“Je ne fais pas la mode Je suis LA MODE”

When it comes to tips on How to Look Classy on a Budget. The quote; “I don’t do Fashion, I am FASHION.” still comes to mind. It could be around 2013 when one of the Instagram girls followed posted a pic with the quote above. Little did I know it was a quote by Coco Channel but the naive fashion girl in me was so shocked with her attempt. I thought Narcissist much *insert eye roll emoji* I mean her pic was fire so it made sense to use that quote. However, what I failed to relate to were the bold words I AM FASHION. – Fast forwarding to today, that particular quote left an impression in me and the take away was; “Don’t let the industry dictate what Fashion is, define fashion on your own terms and own it with pride.” *Mic Drop!*

We live in a time and age where everyone seems to have it all together. From perfectly laid hair to manicured nails and out of this world designer apparel. For an everyday girl, it is a little hard to keep up with all the Instagram girl –  and before you say there isn’t such a thing as an Instagram girl, *Please go to your explore page and scroll because I have a feeling you aren’t following the right page.” –  Where was I… As much as I would like to sit here and tell you the evils of social media and how it makes people feel left out if you don’t have the latest bag or designer shoe, or worse buying into all the trends to keep up only to find a new release on your feed the next day

I have even better news, Use social media to work for you…

How did you ask? we are talking about How to Look Classy on a Budget right? Well, you can achieve it all without breaking the bank. Yes you read it right, still need convincing, Head Over to my Instagram page – I am basically doing the Exact same thing. Do hang onto your Wigs because am about to drop you some Fashion wisdom, in all honesty, I wish I knew earlier own before spending money on trends that will never see the light of day. – Yes, am talking to you my Tourqouise Louboutin. 

How to Look Classy on a Budget: 10 Practical Tips

1. Don’t Buy Into Trends.

Here is what trends are for, give you a run for your money!! Trends come and go because that’s basically the essence of the word. So since we are all about saving the coins Sis, this is crucial. Think about it, how many trends have you seen and where in the world are they? *Yup, that’s how a UH-HUH moment feels like.*

2. Invest In Classy Pieces

Yeah, Kymmie, so I won’t buy into trends, what exactly will I wear. Well – Classics Duh!! am not sure you read that as I intended, so for the ones in the back, CLASSIC!! If there was only one take away from all these posts, then Classics is that for you. The whole topic around classics needs a whole conversation of its own, and I will get into it on upcoming posts. However, since I still have you here, take a look at this video for classics to invest in I did way back in 2016.  if you watch past the weird colour grading and poor light, there are some very informative tips in there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6niIKQVvyfM&t=30s

3. Quality over Quantity.

When it comes to buying any outfit. The driving factor needs to be quality over quantity. A quality outfit needs to meet a few criteria or answer the points as explained below:

• How many times can you style that piece in your everyday life? If it gives you at least 10 options, then that’s a keeper.
• It washes well and retains its actual state afterwards.
• The Fabric used to make the clothing.
• Attention to details – The finishing of the outfit.

4. Monochromatic Styling

If you want to look Classy on a budget, your best bet is going for the ever so classical style tip – Monochromes. It’s time to clean up our acts, ladies! In fashion terms, monochromatic dressing means wearing separates of one colour that have different textures and/or similar shades of that colour for an overall tonal look. While mixing patterns can look a bit fussy and colour-blocking a bit kitschy, wearing a single shade is a simpler, cleaner approach to putting an outfit together. In fact, when you keep your overall outfit within the same colour hue, it simply gives the classy look we all know and Love!

5. Great Fit

All the above points will not make sense if you crash and burn at this point. There is nothing more horrible than a flimsy fit outfit, regardless of the price tag on the garment. To avoid being a victim of this huge Fashion fail, its high time to invest in a trustworthy tailor and stick to one. Every fashionista needs a great tailor to help them look polished and put together. So ideally if you have to get oversize, make sure you get it uttered before stunting on the streets – Unless oversize-homeless-chic is the look you’re going for, GO CINCH YOUR OUTFIT, HUN!

6. Accessories. 

Ha! the Lately Fam OG’s saw this point coming. I am yet to find a Fashion or style tip post that I haven’t crammed up with my accessorizing wisdom. Yes, I am that passionate about accessorizing and so should you. I have even dedicated a whole post on How to Accessories as a Pro. if you have zero clues or overwhelmed on where to begin, check that post. Other amazing Posts include: The Fashion Formula – A Magic Equation that works Every Time

7. Get Inspiration

It is true what they say Style is forever. If you already have a personal style, then there is a huge possibility you have a Fashionista, Style icon, Fashion Blogger, Instagram Model or Celebrity who you look up to like your style goal. Follow them, understand their style choices and you will soon recognize their style pattern, something they do over and over, it could be as simple as a red lippie or nails to a bold Ass show-stopping hat on all their outfits. Get inspiration and channel the same energy to your style game. Here is one way you could get inspired; How to Master the Model Off-Duty Look: 10 Tips

8. Confidence

Yes, this is a major part of looking Effortless classic. Here is a thing though, no amount of styling or price on an outfit would make you stand out if you don’t believe you are worth standing out. You are a dime and a half let no one tell you different. Stand tall, and dash them with that gorgeous smile and give them the best walk. You have got this. Own the outfit, don’t slouch your shoulders and always look people in the eye and smile. This will make heads turn and the radiated confidence will give you a hard to mimic style game.

9. Thrifting

There are two ways to read this part. If you are one of the-I-will-never-be-caught-dead-in-a-thrift-house, feel free to jump onto the final point. However, if you are all about the classy look on a budget, then this point is for you. I know I can’t bear to cover everything with just a pinpoint. However, I will do You one better, write a whole post on How to Master the Art of Thrifting and linking it up here. I promise, if you have never been a fan of thrifting, there is a huge possibility I may convert you into a believer. The take away here is, thrifting should be your best friend, it is amazing how many pieces in good quality so I say can be found in this untapped fashion mine.

10. Have Fun

Experiment and push yourself off the fashion boundaries. You will be surprised by what you may find down the lane because, at the end of the day, Fashion & Style is an art to be enjoyed. So have fun at it while turning a head or two of course. *wink wink*

That’s it, ladies. From my Fashion Library to your beautiful minds. Are there any tips you would love to add to this detailed list? I would love to hear them in the comment section below. Have a beautiful Day for now. XO