10 WAYS TO LOOK CHIC ON A BUDGET!

There are few pointers I can provide you all if you are on a budget, but still want to look chic and the best version of yourself. I am a strong believer of sustainability and I try my best to bring changes in my everyday lifestyle to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as I can be. 

Evolving around fashion and sharing few fashion updates with you all, is my job. Having said that, there are ways to be more conscious of your fashion choices and be a little more aware about it. In this blog, I will be sharing few tricks that you can adapt while you are shopping from high street brands.

As you all know, high streets are overflowing with fast fashion (def.) an approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to consumers- Merriam Webster

There is a lot more debate around fast fashion and its impact on our environment. But, let’s keep that topic for some other time. Being on a budget but still wants to be sustainable in your choices, we just need to find out a middle ground for ourselves. Sometimes, it gets rather difficult because you find yourself torn between the two worlds. 

Let me make it really simple for you!

Look for good basics

Basics can be building blocks of your wardrobe. They never go out of style, and you will always find them quite handy. I have a black roll neck bodysuit for over three years, and it’s still my number one choice whenever I am in a doubt of what to wear and its always the centre piece while building an outfit. 

Plain white t-shirt 

A classic choice and a no brainer. Have at least two good quality white cotton t-shirts in your wardrobe coz just in case you spill something ;)

In my humble opinion, round necks works best. Also, look for minute detailing on the garment, for instance, in this t-shirt I am wearing in the picture below, has lace detailing around its short sleeves. It just gives the plain old t-shirt some point of interest!

I, at times do love a good chunky cotton t-shirt, something which has more structure to it. I will be linking few of my favourite t-shirts for your reference.

White T-Shirt & Cream Trousers [Click image to shop White T]

White T-Shirt & Cream Trousers [Click image to shop Cream Trousers]

A tank top

Only if you are comfortable wearing tank tops. I find them versatile as they are good as a layering piece with blazers, jackets and shirts. Just as you can see in the picture here, I have a red tank top from H&M, it’s ripped and cropped, perfect to pair with a pair of high waist linen trousers for summers.

Tip: Whenever I find something I love and it fits great on me, I buy it in at least one other colour. I have the same tank in white as well.

Red Tank Top & Cream Trousers [Click Image to shop similar Red Tank]

A bodysuit

For a classic and put together frame. They hug and cinch your body and make you look sharp. I specifically love roll neck bodysuits, because one, I live in a cold climate, so roll necks comes handy; and two, roll necks elongates your neck and I absolutely like layering my necklaces around them.

Tip: While shopping for sleeveless bodysuit, give special attention to how the it cuts you around your arms. If it’s too tight around your armpits, it might make your arms look short and bulky.

A BUTTON DOWN SHIRT

Silk cami top

or satin camisole tops, as silks are difficult to find on high street prices. This is a recent love affair! I am a fan of the silhouette, as it is really femme and romantic. When paired good, it can work wonders for your outfit. For instance, in this picture, I have paired high waist black shorts with cowl neck satin camisole top which gives this outfit an edge without being over the top. Layered with dainty jewellery is just win-win situation.

High Waist Black Shorts, Satin Cami & Black Blazer [Click image to shop Satin Cami]

Neutrals on neutrals

This is my favourite colour palette all year round. Neutrals instantly makes your outfit look more expensive. May be because the colours are so soothing to our eyes. It gives out that effortless vibe. Fell free to chose your own colour palette but I suggest you to have at least few neutrals in your arsenal. 

Let me break down these two pictures for you all. Both have few common points like beige linen trousers in this first picture and cream&beige linen jumpsuit in the other. One paired with blush pink satin top and the other with button down white shirt. Adding different textures to my otherwise neutral outfits.

Linen Pants with Silk Top [Click image to Shop similar Silk top]

Striped Linen Jumpsuit [Click Image to buy Similar]

Layering is your best friend

Mastering a craft of layering takes practice, but you can start simple. Layering is not only restricted to clothing. It’s all about adding different textures and different elements to your outfits. Let me help you understand different types of layering I usually do to my outfits.

Layer your jewellery

I suggest you guys to go easy on this initially and when you are confident then play with different textures and metals. Unpopular opinion, but I am a fan of mixing metals. I don’t shy away when it comes to layering gold with silver pieces, but you do you boo. Here, I have added two pictures as an example. In left, I have styled all neutral outfit with Indian ethnic jewellery(big fan BTW) & on the right, it’s more of a modern touch to it with dainty gold jewellery!

White Shirt with Cream Trousers [Click image to shop Cream Trousers]

Layered Gold Chains [ Click image to shop similar]

Layer Jackets/Blazer

Another favourite kind layering. Chuck a blazer or a faux leather jacket for instant gratification. It’s as easy as it can get. I would suggest you to have few light weight blazers if you live in hot climate. It will protect you from sun damage as well as amp up your outfits. I personally love a good faux leather jacket for those chilly summer evenings. I have a blog all about styling and incorporating blazers in your outfits. Check it our here.

Accessorise your outfits 

Since, we covered jewellery previously, I won’t be repeating that. Let’s talk about few other accessorising elements that you can add to your outfits.

“Hats”, ah my favourite of them all! Best accessory for summers. Sun protection as well as style quotient.

Handbags, switch them accordingly. Invest in few good classic handbags(small, sling, clutches and big ones)

Straw Hat [Click Image to shop similar]

I hope you found these tips useful. I also have a YouTube video on the same topic linked below, do check it out.

All the pictures in the blog have been linked to the products, feel free to check them out.

xx