When it comes to pulling off the polished, couture looks that we tend to admire in other people, we almost immediately make the assumption that only the Donald Trump and Bill Gates’ crowd can really afford to dress this way. Luckily, there are ways to get elicit that jealous look from others without breaking the bank.
Avoid the Discount Department Stores
Don’t be afraid to check out the high end stores that you normally avoid. They too have sales and sometimes clearance outlets. It is a great way to a well cut, high quality investment piece for very little.
Forget the Label
Every couture-connoisseur knows that it is not the label that makes the outfit but rather the cut, colour, style, fabric and fit. If you find a great fitting, quality piece who cares if its mass-produced?
Salvation Army or Salvation Armani?
Second-hand shops are actually a fun way to score some neat clothes, especially if you have a distinct personal style. Dig through it and you will be surprised at what you find. The money goes to a good cause and, I once got a compliment on a funky $2.50 shirt that I was wearing under a $1500 Prada suit that no one seemed to notice.
Learn to Coordinate
Never try to copy the mannequin. It is almost guaranteed that that well-dressed mannequin is wearing an over-priced outfit. Instead, root through the racks for one-offs in pants and shirts and other coordinates. Once you stop copying the outfits from the mannequins, you will find yourself with a much larger shopping budget!
Buy Investment Pieces
The style for some items is almost timeless. In this case, consider buying an investment piece, meaning something of such quality that it will both last the duration of its style life and you will wear on a regular basis. I am a firm believer in the following investment pieces – wool coats, black oxfords, leather gloves, cashmere v-necks.
Think about the look that you are going for thoroughly, make a list of items that will work towards that end, then start applying these ideas to find those items.
