More and more, people are cutting back on spending and the first thing most people cut back on is shopping for new clothes. Even if your financial situation doesn’t allow you to spend hundreds on luxury brands, you can still look fashionable on a budget. You simply need to learn to change your mindset and become a savvy frugalista.

“Make it Work”

In the words of the most fabulous Tim Gunn, “Make it Work.” Start shopping in your own closet. There may be clothes you have in your closet that you never worn that can be turned into a high fashion outfit by just adding some hot accessories and shoes. Also, learn to mix and match. People have the tendency to keep wearing the same outfit combination instead of mixing their combinations, patterns and color blocking. Your own closet should be your best source.

High Fashion, Low Cost

Nowadays, It is so easy to look “high fashion” at a cheaper price with stores like H&M, J. Crew, and Zara. These stores have a wide variety of fashionable clothes that are classic, trendy, affordable and good quality. Also, stores like Target, Payless and H&M have high-end designers that will collaborate with the store and create a special collection at a more affordable price. Perfect examples are the latest Lanvin for H&M and Christian Siriano for Payless.

Think About The Future

Remember you’re on a budget, so when shopping you have to think to the future. While you are shopping, buy transitional pieces. These are pieces that can easily turn from a cute outfit for lunch with friends to a sexy outfit that can be worn at night. Also, pieces that can be worn from season to season are essential. For example, blazers were a must have this past summer. You can now take that blazer you wore with the stylish shorts over the summer and pair it with a pair of skinny jeans and boots.

Always remember being fashionable is not about what labels you own or how much you spend, but how you rock what you wear.