Frugal Wardrobes for the Style-Impaired

I'd love to have a true sense of style. It'd be great if frugal shopping meant adventures in dozens of second-hand/consignment shops, going to the best sales-the things I read about in books. Instead, I've come to realize my own limitations in the realm of fashion.

So I came up with a few rules or "tips" to guide frugal, style-impaired shoppers like me.

First, go for maximum mix-and-match

When I went shopping for my first professional wardrobe, I stuck with black and gray pants, 1 pair each. I bought the black as a suit and the gray as separates. Then for tops, I looked for ones which would go with both.

I bought 5 blouses to start, 1 for each day of the week. 4 of them were simple-black, white, blue, and burgundy. Solid colors, classic cuts. One red and black striped blouse (not as hideous as it sounds) got thrown in because I liked it.

That made 9 outfits. If I'd restrained, I could have had 10, enough to have a different outfit every day for 2 weeks, though I'd need to do weekly laundry. As it is, I don't mind the 1-day guaranteed overlap.

I was also able to buy one pair of black shoes, solid yet fairly attractive. Having only black and gray pants meant I only need the one pair.

Eventually, I plan to purchase some brown or tan pants, which will hopefully go with at least half my tops (blue, burgundy, and black come to mind) but I know I'd have to budget for shoes so I'm waiting right now.

Note, lots of this applies to men as well. I'd advise getting a few good ties, perhaps in solid colors like black, silver, and blue (depending on your tastes). Try to pick them out based on how many shirts they match. Mr. Micah, for example, has black, silver, and dark red. He can wear them with any outfit and I've noticed the subtle differences his choice makes.

Second, stick to classic looks

Trends may be fun, but it's best to keep most of your items classic. This means you won't have to buy new clothes every time they go out of style. We're talking frugal, after all. Plus, if you buy good quality (whether on sale or consignment or thrift), they'll last longer. In the long run, this is much more efficient than buying lots of new cheap stuff every season.

I tend to think of simple blouses, turtleneck sweaters (with taste), and stylish fitted tees (with taste) as simple classic. Kimono sleeves, funky patterns, and peasant blouses--less so. Obviously, you have to decide what's right for you. If you have room, add a few fashionable pieces each year which fit your personal style. But don't build your wardrobe around them.

Third, start out with enough and expand slowly

I have enough blouses for every day of the week. Several are ¾ sleeves, which makes them good for summer or winter. Not only that, but they make 9 outfits total. Not much variety, but that's not a problem at my job.

There's a small amount in my budget for new items each month, about $20-40. That's about 1 shirt or pair of pants, almost always on sale or consignment. If you move slowly with that kind of budget, you can actually afford Ann Taylor tops and the like (on sale)! Much better than spending more and loading up on cheaper ones.

Of course, if you've got mad skills like Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic, please disregard this entire piece. Go forth and be frugal and find amazing deals within your budget.

But if you're like me, I encourage you to develop a shopping plan and a wardrobe plan. This may not mean anything more than making a conscious effort to buy tops which go with at least 2 bottoms or bottoms that go with at least 5 tops. For me, it takes a lot of the stress and regret out of shopping.