Dress with Class (on a Budget)

The best way to dress to impress when your spending plan isn’t as big as you’d like, is to do what the successful, wealthy woman does.

Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn't it?

You may be envisioning her sashaying down Via dei Condotti in Rome or Fifth Avenue in New York on a spending spree. Yes, some women do that, but the majority chooses style over fashion. This is what the timeless, classy woman does. This is what the smart woman does.

Here are a few tips to have a classy, polished and rich look on any spending plan:

1. Always choose quality over quantity.

This is the most important concept to learn about dressing well. No matter what your spending plan, you should invest in articles that are well-made and not trendy.

Buying 10 dresses that fit poorly or will be dated by the end of the year is a huge waste of your investment. It is better to invest in two or three well-fitting, timeless dresses that will last 5 – even 10 years. Not only is this a better investment of your money, but the dress is more likely to fit you better and thus make a better impression.

2. Understand that style is more important than fashion.

A woman who is truly classy has a deep sense of fashion savvy. She knows that trends come and go quickly. Instead, she chooses timeless pieces that will last for a decades.

For example:

· A pair of diamond earrings

· A simple black or tan trench coat

3. You don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like it.

Personally, I love vintage clothing and very feminine dresses. Shopping at thrift store and vintage used clothing stores is far from shameful. You’ll find some unique pieces you can wear forever while being an icon of style. There are also high-end consignment shops you can visit.

Don’t forget the end of season sales.

That’s a wonderful time to get those classic pieces that will last year after year. Avoid trendy styles and garish colors that will date you if you wear them. There is no shame in waiting to hit the sale racks to invest in quality items when they are on sale. Not only will you save a huge amount of money, you will be able to do quantity as well as quality. Pretty soon you’ll have a complete quality wardrobe.

4. Don’t shop haphazardly.

Take inventory of what you have in your closet every season. Organize your clothing by type and then by color so you do not overlook clothing you have. This is how you can avoid buying things you don’t need. Make a list of what you need and stick to it when you go shopping.

5. Get creative.

Most women are only using half the potential of their wardrobe. This is probably why we complain about having ‘nothing to wear’ and in reality we have a closet jammed with clothing.

Try mixing and matching pieces to make new outfits and new looks. If you do a good job of investing in timeless quality pieces, you should be able to double or triple the use of your wardrobe.

6. Don’t shop emotionally.

If you are likely to spend unwisely when you are in an emotional state, avoid shopping when you are upset, sad or whatever emotion that pushes you to ‘just buy’. Wait until you are in a good mood.

Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale.Think it through and then make your purchase. Take your list with you and stick with it.

7. Accessorize with inexpensive trendy things.

This is a trick quite a few women don’t know. Keep your wardrobe timeless by investing in quality ‘big pieces’ and ‘splurge’ on inexpensive trendy items.

For example you could buy a trendy scarf and wear it to change the look of your timeless quality pieces. Even a costume bracelet can change the look of an outfit. People will always feel you’re well-dressed and somehow current at all times.

8. Take your clothing to a consignment shop.

Women of all socio-economic levels do it. It’s simply the smart thing to do as you will earn something in return.

9. Swap quality pieces with your girlfriends.

Perhaps you’re tired of something and you’ve got a girlfriend who loves it. Give the piece to her. She may have something you like that she is tired of as well.

You could also have a ‘fashion swap’ where everyone brings their clean, good condition clothing and you trade items. Not only is this lots of fun, it’s a responsible way to recycle clothing and refresh your wardrobe.