September is the month for fashion, as top designers from around the globe debut new spring trends during fashion week events from New York to Paris. While the high-end designs seen across the runways cost more than most people can afford, fashion-forward consumers don’t have to forgo their dreams of donning the latest trends. Experts say that many luxurious looks can be replicated easily for less.
“Expensive clothes aren’t necessarily cuter or more stylish than inexpensive clothes,” says Catherine Brock, style editor at TheBudgetFashionista.com, a budget fashion blog. “You can absolutely build a stylish, trendy wardrobe without spending a lot.”
With a little creativity and a lot of savvy shopping, everyday consumers can achieve runway style without going broke by following these insider tips.
[See: 12 Shopping Tricks to Keep You Under Budget.]
Love the style. The first step toward shopping the latest fashion is to find a style that looks and feels good on you. Buying something just because it’s on trend is a waste of money, experts say.
“Make sure you really love the trend for you and your body shape,” says Faith Rim, co-founder of FirstSeven, a corporate styling firm. “Don’t just buy it to feel fashionable. If something doesn’t make you look and feel fabulous, it’s not worth buying.”
Rim suggests trying a few variations of a sought-after trend to find one that works best before committing to it. Keep in mind that not every new fashion piece will work for everyone.
[See: 10 Money-Saving Websites to Check Before Shopping.]
Plan ahead. Whether preparing for an important business meeting or a best friend’s wedding, planning fashion choices ahead is key to managing costs. Those who wait until the last minute to shop often get stuck with limited options and higher prices.
“If you have a special event coming up, start looking at least one month before, so you have time to search the web for the perfect look, run price comparisons and ship different sizes to your home,” Rim says. “This takes the stress out of in-person shopping and, in the end, saves you time and money.”
For affairs that call for black-tie style formalwear, consumers also have the option of renting designer dresses and accessories through sites such as RentTheRunway.com. Or they can rent tuxedos and suits for men via TheBlackTux.com for a significantly lower price than what the garments would cost to buy new.
Snag secondhand savings. Consignment stores dedicated to high-end fashion have popped up in major cities across the country, providing the perfect place to shop popular styles and name-brand clothes for a fraction of regular retail prices. For those who prefer shopping online, head to sites such as The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective to find authentic, pre-owned luxury looks from the likes of Burberry, Chanel and Tory Burch. There’s also Poshmark, a social commerce marketplace for fashion. Consumers can shop the closets of users who are looking to sell unwanted clothing and accessories. For those heading to the actual thrift store, experts say knowing when like-new merchandise arrives is key to finding the best deals.
“Ask the salespeople in the store when they put out new items,” Brock says. “Then show up at the store at that time for the best selection.”
[See: 10 Signs You Shop Too Much.]
Accessorize for less. Replicating entire runway looks can become expensive quickly, but that doesn’t mean the hot new styles seen at New York Fashion Week are out of reach for budget-conscious consumers. It’s easy to be on trend and save money by accessorizing with inexpensive pieces instead. Find jewelry, shoes, a belt or handbag, for example, in the season’s “it” color or pattern to nail a fashion-forward look without spending a lot of money.
“You don’t have to mimic an entire runway outfit to be on trend,” Brock says. “A simple nod to the high-fashion trend is enough to show off your style savvy.”
Shop sample sales. In an effort to move excess inventory and make room for new shipments, many clothing brands host sample sales with savings ranging from 60 to 90 percent off regular retail prices. To be among the first to find out about such sales, sign up for email alerts through sites such as 260samplesale.com or clothingline.com. Otherwise, use the ShopDrop app to locate events nearby.
“To find the best merchandise, shoppers should aim to be the first ones at the sample sale,” says Estee Goldschmidt, CEO and co-founder of ShopDrop. “If shoppers are interested in the best possible prices, waiting until the last day pays off. In a frenzy to get rid of every single item, prices often drop down 90 percent on the last day of the sample sale, and that’s when you buy the $800 dresses for $50.”
Considering that most sample sales are limited to New York and Los Angeles, those who live in other parts of the country can get access to similar deal events through flash-sale sites such as Gilt Groupe or Hautelook to find deeply discounted designer duds for up to 60 percent off.
Know when to splurge. When it comes to more expensive clothing such as a winter coat, blazer or boots, stick to a classic look that can be used for several seasons. Since these items will get lots of use, shoppers shouldn’t feel guilty spending more on quality. Just make sure to opt for timeless colors and styles that will transition through seasons and not go out of style. On the other hand, very trendy items such shirts in bold prints are better to buy for less at stores such as Forever 21 and H&M where quality isn’t as important.
“Remember that what’s on trend now may not be next season,” Brock says. “The trick here is to make sure you’re investing more in classic pieces that won’t go out of style next week. Keep that in mind when you’re buying new pieces and stick with low-cost accessories or thrift-store buys for the boldest of trends.”
Experts also suggest estimating the cost-per-wear when considering any purchase to determine the real value and worth of each piece.
Follow the 70/30 wardrobe rule. Finding the right balance of classic and contemporary clothing is essential at saving on fashion. By aiming for an assortment of pieces, consumers will have enough to mix and match and reduce that nagging feeling of never having anything to wear, which often comes with a closet that is filled with out-of-style designs. Experts suggest aiming to achieve a wardrobe that has 70 percent timeless pieces and 30 percent trendy items, and to remove an old style with every new purchase.
“As a rule of thumb, I always try to eliminate a piece in my closet before adding one,” Rim says.
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How to Shop Fashion Trends Without Going Broke originally appeared on usnews.com
