interest to any outfit. Plus, adding accessories to your current wardrobe can cost a lot less than buying new clothing and are a great way to express your personal style.

+ Check out InStyle’s Hottest Accessories Under $100

+ Use what you have. Start with your existing wardrobe and try creating new outfits out of what you already own. Reorganize your closet, choose one piece that you absolutely love and pair it with different pieces including shoes and jewelry. Repeat. Write down your new outfits so you can easily reference them when you feel you have nothing to wear.

How to find great deals:

+ Do your homework. Online shopping is a great way to score some sweet deals on clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. To save time and money, go to local shops and try on what you’re looking for and then search online for sites that carry that same item but have it marked down or offer a coupon. You will know exactly what size and color you want prior to ordering and won’t have to worry about making any returns.

+ Comb the sale racks. You may even find that one item you loved a few weeks back but weren’t willing to pay full price. Department stores put their items on sale at the end of each season and it’s a great time to find serious savings.

+ Check out discount retailers. Large stores (TJ Maxx, Ross, Nordstrom Rack, Loehmans, etc.) carry designer labels and offer them for at least half of regular price.

Save vs. Splurge:

+ Invest in classic clothing. Save up for pieces that will never go out of style. Higher end, well-made clothing such as a black blazer, a pencil skirt, a little black dress or an A-line skirt in a neutral color can last you for years to come.

+ You can easily update these pieces with fun and exciting accessories such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, shoes and handbags at a fraction of the cost of buying new trendy items each season.

+Think about cost per wear. Splurge on items you will wear a lot. Really stop and think about how many times in a year you plan on wearing what you’re buying. For example, if you need a dress for a fancy event and it is $300 and you only plan on wearing once a year the cost per wear = $300. If you find a pair of $200 jeans that fit you like a glove and will wear them 200 times, the cost per wear = $1.
**(And as far as jeans go, if you do find that perfect pair- BUY THEM! If you can afford to buy two pairs- do! One to wear with flats and one to wear with heels.)

+ Only buy things you love. Splurge or save up for clothing that makes you feel amazing. Don’t waste your money on things you are luke warm about or that you fidget with or because it’s on sale. How many items do you have hanging in your wardrobe currently that still have the tags on them? It’s usually because they don’t feel right or they don’t go with anything else but it was such a great deal you couldn’t pass it up.

Tips from the Pro:

+ Every new purchase should relate back to at least two items in your existing wardrobe. You can create multiple outfits by combining new and old items and avoid “stand alone” pieces that don’t go with anything else.

+ Look through a magazine and find a few pictures of outfits that you really like and count the pieces they are wearing including shoes, handbag, and accessories. You will find that they have at least five or more pieces: pants, shirt, shoes, belt, necklace, earrings, jacket, etc. Most photos in magazines look put-together and effortless at the same time. Adding accessories to a basic outfit can help you achieve this look.

worthwhile style | Denver Personal Stylist