by Melannie Gonzalez

Created on: June 13, 2008

Your Style.
This would indicate that you need to identify what that is. In order to do so it is important to consider a number of factors. First it is important to take into consideration your body type. Not all fashions work on all people. Instead of trying to make yourself fit into what is currently being touted as "in style" find the cuts that best flatter the body that you have right now. When an article of clothing does not fit well, it doesn't matter who designed it or how much you paid for it. All anyone will notice is that the buttons are straining to stay buttoned, or that your butt looks really big.

Go to the store and try on a variety of styles. Don't look at something on a hanger and immedietly assume that it won't work on you. Sometimes that is the item that makes you go "WOW!" when you look in the fitting room mirror. Don't pay attention to price at this point. You won't necessarily buy the clothes you are trying on. You are determining what cuts best suit you. Once you make this determination, you won;t waste time looking at things that you know are not flattering on you body type.

Know which colors make you stand out. Perhaps a certain shade will make your eyes pop, or will make you appear to have a rosy glow to your skin. Other colors can wash you out. Take someone along with you who can give you an honest opinion. Or take a photo of yourself in the item and evaluate how you look.

Once you decide WHAT to look for, it is much easier to maximize you style on a budget. First, check out the consignment shops in your area. Many of these are practically boutiques at a fraction of the prices. Let those other ladies spend $100.00 for a blouse. When they tire of it after a year you can pick it up for $5.00

Another great place to shop is at yard sales. Know the neighborhoods in your area and choose which sales to go to based on that. While you may not be able to try items on, most times you can pick up essential key pieces for fifty cents. It might take going to twenty sales to hit the jackpot, but when you do you will be able to add a significant amount of clothing to your wardrobe without spending a serious amount of cash.

If you decide to shop at "The Mall" please do not pay full price. Every store marks things down very quickly. I often find things that I like and then watch them. When they are marked down to a price that I can afford then I take them home.

Many other stores give deep discounts if you use their store credit card. While I am not advocating the use of credit cards if you don't have the funds, you can save a lot of money by charging the items and then paying the bill in full at the end of the month.

Get feedback from your friends and coworkers on how you look in certain items. Encourage them to be honest. Be brave enought to hear what they have to say. Many times we think we look hot in something, but everyone else is hoping we never wear it again.

Anyone can look smart and in style on a budget. It takes a bit more effort, but it is certainly worth it.

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