With gas and grocery prices soaring, many fashionistas have been forced to re-define their fashion strategies. If you’re worried about having to sacrifice your love for fashion with every gallon you pump, relax there are several things you can do to recession-proof your wardrobe and your sense of style.
Versatility
Shop for items you can wear several different ways. If you find a shirt you love, try to create different looks with it. Can you add a blouse under it? How would it look under a jacket? Can it be worn with both skirts and pants? Items that can adapt from one look to another will give you the most bang for your buck.
If You Don’t Love It, Don’t Buy It
This is probably the most intelligent bit of fashion advice I’ve ever heard. If you never want to utter the dreaded phrase “I don’t have anything to wear,” again remember those words. If you do happen to break this rule, be sure to keep the tags on and save the receipt so that if you don’t wear it you can return it.
Be a Savvy Shopper
Your high ticket items should be the staples of your wardrobe—which are your coat, your bag, and your shoes. If you can’t afford something, don’t buy it. Your credit card is not even an option at this point. Shop the sale racks! Back rooms of department stores are busting at the seams with overstock from items that aren’t selling because people are pinching their pennies these days.
Quality Over Quantity
It’s much better to purchase one good quality item that is going to last a few years rather than three items that will be ready for garbage in six months. Plan a day once a month, or however often you can afford, to buy a nice outfit—but this means you do not buy anything any other time when you’re out.
Take Care of Your Clothes
Make sure you hang your clothes up rather than stuffing them in a drawer or throwing them in your closet. Another way to add longevity to your attire is by reading the care instructions. They’re there for a reason. Also be sure you’re only washing them when they need washed rather than every time you wear them. If they’re not dirty, smelly, or otherwise soiled, they don’t need a bath.
