Recession dressing – 10 easy ways to save money on clothes and still look great

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Recession dressing – 10 easy ways to save money on clothes and still look great

There are many ways to save money on your wardrobe without compromising on style. Teena Lyons shows you how

1. Don't buy - borrow. If there is an important event that absolutely needs a great designer outfit and matching handbag, why not hire one? www.girlmeetsdress.com and www.handbagsfromheaven.co.uk are a great starting point. You'll look a million dollars but won't have spent a fortune.

2. Swap. Label-lovers can swap fashions they are bored with for new pieces via websites such as www.whatsmineisyours.com and www.swapaholix.co.uk. There are even parties, known as swishes, where labelling swapping is the order of the day. See if there is something in your area on www.swishing.org.

3. Search for online gems. Don't pay top dollar for designer clothes – bargains of up to 80% on this season's fashions are just a click away on sites such as www.theoutnet.com, www.koodos.com and http://secretsales.com

4. Sew. If you can sew, or are willing to learn, you can save money by making a few basic alterations to your existing wardrobe. In time you may even be inspired to start some more ambitious projects – and then you'll be able to boast that you made it yourself too.

5. Go vintage. Every one knows that charity shops are a great source of bargains, particularly in affluent neighbourhoods, but why not check out the vintage fashion fairs which are happening all over the UK? More information at www.vintagefair.co.uk

6. Buy out of season. End of season sales are a great time to find classic wardrobe staples like t-shirts, jeans and underwear at vastly reduced prices. Just don't get distracted by all the other bargains.

7. Stay neutral. Don't be a fashion victim. If you buy most of your clothes in neutral colours they won't look dated when the new look comes out.

8. Buy the right size. Never, ever buy something in the wrong size in the anticipation that you will lose 10 pounds. Diet first. Treat yourself later.

9. Return it. If you change your mind about a must-have dress when you get home, take it back. It will not grow on you.

10. Buy less. You don't have to abstain completely, but choose a moment to take stock of your wardrobe. Your inventory may show you need more summer T-shirts, but it might also reveal a stash of hardly-worn treasures.

Written by Teena Lyons, the opinions in this article are the author's own and for general information only. Always seek independent advice. This article was published on June 18, 2009.