4 Simple Tips for Amping Up Your Style

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I had not intended to write a post about saving money on fashion and wardrobe today but, then this video on Tedx Talk about the 10-Item Wardrobe crossed my path. I found it to be inspiring and it may help you re-think your shopping habits.

Something I've noticed about myself, is that even when I have too many choices, I still find myself wearing the same old favorites over and over or feeling like I have nothing to wear.

I love the speakers comment about how we turn to just wearing workout clothes when we have too many clothes even, when we aren't working out. Can anyone relate to the Yoga Pant Syndrome?

While I am definitely not a style blogger and don't proclaim to be a fashionista, I do know a little something about deal blogs. There are times when money saving sites actually encourage over spending by appealing to our sense of urgency. I am a big fan of a simple life and that includes my wardrobe. For me, it clears the mind of clutter making you less stressed out about what to wear, simplifies the home by using less space and, not to mention, costs a whole lot less money.

Here are 4 tips for amping up your fashion style and simplifying your life that I've learned along the way. Hopefully these tips will help remind you to stop and consider the next time you head to the check out lane with that great bargain you found on clothing.

1. Wear What You Own or Don't Bother Owning It:

You would not buy food you don't eat. If you aren't wearing everything you own regularly, then why are you keeping it? We've all been in the “one day” mindset. One day it will fit me again, One day it will be in style again, One day I will love this top that I got for such a great bargain or paid too much for. In reality, these items should be cleared out. Clearing the clutter will free your mind of the One Day syndrome.

Wondering what to do with your old clothing? Check out this post for some tips on how you can make some big moolah on those old items and remember there are always people in need of donations. I like to donate my clothing to women's shelters.

2. Know What Colors Work for You:

I love the color red! My car is red, my dishes are red, I have a yard full of red flowers. I even have two walls in my home painted, yep… red. I seem to gravitate to red clothes too. However, Red is not my color for clothing, I look like a walking Stop sign. I have learned this more than once by costly red clothing mistakes. While I have kept one Red Dress over the years for Red Dress day, I've learned I can never, ever buy red clothes.

Finding your color pallet can be a bit difficult. Take note when someone points out that you look great in a certain outfit, it's probably the color. Ask your friends what color they think of when they think of you. Try asking on Facebook and see what your friends say.

There's a fun FREE “Find your Color” quiz you can try online here. I don't know how accurate it is but, it did come up with my best colors. You might also consider a fashion consult. While I have not personally had a style consultation, I've heard great things about Utah's Alicia Richmond, from Chic on a Shoestring and the tips she has to offer for dressing for your body type.

3. Mix and Match:

Never buy something that can only be worn with one item. Instead, try and buy only things that can be worn with everything in your closet. This doesn't mean you have to have a boring black and white wardrobe. I have a few pairs of multi colored pants, chances are if you bump into me, I'll be wearing one of them. They literally go with nearly every top in my closet. Add a couple of swimsuits and couple pairs of shorts to the pic above and viola, I'm packed for a cruise.

We've pinned tons of great Mix and Match ideas on our Pinterest Fashion and Bling board. Head on over and check them out.

4. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize:

Did I mention accessorize? Just a few simple accessories can make a big difference. Adding them can not only spruce up a small wardrobe in amazing ways, it can also give you the attention getting dramatic look you may crave. I think this is why I'm such a sucker for a $10 shoe deal. A cheap pair of shoes is probably my favorite accessory :).

Yesterday, for example, I broke out a super sassy, gaudy ring and beaded necklace and got tons of compliments on it all day. A little secret, I use that same ring around my neck as a tie for scarves and the necklace does double duty at my waist. The total cost for both pieces was $2.45, on clearance of coarse. I own lots of costume type jewelry like this that I find super cheap on Amazon.  You can check out this link for items under $5.00, most have free shipping too.

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Try experimenting with scarves too. They can make a plain top be any color you want. You can buy them or even make them easily. Check out the video above for 25 easy ways to tie them.

What's your favorite trick to making your clothing do triple duty?