How to Stay on Trend Without the Big Spend

Fashion is an ever-changing industry. There are staples that last years (hello, black skinny jeans), and styles that last no longer than a season. Magazines predict what’s here to stay, and catwalks make us lust for the latest designs. If you want to look the part without running out of cash, you need to be savvy with your buying.

As a mum, I find more and more of my money gets spent on the kids. This means I have to get creative when I’m trying to stay on-trend. I’ve learnt a few tricks over the years that stretch your money further and keep your wardrobe ticking over.

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Tips for Fashion on a Budget

Below are my best tips for keeping up with the fashions but sticking to a budget. They mean I can keep my wardrobe looking fresh without spending a load of cash.

Scope out the sales

This is one of the easier tips, but it does involve taking a gamble. Say you spot something mid-December at full price, but you know full well the store will have a sale in the next week-or-two. I tend not to buy there and then, and instead wait it out and see what discounts the store has to offer. There’s a certain amount of risk involved if you spot something you love. It might not get reduced, then you might find it’s sold out in-store and online. I’d say this works 50% of the time.

Search for voucher codes

I search for voucher codes every time I buy. I’m a big believer in never paying full price, so I’ll do everything I can to find a discount. There are usually lots of ASOS discount codes floating about, which is great because they sell almost everything. I also keep an eye out for Boden discount codes if I’m hoping to twin with the kids or get something a little fancy. When I worked in management, I found Wallis discount codes to be an absolute godsend. Never buy without doing a quick search for any vouchers.

Sign up to mailing lists

Although no one needs any more spam emails in their lives, signing up to shop’s mailing lists can be beneficial. I usually sign up to get a discount, then when I find they’re getting a bit too keen on keeping in touch I unsubscribe. There are loads of mailing lists I’ve stayed signed up to though, and they often allow me VIP access to sales or let me know about current promotions.

Shop second hand

Whether you’re trawling the charity shops or browsing Depop and Ebay, someone else’s cast-offs will be your ideal look. Lots of Instagram influencers flog their barely worn clothes on Depop, which means you can get something that’s on-trend and nearly-new for a fraction of the original price. If you’re looking for something specific though, Ebay might be a better bet. I find the search function is great for narrowing down choices (and bidding is a little addictive!)

Upcycle your clothes

You don’t have to be a seamstress to give your existing clothes a new look. While you might want to sew some cool patches on a tired jacket, or turn your jeans into cut-offs, the skills required are next to none. Even shoving a faded garment into the wash with a box of Dylon will give it a new lease of life.

Swap with a friend

Clothes-swapping was big news a few years ago. It’s still quite popular with slimming groups, where they hold events and bring clothing that no longer fits to swap with smaller clothes that do. If you’ve got a group of friends who wear a similar size, it could be fun to have your own private event! There are some Facebook group dedicated to clothes swaps, where the only money you spend is on the postage. It’s definitely a fun way to get some new clothes and not spend the earth.