What do lanky models, bright lights and paparazzi pits have in common with Wal-Mart? More than you think.
This month wraps what’s known as “Fashion Month,” where designers show their Fall 2016 collections in New York, London, Paris and Milan. With it, the cadre of men and women darting in and out of shows in outfits that cost no less than $3,000 also go into hibernation until next September. If spending that kind of cash on your clothing is definitely out of your budget, check out five ways to dress like a fashion editor without having to spend like one.
[See: 50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2016.]
Recycle Those Outfits
Tidying guru Marie Kondo may be hell-bent on making sure we organize our closets to near perfection, but that doesn’t mean we have to adhere to all of her suggestions. The adage “What’s old is new again” is applicable to our wardrobes. To give you an example: This season, fashion darling Vetements debuted the black platform ankle boots, which retail for $1,655. Those boots are similar to platform boots popular in 1970 and again in 1992, which were a fraction of the price. This is the case with nearly everything that debuted on the runway this season. If you don’t have an extensive closet in your tiny apartment, hit the wardrobes of your sister, mother, aunt, uncle, brother or dad to see what other treasures they may have to repurpose.
Use Luxury Resale Apps
Luxury resale sites gets a bum rap for selling items that may be over priced, counterfeit or in some cases, stolen. Thanks to technology, and companies incorporating expert authenticators, purchasing high-end items for a fraction of the cost can be a few clicks away. If you are in the market for the latest handbag spotted on the runway, check out Tradesy, which sells everything from a Fendi Peekaboo Selleria at one-fifth of the retail price to Chanel flats. Looking for a pair of limited-edition Kobe Bryant Nikes given out at his final NBA game or a Hedi Slimane Dior Homme suit? Check out Depop, which is more male-friendly than most apps and sells edgy pieces that will make your hipster neighbor jealous.
[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]
Explore Fashion Lookalikes
Let’s talk about Wal-Mart for a second. Big-box retailers don’t have the same fashion aesthetic they did 20 years ago. In fact, most have appointed fashion directors and retail experts to help guide apparel purchases to make them more fashion-forward. The result: wearable and functional pieces that look just as good as their high-end counterparts. What’s more, stores like Target continue to do designer collaborations that sell out in minutes on its website. Be on the lookout for the Marimekko collaboration launching April 17 in Target stores and on target.com. Most Marimekko pieces retail from $200 to $600. Pieces in this collaboration will start at $50 and under.
Embrace Fast Fashion Finds
A store whose inventory turns over every two weeks may seem unappealing when you’re in the market for high-end-looking products, but like big-box stores, H&M, Forever 21 and Zara are stepping it up when it comes to creating off-the-runway looks at a fraction of the price. Worried about the impact disposable fashion may have on the environment? H&M is launching an initiative in conjunction with “World Recycle Week” and Earth Day. If you have old clothes, you can take them to any H&M store through April 24, 2016, for recycling, and you will receive 30 percent off your purchase. There is nothing unfashionable about saving money while helping to save the planet (even if it’s one pair of jeans at a time).
[See: 12 Shopping Tricks to Keep You Under Budget.]
Scour Flea Markets
Every city has them and they are some of fashion’s most underutilized retail venues. Flea markets are a hot bed of anything eclectic, one-of-a-kind and vintage all rolled into one. Looking for a rare T-shirt that looks like it’s straight from Kanye West’s Life of Pablo collection? Salivating over VOZ copper thread fringe tops that will set you back $325? Check out your local flea market first. You are guaranteed to find something just as cool and even more unique!
According to a financial report, New York Fashion Week generates close to $900 million in revenue annually. Total global revenue for fashion weeks reached into the billions of dollars. Interest in fashion and the display of new collections isn’t waning, but that doesn’t mean you have to dip into your life savings to run with the fashionable crowd. Reusing and recycling old merchandise and finding bargains is the best way to get on board with trends and look fabulous in the process!
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How to Dress Like a Fashion Editor — on a Budget originally appeared on usnews.com
