Though everyone wants to look like a million bucks, hardly anyone wants to spend so much just on clothing. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to upgrade your wardrobe without overstocking it or using more money than necessary. The secret is in knowing what to splurge on, what to save on, and where to look for bargains. It can be as easy as pairing tights with your outfit or going hunting for bargains in vintage stores.

Here are our suggestions on how to upgrade your wardrobe without spending excessively. Get creative and try these for yourself!

Subtly Change Up Your Outfits with Socks or Hosiery

Fashion socks and hosiery are relatively inexpensive accessories that can instantly jazz up any outfit. When worn well, they can add subtle but interesting variations to your day-to-day looks.

You can go wild and shop for printed or colored socks, then mix-and-match them with your outfits. You can also add more texture to a basic dress-and-boots look with a pair of patterned sheer tights. The best part is that because there are plenty of affordable options, you can invest in these items without feeling guilty about how much you’re spending.  

Invest in a Few Set Pieces

Trends come and go, but great fashion is forever. Some pieces come in timeless prints, styles, or colors. These are the only pieces in your wardrobe worth investing in, and even then, you don’t need to have too many of them. What you want to do is invest in a few high-quality items for your wardrobe that will see constant reuse, such as blazers, dresses, and shoes.

Clothes that fit well are also worth a bigger investment than pieces that do not. Shirts that flatter your natural curves or well-fitting bottoms can go a long way towards making you look classier and more sophisticated. Either will be of much more value to you than several cheap but ill-fitting items.

Add Some Preloved Clothes to Your Wardrobe

Another way to augment your wardrobe on a budget is to look for preloved pieces. There are a lot of places you can check out to hunt for affordable clothes, from thrift stores to your friends’ garage sales. These are good places to find items like jackets, hats, and accessories. After a little cleaning, these items could help you style an ensemble that looks brand new.

Better yet, why not scour your parents’ or your relatives’ closets and see if you can inherit pieces that they don’t use anymore? You could craft an interesting look from nostalgic yet timeless clothing pieces, or pair your current clothes with family heirlooms. Your look will stand out from everyone else’s because it has extra character and family history behind it. Note that having these garments altered is always an option if their sizes aren’t quite right for you.

Wait for Sale Season and Scout for Promos

Even new clothes can be bought on a budget. Keep this in mind: good things come to those who wait for sale season and stay updated on promos and discounts.

To get a leg up on people who are waiting on the next big sale, you can visit your favorite retailer’s website, download their app, or subscribe to their newsletter. This way, you’ll be in the know about when you can buy brand-new items at much more affordable prices. It also helps to know exactly what items you want to buy from a sale, such as off-season winter wear. Having a shopping list handy can also help prevent overspending.

Find Decent but Not Overpriced Basics

Many outfits depend on basic clothing items or layers. Examples of these that you may already be shopping for include plain white tees or denim jeans. Of course, when you buy these, you’ll want to make sure that they last for more than a few wears. But remember that you don’t have to spend a ludicrous amount for something that may be layered under something else or just worn casually. Buying a printed t-shirt just like funny t-shirts, travel t-shirts, and vintage t-shirts is also a very nice idea of increasing variety in your wardrobe.

When shopping for basics, find a brand that offers decent items that are made out of good quality materials and sold at a sensible price. This will allow you to save your money and allot it for apparel that’s worth spending more on.

Instead of Buying More, Keep Your Current Clothes in Better Condition

Lastly, you may not necessarily need more clothing to spiff up your wardrobe. It may just be an issue of keeping your current clothes in good condition.

One of the easiest ways to better care for your clothes is simply by following the care instructions included with them. Before tossing your laundry in the wash, make an effort to separate whites from colored items. You should also fasten any zips and clasps so that the metal doesn’t snag and scrub against delicate fabrics. These simple precautions can help your clothes last much longer. Upgrading your look doesn’t have to take hundreds of dollars. All you have to do is keep an open mind and show a bit more care towards the clo