Many of us have surely been in the situation, when we find ourselves clutching the lustrous new Vogue or Numero with one hand, while sobbing and counting our pennies with the other…
Well, if you are a student on a low-budget, looking for a job or have a baby on the way, but still refuse to give up your fresh /cute /up- to -date/ all -rights -reserved look, why don`t go through these tips. Might not be the most helpful ones, but are at least tested.

1. Focus: Even if you can`t afford a full outfit of brand –labeled pieces, make sure you have one first class designer item. Thus you could dress simply, and put the accent on the said item, matching the other elements to it. It could be a skirt, shirt, jacket, shoes. Or one of the five most essential accessories- sunglasses, hat, scarf, watch, bag. Use the money you got for your birthday and buy a crispy new one, or go treasure hunting to the vintage shop around the corner. What you pick is up to you, just be careful to choose things that show class, originality, or both. Don`t forget, you are going to put it through a lot of rotation, you don`t want something expensive but somehow lame that will start boring you in 3 days ….

2. Texture quality: Watch out the material of the clothes that catch your eye. High quality fabrics doesn`t necessarily mean expensive. Good texture wears longer and feels better (you know that not feeling good in what you wear equals not feeling good in your skin…and that will show on your face…) Avoid textiles containing more than 50% synthetic.

3. Mismatches: Match patterns that look impossible to match on first look. Who said brown and black don`t go along together? No, no, that`s old. Brown pants suit with a tight high -neck black top and golden jewels – stylish! Or the other way around – try a Lacroix or Kenzo type of matching, the patchwork kind of thing with many beautiful colors and geometric combinations– that is so nonchalantly elegant.

4. Killer hair style: Find a hairstyle that will show you off. Hint- this year`s trend nods towards the bob. You don`t need to make it too short, don`t do anything extreme, just add this little touch which will freshen you up and make you feel special again.

5. The smart shopper: Don`t spend money on stuff which will look good enough on you without being a brand product, such as tights or socks. There are plenty of them in all variations, everywhere. The other way around is true too- don`t buy a designer`s piece just because you found it on sale, if it doesn`t suit your body structure or style.

6. Be creative: Yes, it is not that hard. For one thing- avoid the one-pattern look, stereotypes are enemies of fashion. Don`t spend every day of the week walking around in tunic dress, tights and flats, or skinny jeans tucked into knee high boots.
For another thing- experiment with what you already have. Here is a pretty simple one which I think works when the rest of your outfit is too much on the sober side. Get a silk scarf, put it around your neck without tying it. Put both ends of the scarf through a small beautiful ring. Move the ring all the way up as if you are fastening a neck tie…and you get a female version of a neck tie! That would look fabulous with a half unbuttoned white shirt (if you can afford a Jil Sander one, or something looking like a Jil Sander..)or a Dior Homme type of vest…wow!