BY ANJ BATHAN
Young, dumb, and fashionably broke.
I know it, you know it.
I could have saved a thousand a week if we didn’t get artisanal coffee every morning, but how could I not, right?!
Uh, Chloe, maybe it’s ’cause I‘m broke?
It isn’t even because I like spending money I don’t have. Or that I don’t have any moolah at all. It’s more, like, having to switch my priorities and finding it hard to do so.
Now that I’m an adult, I have to start dressing like one sometimes— no more ripped jeans, banged up sneakers, and oversized graphic T-shirts. (Not that those who wear this exact ensemble aren’t adults. Most of us are just in the corporate world and to thrive, power dressing — read: EXTRA EXPENSE — is a must. )
How am I supposed to wear the right clothes when I can barely afford the essentials?
1) Go green.
Recycle & upcycle.
Recycle. Find pieces that are right for you, load up on the basics, and invest in the classics that will surely last a long time. For office wear, buy similarly-colored sets can just mix and match.
Upcycle. If you’re on the more creative side, try upcycling your clothes! Tip: Works well on pieces you can’t seem to let go of. Get your scissors and cull pieces from various dresses then patch them all together. You can also tie your shoelaces into an old shirt, like the middle picture below:
2) Sa… uh, wait for it…
Wait for mid-year, end-of-season, Black Friday, and year-end sales!
If you want a wardrobe update, wait for Black Friday or other year-end sales and stock up for the next season! I mean, you already have enough clothes to last you until the end of the year, right (since you’ve invested in the classics early on *wink wink*)?
3) Do the math.
Calculate cost per wear.
Style isn’t all about the price of an outfit. Make sure every piece is worth your money.
Let’s say you’re buying a little black dress. Unless you’re gonna wear it on several occasions — your 21st birthday, a night out with your girlfriends, date night with your SO, a company networking event, maybe? —I suggest you don’t go for designer brands. You can always get one at a more reasonable price.
4. Now to the basics.
Shopping for your everyday basics is a whole other story. A plain boyfriend tee is actually good investment since you can wear it a hundred times. A! HUNDRED! TIMES!
Just think of it this way. If and when you splurge, splurge on items that you can see yourself wearing a lot. That way, you’ll be sure to get more than what you’ve paid for.
With that said, choose…
5) Quality over cost.
Always.
An expensive tee does not mean it’s of good quality. On the other hand, just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you should settle for poorly made clothing. You’ll only spend more in the long run!
If you’re ever in a situation where you have to choose between quality and cost, choose the item that’ll love you a long time. Not only can you wear them again and again and again, you bank account will also thank you.
Also learn to broaden your horizons.
Don’t dismiss a brand just because it’s unknown, disreputable, or its name hasn’t hit the papers yet. Some actually provide better quality clothing than most well-known brands. Who knows? Maybe that pop-up store at the end of the street is your new haven.
6) Lastly, shop on ZALORA.
ZALORA is the country’s leading online fashion store. Carrying both local and international labels, you’re sure to catch some of the best deals in here, anytime and anywhere. From a wide selection of jeans to jumpsuits to slip on sandals — name it and ZALORA probably has it!
Be sure to also check out their eponymous brand, with inexpensive shoes and dresses that don’t compromise their quality! Savings upon savings upon savings!
In short, GET SMART.
Stick your style. Invest in clothes you picture yourself wearing more than thrice, but don’t EVER neglect quality for the cost. Should you have to pick between the two, you’re better off choosing the more expensive piece that 1) you can wear over and over; and 2) will last a long time.
For cheap, good quality, and hassle-free shopping, check out ZALORA. And don’t forget to subscribe to their newsletter to get the latest styles and voucher codes!