How to Look Stylish Without Breaking The Bank

You can't go through social media these days without seeing posts of clothes vendors.

They sell beautiful, high quality and stunning outfits.

But the thing is, their prices are almost alarming, for example a simple jumpsuit costing around 40,000 naira, ( approximately $24 ) or a simple crop top costing around 15,000 naira,

(about $10)

Now, to someone living and working abroad or earning in US dollars, it may not seem like a lot, but to the ordinary everyday Nigerian living and working in Nigeria, that's a lot and some person's month end salary.

I understand that the country's current situation contributes to the high cost of things, but let's be realistic here.

How many Nigerians can actually afford to spend such amount on clothes?

Yes people buy them, I see these vendors selling out all the time, but I do know that a lot of people can't afford it either.

That is why I have put this blog post together, if you're someone who can't afford such items and is struggling, whether you're Nigerian or not, you'd find alternatives here as you read further.

Being stylish doesn't mean you have to overspend, that's one misconception out there.

You can look absolutely stunning without breaking the bank, you just have to throw away some of the mentalities you already have and be smart :-)

Here are 5 ways you can look stylish on a budget 

1. Thrift Clothes

We all know what thrift clothes are right? Well if you don't, thrift clothes is popularly referred to as Okrika. Thrift is the formal name for it, so if you got confused with the word "thrift" , well, I'm talking about Okrika, in Delta state, we call it "Gbogbo"

Okrika has been in existence for as long as I can remember and has helped so many Nigerians, 

If not for Okrika, how can the everyday Nigerian be able to afford original Zara or Gucci?

Growing up, I looked forward to market days because of Okrika, I would follow my Mother to the market to get quality Okrika outfits for very cheap prices, and the fun part, these outfits were unique, and you would hardly find a copy elsewhere.

Infact, you can find popular brands in Okrika as well, like Zara, forever 21, Gucci etc

So if you're struggling with your wardrobe right now, please embrace Okrika, it will help you immensely.

Go to the market, find good deals and bargain, with a 100,000 naira or less, depending on your budget, you'd get a lot of unique, stylish and fashionable outfits. Buy as much as you can afford, go home, wash, iron, then mix and match.

Trust me, you'd look very stylish and fall in love with Okrika.

2. Buying Directly From China

Another way to look stylish without breaking the bank is to buy your fashion items directly from china.

You may think this is tedious, but it's not.

It's actually very easy. All you need to do is to download the Ali express or Temu app on your phone.

Install it, sign up and find stunning outfits of your choice. Plus most of the items are very affordable with free shipping, so it's a win win.

Tips

Just make sure to check the reviews carefully before buying, and avoid items without reviews.

There's nothing you can't buy here, infact I buy most of my stuffs from Ali express and Temu, including original human hair and I have no regrets so far.

3. Shop at your local market

These days, the internet has taken over, and almost everything we do is online. Most people have even forgotten that there are brick and mortar stores selling fashion items lol.

One way to shop on a budget is to visit your local market, yes you can find stunning outfits at your local market that are not thrifts.

Some of these outfits are from made in Nigeria Aba, while some are imported from China and different parts of the world by these market sellers.

Infact, some of your favourite online vendors, go to these local markets to source for stunning outfits and then sell them online at exorbitant prices.

So why not be smarter than your vendor? Lol

Just take your self down to your local market and shop girl :-)

4. Sales and Clearance 

Another way to shop smart without breaking the bank is to wait for sales and clearance.

Maybe you have a favourite vendor that you follow on social media, but can't afford their prices.

All you have to do is to be patient, because at one point, clothes vendors would run sales.

The reason is because, you don't actually get to sell out everything when it comes to fashion.

There are some things that people just won't buy at certain prices and can only be sold when the price is reduced.

And then, when a vendor wants to restock, they tend to want to clear their store, so the old stocks are sold as clearance.

So as a smart person, who does not want to break the bank for fashion, simply wait for sales and clearances.

5. Make Your Own Clothes

Ok this one is for my fellow fashion designers. If you're a fashion designer on a budget, you can simply make your own clothes.

Infact, I make my own clothes and I hardly buy outfits, except for few occasions.

Fashion designing doesn't have to be Asoebi or Owambe everytime.

You can make gorgeous and stunning everyday outfits for yourself, just know the right materials to use and you're good to go.

For those who are not fashion designers, you can patronise ready to wear Nigerian made brands, or the tailor in your street.

It's still more affordable than designer brands.

You can patronise me too, I will be launching my RTW brand very soon, at affordable prices :-)

Besides looking stylish on a budget, you need to learn how to take care of your clothes, so they can last longer. Else you will keep spending money on fashion.

Use good soaps, follow washing Instructions and properly store.

Finally, looking stylish on a budget is cool, but remember you have to be confident to pull it off.

There's a saying

"Confidence is the best Accessory"

So regardless of what you're wearing, you need confidence to complete your look and just be yourself.

Image Source - All images are for illustration purposes, created by me using Bing Image Creator.