Family Fashion: How To Be Fashionable On A Budget

Finding inexpensive yet stylish clothes can be a challenge. According to statistics, the average American family spends $1,700 on clothes annually, and while this amount may seem more than enough for one person, it’s not much when you have to dress a family of four or five. Parents often focus on looking presentable for work while kids, especially teenagers, are more concerned about looking fashionable, and accomplishing these sartorial goals may be difficult when you’re on a tight clothing budget. However, it is possible to look good without spending a lot on clothes and accessories. By making smart shopping choices, doing your research, and being creative, you and your entire family can look great even on a limited budget.

Take your clothes to the tailor

Tailoring can make a $50 jacket look like a custom made item. Find a good tailor and have him alter your family’s jeans, trousers, blazers, dresses, and jackets according to each one’s size and preference. Other items such as shirts, skirts, blouses, and knits don’t need to be altered as you can get them in the correct size at the department store. Well-fitting clothes always look more expensive, plus, it can even make you look slimmer.

Look for versatile items

Pale pink patent leather shoes may look cute on your little girl, but if your child rarely wears dresses or prefers casual clothing, then it may be better (and more practical) to get her a pair of white canvas or leather sneakers, which looks great with almost anything. The same applies to the grown-ups in the family. For women, black or nude pumps or ballet flats look classy and pairs well with different outfits. For men, a pair of brown dress shoes can be worn with jeans for a casual yet luxe look or with trousers and a button-down shirt for a more professional look.

Have a clothing swap

If you have family members or friends with children who are around the same age who live close by, consider having a clothes swap every six months or so. It’s a great way to get new-ish clothes for free. Moreover, your family members can swap items that don’t fit anymore for something that’s just right for their size.

Add some DIY elements to clothing

Fashion should be fun and should make people happy. Children and teens should be able to express themselves through their individual styles, and you can do this by adding DIY elements to their clothing. For instance, you can make a basic shirt more interesting by adding embroidered designs, fun patches, or by sewing on a fabric pocket. You can also customize plain or old shoes with a bit of paint, watercolors, permanent markers, rhinestones, or charms.

It’s possible to look fashionable even on a tight budget. Try any of these tips to make your family look good without breaking the bank.