by Marika Taylor

Created on: September 10, 2009   Last Updated: September 12, 2009

Anyone who values themselves enough should want to dress well and look presentable, but the common issue for most people is how can I dress well without spending a fortune? The problem is not as complicated as you may think. The key component is to use what you already have and build up. No matter where you are with your wardrobe everyone should have the basics; for women that includes a little black dress that you can dress up or dress down, classic trench coat, and white button down blouse along with a pencil skirt ; for men; classic black slacks, collar shirt, and a sports jacket. Once you have the essentials, and then access the colors that you have in your closet and coordinate with different pieces to build multiple outfits by mixing and matching. By accessing the colors in your closet it allows you to better choose color combinations with different outfits and to know what additional items you may need. Once you have determined exactly what it is you need then comes the fun part going out and getting it. You will be amazed of the things you can find in stores when you access the inventory in your own closet and know what to look for.

Make a list of the key stores you generally shop when looking for clothing and then make another list of the stores you like but can never afford. Most stores nowadays have rewards membership that don't involve getting a credit card, sign up for them to be alerted of sales and receive coupons in the mail to use to save money. Based on your list sign up for any kind of rewards program and even ask the employees about upcoming sales that might not be announced yet. Another way to save is to pick out the things you like in the store and then go online and see if it is on sale, in many cases they are. You can find great deals at discount stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Filenes Basement and Ross; if you have a location near by check them frequently because the good stuff goes fast. Also find out the days they get new inventory, so you will know the best days to go.

Don't forget the clearance rack, many don't want to take the time to go through the racks and racks of clothes, but often times when you do you find a buried treasure that was worth the search. When it comes to clearance items choose wisely because the last thing you want to do is buy something just because it is cheap and then you never end up wearing it and in the end you ended wasting money. If you are really limited on funds play up accessories such as striking scarves, cardigans and belts that can easily change an outfit, not to mention very low in cost. Choose items that can go with a variety of things so you can easily mix and match for casual and business. Accessories such as scarves, belts and classic jewelry will never go out of style and can last along time. Last but not least make sure you always maintain a pair of classic pumps and touch them up a little with a bit of polish. A bad pair of shoes or heavily worn pair of shoes can easily destroy an outfit, so make sure you maintain or invest in a good pair of classic pumps to finish off a great affordable outfit.

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