6 ways to update your look for 2021 – on a budget
Want to breathe life back into your wardrobe without breaking the bank? Read on for some savvy, money-saving tips.
Sponsored by humm90. Built to shop, with up to 110 days interest free. From a trolley of groceries to a luxury lounge, humm90 is the Mastercard that's your new interest-saving best friend. Learn more. Fashion may have taken a back seat last year, but things are finally looking up. It's the perfect time to put 2020 behind us, ditch the all-day pyjamas and embrace a fresh new look.
But what if your bank balance is looking a bit sparse after such a tough year? Don't worry. There are plenty of ways to reinvigorate your wardrobe without blowing your budget. We've got you.
Raid your current wardrobe
We'd encourage every money-conscious stylista to revisit their wardrobe. Lots of us lived in comfy loungewear through COVID, so it's likely you've forgotten about some star pieces stuffed at the back of your wardrobe.
We recommend pulling everything out, so you can get a good look at what you've really got. If there's anything that's good quality but you know you won't wear, try selling or swapping it.
Shop second-hand
Whether it's your local market, OpShop, Depop or even Facebook Marketplace, there are heaps of bargains to be had by shopping second-hand. It's also the most sustainable way to shop, so it's guilt-free and kind on your bank account too.
Remember, you don't have to find the perfect item off the rack. Try following an online tutorial to upcycle or adjust an item. Alternatively, you can take it to a professional to be tailored, so you can enjoy custom clothes for a fraction of the price.
Take advantage of tech
There are countless apps dedicated to making shopping easier and more affordable. They also make it more convenient to find one-of-a-kind pieces or custom-made items.
For example, Depop, eBay and Gumtree all make it easy to browse preloved and vintage clothing while the Finder app gives you access to hundreds of coupon codes and deals.
Check for deals before browsing
There's a pretty much constant rotation of brands offering deals to entice shoppers, so always search for current promotions before you start shopping.
You can check out Finder's exclusive shopping deals or search Facebook Ad Library for all ads currently running on the platform.
That way, you can see which brands have big offers on the table, and you won't waste time shopping at more expensive stores when there's a budget-friendly option elsewhere.
See if your credit card has any special offers
Credit cards aren't just about spending. More and more brands are offering rewards to customers, including cashback, money off purchases or points you can collect.
For example, humm90 runs a regular Brand Crush promotion, which gives cardholders 10% cashback on purchases from a different brand every week, via its app. Previous retail partners include City Beach, Sephora, Sunglass Hut, and many more.
If you really have to splurge on those new sunglasses, you might as well claim some money back.
Sign up to email newsletters
Lots of brands offer discounts if you sign up to a newsletter or join a membership program. They'll also send you emails when new deals are dropping and many even send out special offers on your birthday.
We know it can get annoying being blasted by emails, but we suggest creating an email account dedicated to shopping newsletters. That way, you can check which brands have offers running, without cluttering up your inbox.
Picture: GettyImages
