How to Embrace Your Unique Style Without Breaking the Bank

1. Define Your Vibe, Not Your Labels

Have you ever been told that fashion labels define one’s style? Well, I beg to differ. Let me ask you this: does the designer name embossed on a bag make it style? No. How about the vibe one brings to the table? Absolutely! That’s what style is all about. Ever since getting a bag with a logo never made sense to me because of how compelling owning a piece of fashion style serves. Style is about who you are which makes life easy. In its absence, understanding what makes you you with style will always be tricky.

Instead of focusing on purchasing pieces, start answering the questions for self reflection stated earlier. When do you feel unstoppable? What colours speak to you the most? Which silhouettes match your mood and flatter your body? Maybe you love cardigans and earrings or something sleek like blazers with sneakers or the socks.

To navigate Instagram or Pinterest, go ahead and check out the profile of @stylebyaliya for amazing personality-filled clothes on a budget and feel free to draw inspiration from there. Make sure to write down three words which describe your optimal fitting pieces of attire. Mine have always encompassed the following words: bold, comfortable, and eclectic. Surprised that without spending $8,500 on a bag I will not have my spending altered? Everyone should be.

Pro Tip: Insisting on not “looking cheap”? Start putting your focus on fit and high-quality fabric. By doing so, the probability of having a tailored 20-dollar thrift store dress outshine a misfitting designer piece drastically increases.

2. Shop Smart, Not Flashy

Perhaps you were considering interjecting: “But designer stuff just feels special!” It’s easy to get lured in by the thought of owning something exclusive, but the reality is that many ‘designer’ brands are actually preying on people who can’t afford to spend exorbitantly by trying to sell us this notion of “looking rich.” Instead of falling for that, open your eyes and try to be a little bit of savvy shopper. Don’t forget to check out Mango or Ever Lane or even TJ Maxx where high quality items are sold at much more reasonable prices.

One of my friends, Sarah, saved up for months just to buy her dream designer bag which cost $3500. To her surprise, she realized that the bag didn’t bring her any more joy than her $50 thrift store handbag. The logic here is that people should focus more on timeless pieces instead of trendy logos. You would want to have classic blazers, jeans, or leather tote bags that will be in style for years to come. Want to feel luxurious without spending a fortune? Look for top-shelf items on websites like Postmark or ThredUp. And if you’re adamant about getting a designer item, set aside some money to buy a well-priced accessories like a belt or a scarf which can still elevate an outfit without emptying your wallet.

Pro Tip: Create a financial plan, and make sure to follow it. Before making a purchase, consider this: “Will this still spark joy in a year?” If the answer is no, then keep scrolling. 

3. Invest in Experiences, Not Status Symbols 

Why use fancy terms like opportunity cost? Because it’s worth it for this instance. Every dollar spent on a designer item is a dollar siphoned off from your joy, a weekend getaway, or even a cooking class. For me, it was spending $200 on a designer scarf vs. taking a pottery workshop. The quirky mug I made (and still use) brings me way more happiness than any logo ever could. 

Before you go making unwise purchases, the next time you have a pricey item on your sight, take a moment and carefully visualize what other opportunities say money could facilitate. Example: Spend $3,500 on a new designer bag and watch it grow to (in 10 years) over $10,000 if invested in a low-cost index fund (with an average 11.8% annual return). That isn’t only money—it’s time. Time to travel, to learn, to live. Next time you’re tempted, ask yourself: “Is this bag worth six weeks of my working life?” Spoiler: It rarely is.

Pro Tip: Consider establishing a “joy fund” where you save specifically for experiences instead of material possessions. Even setting aside $50 a month can accumulate to an unforgettable experience.

4. Let Go of the Comparison Trap

Social media has a nasty habit of making it seem like the entire world is dripping in Gucci while you’re stuck in last season’s H&M—you’re not alone! But the reality is a lot of that “wealth” is curated. The chances are high that most of your Favorite influencers were either gifted those designer items or paid to wear them. Focus on what cultivates confidence within you, and not on curated influencer wealth.

You might want to unfollow accounts that perpetuate your feeling of “less than” and follow accounts that celebrate real, diverse style, like @wearthechange. When I stopped chasing the so-called “rich girl aesthetic”, my confidence skyrocketed after blending high-street clothing with my thrifted treasures. Remember: A Birkin isn’t what turns heads; it’s a smile and an outfit that radiates confidence.

Pro Tip: Conduct a social media audit. Identify the accounts that make you feel inadequate and unfollow them. Determine what type of content uplifts you so the time spent on social media is rewarding.

5. Shift To More Eco-Friendly Fashion

Everyone is aware of how big fashion brands market ‘exclusivity’ as a diamond to the public’s eye. But we them tell commodities destroy unsold inventory just to maintain the false narrative of scarcity. Unbelievably, fashion is only the second most polluting industry after oil, and accounts for a staggering 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. Is that not absurd? Choosing sustainable alternatives allows you to look superb while being kind to Mother Nature.

Changing your shopping habits only requires some major thinking – buy second hand or thrift, repair clothes last instead of throwing them out, and even swap clothes with your pals. I once swapped a dress I had no other use for my friend’s jacket which they barely wore and both of us ended feeling great. Eco-friendly brands include Reformation and Patagonia, who actually make an effort to implement greener policies, and believe it or not, looks amazing. Not to mention, sustainable fashion also means better quality, so your pieces are guaranteed to last longer.

Pro Tip: Throw a clothing swap gathering with colleagues and others. Not only is this a great activity with friends, but it is incredibly fun and an opportunity to reduce waste while refreshing your wardrobe.

Cultivating your signature style does not necessarily involve spending huge sums of money or pursuing brand logos. These recommendations seek to help you build self-esteem, make choices that are in sync with your values, and save money all at once. Start small; perhaps focus on one tip this week such as curating your “mood board” or visiting a thrift shop. Have fun experimenting and remember that perfection is not the objective. You’ve got this, and you’re going to look great while doing it. What is one style decision you’re most looking forward to? Let’s keep the discussion flowing.