by Lorianne Twill

Created on: June 17, 2008

Want to look your best but need to budget your way through updating your wardrobe? Think chic but cheap. Pulling off a polished look is more about knowing how to put the pieces of your wardrobe together to create fun, fresh looks and less about the labels that may or may not be in your closet. Whether shopping for a new wardrobe or just needing an updated look, follow these simple guidelines to maximize your style potential.

START WITH THE BASICS.

Choose classic pieces in simple, flattering shapes and silhouettes that fit your body well. Black and khaki trousers, a pencil skirt, tailored white blouse and a classic blazer, trench coat or sweater set can be mixed and matched in a number of ways. These basics do not need to be high in cost. Fabric quality and fit should be the primary concern because you want these foundational items to last. Even at department stores, you can find good quality basics that aren't high fashion brands. You can also find real steals by buying pieces out of season. Department stores will typically put winter merchandise on sale at the start of summer in order to make room for the current season's clothes. The same holds true for summer clothes when winter starts. Yes, you might be buying clothes now that you probably won't wear for a few months, but a high quality pair of black wool trousers at half the original price might just be worth it.

TRY OUT A FEW TRENDS.

The key here is to keep repeating the mantra "chic but cheap." Try shopping stylish stand-bys like Target and Old Navy where you can check out the latest trends without breaking the bank. Target features designer clothing lines at a fraction of the cost, offering fun and sophisticated styles by Isaac Mizrahi and Rogan Gregory, among others. And don't forget Steve and Barry's, the national chain selling clothing lines by Sarah Jessica Parker, Amanda Bynes and Venus Williams. Steve and Barry's emphasizes the importance of quality and cost every piece in SJP's clothing line is $19.98 or less. Styles at these stores are fun and plentiful, allowing you to try out a range of looks instead of spending your entire budget on one piece that will be out of style in six months. Mix and match the trendier, "of the moment" clothes with your wardrobe classics for polished, put-together looks at a reduced cost.

ADD SOME FUN - ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE!

Nothing dresses up a pair of jeans and simple fitted t-shirt like a funky belt, killer heels and fun jewelry. Even the most plain outfit can become something fun and unique with the addition of an interesting necklace, a row of bangle bracelets, a scarf, etc., etc. I adopted this way of thinking when I was pregnant. Not wanting to invest a fortune in maternity clothes, but still wanting to look cute and put together, I stuck to solid color basics and accessorized like nobody's business. Now, two years later, I am still using this wisdom to give new life to wardrobe staples.

Building a wardrobe on a budget is just like organizing any other project: Start with a strong foundation, and built up from there. If you focus on finding some core pieces that fit and flatter your shape, you always have something to grab and go with that will make you look and feel good. Then anything extra you can add as your budget permits allows you to stay stylish and have fun with your look. After all, looking stylish and feeling good is the goal, not how many designer labels you can fit in the closet.

Learn more about this author, Lorianne Twill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.