Cost of Living: Style it out on a shoestring
In this week’s article, discover the latest styles from your favourite high street names. Plus, there’s another competition – this time with FIVE prizes!
Date:
26 August, 2022
Fashion 101
In the last article, we touched upon how we can get the most out of our wardrobes. It’s all too easy to be swept up in the latest trends, but remember those kinds of styles are only temporary. To make our clothes go further, we should invest in classics – they're timeless for a reason.
Be savvy
Building a capsule wardrobe is a great way to ensure we get the most out of our clothes. The concept has regained popularity in recent years, but it’s been a thing since the 1970s – a boutique owner in London pioneered minimalistic clothing that could be interchangeably worn. American designer, Donna Karan, created her ‘Seven Easy Pieces’ line in 1985, cementing the idea of a capsule wardrobe.
While not many of us can afford Donna Karan, the concept is great for saving cash - it’s also a more sustainable way to shop. Since we won’t own a massive number of clothes, our staple pieces will get much more wear. Crafting your own look book of fashion choices will help to simplify life, too.
The pros of a capsule wardrobe
We’re all on the same page when it comes to prioritising our time, so that’s why a capsule wardrobe will be your new best friend.
Smarten things up with a blazer
Wearing a blazer is such a boss move. No matter day or night, outfits gain an immediate upgrade when a blazer is added to the mix. A classic black number adds a chic element, as well as being a classic staple that will never go out of style. This one from New Look has a relaxed fit, which is totally in right now.
Jeans to an end
You can’t go wrong with jeans. Keep things casual by wearing them with a pair of trainers, or add some glamour by donning heels. Your preferred style of jeans, whether it’s straight leg, boyfriend fit, barrel, skinny – the rails are heaving with choice – they’re first-class clothing and super versatile so you can create a number of looks. M&S have a fantastic guide on how to dress up your denim. Coming in a range of colours, these jeggings from Peacocks are great additions to wardrobes.
A bag full of fashion
For some, a bag is the principal part of their outfit. Buying one that can be worn, (or carried if you are a functional fashionista), in different ways is best value for money. This cross-body bag from River Island, for example, is really chic with its gold hardware and adjustable guitar-style strap.
Make a statement
Boots are one of the most versatile pieces of footwear. Pairing with jeans gives you casual while teaming with something more formal like a floral dress and tights combo tones down the smart but keeps the look soft. Tu’s black faux leather lace-up boots will ensure your style has an added edge.
"Build a wardrobe you can wear on repeat (and that your purse will love, too) by reworking and re-wearing the styles you love most, week after week, season after season. And when you do buy new? Invest in classic pieces that'll never go out of style – think timeless wardrobe staples that’ll maximise that all-important cost per wear." - New Look
Competition: FIVE prizes up for grabs!
You won’t want to miss this week’s competitions because there’s a veritable treasure trove of prizes to be won – and there are going to be FIVE stylish winners.
BIG thanks to our quartet of amazing retailers helping us to offer up some goodies during these cost of living months, so drum roll please for – New Look (£100 Gift Card), River Island (£100 Gift Card) and TK Maxx (£50 Gift Card)! And over on Instagram, you can even scoop an incredible fragrance from The Perfume Shop, which is offering one fragrance set for men and one set for women – smells sweet as a lemon drop!
As one of the UK’s biggest names in high street fashion, New Look, is the number one destination for clothes that suit all body types. Founded in 1969, the retailer giant has been there for every new trend – offering a great selection of style choices for a reasonable price.
The UK’s leading fragrance chain, The Perfume Shop, sells scents from some of the world’s biggest luxury names. Sharing their passion for perfume and people, The Perfume Shop offers customers a luxurious shopping experience without breaking the bank.
As well as having 300 branches across the UK, you can easily shop online with River Island where you can create all sorts of styles and outfits whatever the occasion.
TK Maxx (and HomeSense) delivers big names on a small budget as Europe’s only off-price retailer of apparel and homeware goods.
To enter for a chance to win one of the Gift Cards, send us an email at [email protected] and tell us a fashion and beauty hack that you live by.
Head over to our Instagram to enter our competition for two sets of fragrances, there's double the chance to win!
T&Cs apply - here
Instagram competition T&Cs apply - here
PLEASE NOTE, THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED
Resource bank
Below is a list of useful websites and apps that’ll help you with all your fashion and beauty needs:
DISCLAIMER: This article contains affiliate links. We only suggest products we believe are good value for money, but these are not recommendations on the back of trying and testing. Please note that, if you use these links to buy any of the suggested products we may earn a small commission.