Everyday Cheapskate: 6 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Wardrobe Without Spending a Dime
Could your wardrobe use a long overdue boost? Maybe you're eyeing a career move, aiming to project a more polished image at work or simply looking to raise the bar when it comes to school drop-offs and PTA meetings.
Perhaps you're diving back into the dating scene or could just use a little pick-me-up. Sure, some might shrug off the ideas that follow, and that's OK; not every piece here fits every puzzle. Yet, like it or not, the ways we present ourselves to the world influences how the world treats us.
We can debate fairness, preach about inner beauty or claim immunity to superficial judgments, but reality often has its own script, advises Daisy Luther, author of the website The Frugalite. The good news? You don't need a shopping spree to refine your style. In fact, you can elevate your look using what's already hanging in your closet.
What follows are timely tips Daisy offers to help us present a polished appearance to the world using the clothing we already have.
No. 1: Get rid of things that does not look good on you.
You don't need to hang onto every piece of clothing you've accumulated over the years. In today's world of social media and TV showcases, overflowing closets might seem like the pinnacle of prosperity. But let's be real here -- less clutter means more clarity and peace of mind. Embrace the truth that most of us wear only 20% of the clothes we own. Everything else is clutter, taking up space. Sell, donate, do whatever it takes to move things out. Can't bring yourself to completely part with them? Stash them away for "someday." (If you do this, remove them from your day-to-day wardrobe so you aren't tempted to wear them.)
No. 2: Mend your clothing.
Got some clothes in need of a little TLC? Let's talk maintenance because, let's face it, neglected garments just scream sloppy. From droopy hems to loose threads, unraveled seams and missing buttons, these are all fixable faux pas that can transform your look from disheveled to dapper in a snap.
A frugal habit of our friend Daisy is to toss things that require mending in a basket beside where she sits to watch television. The basket contains a thorough sewing kit. "Whenever I sit down to watch television," says Daisy, "I pick up something that needs fixing and do my mending while watching some Netflix."
No. 3: Iron or steam your clothing.
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