A lot of businesses, and people, have had their ups and downs this year in 2023. The economy’s been weird for several years and it seems like a lot of us are focusing in on being more responsible with money. That’s the case for me, and yet, I feel like I’m so ready to make the most of my wardrobe–and yes–it’s possible to look great on a budget.

Cheap Clothes Everywhere, but Nothing Fit to Wear

Have you ever been to the mall and spent hours walking around at the different stores, trying a million things on, and nothing looks amazing? This happens all the time now, and I feel like it wasn’t always this hard to find nice clothes that fit well. Don’t get me wrong – it’s still possible to find amazing clothes, but you’re going to pay *a lot* more.

There’s an abundance of very cheap clothes right now. It’s never been cheaper to fill out your wardrobe. But what I’ve found is that most of those cheaper clothes just don’t look right for whatever reason. It’s either kind of ugly, tacky, too generic or doesn’t fit well.

I find that a lot of the more mainstream brands (take Target for example) are trying to appeal to *everyone*. The problem is that people are all different sizes, shapes and colors. In the process of trying to market clothes to everyone, they generally cut their clothes in a very generic way that doesn’t really flatter anyone.

The Solution to an Abundance of Cheap Generic Clothing

Have you ever looked at your closet thinking, “Wow, I have a lot of clothes! So why does it feel like I never have anything to wear?”

This was me for years. Yes, part of the problem was stress — when I’m stressed I tend to want to wear only comfortable yet frumpy clothes. But I also couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t able to maximize what I had that *was* cute.

I also discovered that in order to have a closet full of amazing, beautiful clothes that fit well–for a reasonable price–you have to get creative. Otherwise you’re going to feel like your closet is too generic, and not inspiring.

Thrifting and tailoring are two of the best ways to get creative with your wardrobe on a budget.

Thrifting is the Best!

Thrifting is surprisingly rewarding. It’s like a treasure hunt. And it’s the *only* way to get a truly unique wardrobe that could potentially express your style.

When you thrift well, especially when it’s vintage, your wardrobe lasts longer (because it’s not tied to a recent trend).

The Challenges of Thrifting

I’ve always loved thrifting, but honestly, only in certain areas. The Goodwills in Northern Virginia, where I used to live, were totally uninspiring. The donators in general didn’t have great style. In LA, a very fashion-oriented area, thrifting is so rewarding!

But even if you live in a great thrifting town in LA, you might not have the time. For years I didn’t – and that’s when I discovered Poshmark. What a game changer. So many nights I’d be too exhausted to go shopping, but I could sit and shop from the couch.

It’s so much more efficient to shop online on secondhand platforms like Poshmark, Depop. Thrifting can take HOURS to find one amazing piece. You’ll pay more than you would if you went to Goodwill yourself, but much less than if you bought new from the stores. And you save a ton of time.

Tailoring turns s a “Blah” piece, into a “Wow” piece

Like I mentioned earlier, most clothes at the mall is probably not cut for your specific body type. If you can afford higher-end brands, those pieces might be cut nicer, or you can search to find which brands tend to be cut best for your body type, but this can get expensive.

You might have also heard this idea going around on Tiktok and other social media that goes something like, “The secret to how the wealthy look so good in their clothes is to tailor everything.”

When you tailor something, you’re customizing it to *your* body, and it will look 10x more amazing. But that gets very expensive.

This is why I’m learning to sew. I’ve had so many adorable pieces in my closet for years that I never wore because it doesn’t look *perfect*. The waist needs a little cinching. The hem on the legs needs to be let out an inch.

I’ve already started fixing all these cute items, and it’s been a game changer. I’m finally wearing these clothes that have sat in my closet for years, and I feel like my closet is coming to life! Thank you sewing machine!!

Getting Creative in 2024

So if you’re like me and you’re trying to have fun with your closet, and look better than ever this year, without breaking the bank, trust me: thrift and tailor.

I’ve started a new Youtube channel about this topic! If you’re interested in tailoring your own clothes, it’s not that complex, and I’ll be doing this and some other sewing projects, in addition to thrifting-related videos.

And if you love thrifting but can’t make it in person, either because of your location or lack of time/energy, online is the way to go. If you’re also needing some style inspo, feel free to shop my online closet. I love curating super unique pieces that can’t be found in the malls, and I like to pair pieces into outfits to create entire looks. It’s so much easier that way.

Happy shopping, and may your 2024 closet be the best ever!