1. Make sure you have an LBD (little black dress) that you feel really good in that is neither super-formal nor casual.

2. Pull out all of your ‘statement accessories:’ bold jewelry, a bold belt, interesting shoes, bright tights, a splashy bag, etc. You will survive a multitude of parties with the same dress by styling it with different ‘statement accessories’ each time. People will remember what is most immediately noticeable about the outfit: the accessories, not the dress itself.

3. Score ‘statement accessories’ on the cheap. Getting your hands on some great accessories need not be expensive at all. Opaque tights in bright colors can easily be found at very reasonable prices.
Shopping vintage is probably the number one way to find inexpensive accessories that still pack a lot of style punch per dollar, and have a great deal of style credibility vis-a-vis runway knockoffs (which are an option too – Zara, H&M, etc). The best options for vintage finds are jewelry, handbags, and coats. However, if you find a particularly fabulous dress, you should totally get it. A vintage dress that fits well is a special and rare find and always creates a splash, even if you only wear it a few times: so don’t spend more on it than would justify only a few wears.

4. Get the maximum mileage out of your existing closet. Firstly, find yourself a good tailor. If you do not know where to start, call higher end boutiques near you and ask who they use. Then, take pieces in from your closet that are a little out of date, or never fit you properly in the first place. Shorten hems, sleeves, have the waist adjusted, etc. Tailored adjustments will help make your closet feel fresh and new without you actually having to go out and buy new pieces.

5. Make a list of what your closet really needs. Look through it and try to identify ‘intersection’ pieces that would help you wear A and B together, B and C together and A and D. So, pieces that you can only wear with one thing are not smart investments right now; they are too specific.

6. Analyze the spring shows at DiDiMagazine.com or Style.com to get ideas for where your closet is going. You don’t necessarily need to copy trends, just touch on things you do like and get new ideas. A wardrobe is a much more satisfying thing if it inspires you a little bit! The point of this is to be conscious of what you want incase things on sale seem to find you.

7. Shop the early sales properly. When pieces are still a bit more expensive, you are really best to only consider high quality, classic items that fit you perfectly, or near enough. These will be the things that are not likely to make it to further sale, and that you will be glad you invested in for seasons to come.

8. Shop the late sales well. At this point, selection is low, but prices are great. Sometimes, I find that this is where you can find weird, but cool, items for great deals. These ‘statement’ pieces should work back to simple neutral outfits, not require additional outlay on more pieces to go with them. If that criterion is not met, do not get it!

9. Splash your cash thoughtfully. If you must invest in a higher quality accessory, make it a simple ankle boot that will carry you forward well, like the Yvette from Loeffler Randall (which is perhaps the most versatile shoe I have ever encountered after a riding boot or a great sexy pump) or a simple clutch, like the new one from Dior’s Dior 61 collection, which is gorgeous, simple and really well priced.

10. Get a cheap, but not wasteful, shopping fix if need be. If you are dying without a shopping fix, pick up a hair accessory, birthday card, etc. as these items always come in handy! I find that when you are on a budget, it is too hard not to want to rebel against it, so find ways you can ‘break the rules’ without being too destructive.

By: Alice Whittick

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