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Tired of drooling over runway trends then going into an existential crisis when you check your bank account? The truth is, you don’t have to have thousands in your pocket when it comes to dressing well. From customising tired clothing to thrifting, there are plenty of ways to serve high-end looks with a low-end budget.

 

DIY

For those of you who don’t mind getting friendly with your nan’s sewing machine, this one’s for you. One of the best ways to create high end looks with a low-end budget is to craft them yourself. See your dream jacket on the runway, but don’t fancy going bankrupt? Grab a pattern with a similar aesthetic and fabric of your choice and you’re good to go. The great thing about making garments yourself is that you can adjust the fit to suit your body. Not everyone is comfortable with a needle and thread, but with time and practice…and a little help from online tutorials, anything is possible.

 

Save for a statement piece

Saving money. A horrible thought, right? But stay with us because when you finally get your hands on those Balenciaga trainers you’ve been re-pinning on your Pinterest board for 3 years, it’ll all be worth it. When saving for a designer/high-end piece, it’s essential to be able to justify the versatility of the product. Instead of splashing the cash on a trend item, invest in an accessory that you can pair with a multitude of fresh fits. The great thing about saving is, if you change your mind on your chosen piece (like we all end up doing), you then have some extra cash…to go to spoons with…

 

High street dupes

High street dupes. A morally challenging subject for fashion fanatics. Should I support fast fashion ripping off those Prada heels? No. But can I afford £600 heels? Absolutely not. The majority of high street shops take inspiration from designer brands, meaning they tend to reflect trends, silhouettes or colour schemes into their clothing. So if you see a style you fancy on the runway, bets are that next season you’ll see its twin in Topshop. Fast fashion is surrounded by ethical and sustainable dilemmas, however most brands are slowly but surely trying to rectify these. Realistically, as long as you don’t give in to Pretty Little Thing’s ‘everything for £1’ sales, you’re good.

 

Thrift it

Thrifting can be a tricky topic. Mainly because most of those edgy ‘thrift shops’ around certain areas of London (not naming any names, *cough cough* Brick Lane) sell shit clothes for a shit price and we all fall for it. If you’re looking for designer/high-end brands in an actual charity shop, the best way to do it is to go to expensive areas. Do you really think that footballer’s wife is going to get the tube to east London to personally hand her designer clothes into a ‘thrift shop’? NO. She’s just going to hop in her Range Rover and chuck a bin bag full on the pavement outside her local Oxfam. Joking aside, charity shops provide some big names for a fraction of the price, you just have to have a keen eye.

 

Customising

Customising is a sustainable and creative process which not only spices up your wardrobe but also helps the environment. So, a massive win, win. From sewing, dyeing, painting or cutting there are endless possibilities when deciding how to re-vamp any sad clothes you haven’t touched since 2012. If you fancy yourself as a modern-day Van Gogh, pick up some fabric paint and go at an old pair of trainers or a denim jacket. But if you don’t trust yourself with paint, transfer paper is an effective way to print custom logos, text, images and illustrations onto any item. Whether you choose to tailor a shapeless dress or bleach some jeans, customising will enhance your wardrobe in an eco-friendly way!

 

So hopefully now you’ll be able to spruce up your oldies and keep the ‘I have no clothes’ breakdowns to a minimum.