How to be stylish during a recession

Times are tough in Britain with the economy heading for a ‘triple dip’ right before the new financial year. After paying their rent and bills and grocery shopping, how are students or minimum wage workers meant to afford luxe wardrobe pieces? We have come up with three inexpensive ways to cheat your way to remaining stylish during the recession, without breaking the bank.

1. Embellished/ Dyed cut-offs

A wardrobe staple for the summer months that are equally cool worn over tights when London’s chill sets in are denim shorts. Chain stores like Topshop, River Island and New Look usually sell a pair from £20-£45. Before you head for Oxford Street look into your drawers and chances are you’ll find a pair of old jeans that you don’t wear anymore. The key is to cut them longer leaving room for error, don’t panic the look isn’t meant to be polished or perfect by any means. Once the shorts are cut it’s time to get creative, you can dye them, sew studs or fabric patches on or buy a stencil and some fabric paint. The choices are endless. If you don’t have a pair of old jeans head for local charity store and work your way through the racks.

2. Pretty Silk Scarves

 Load up on simple silk scarves. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save on fashion purchases when you use these wisely. Silk scarves can be found at markets like Portobello Road for £1-£3 each in various designs and colours. Not just for around your neck these low-cost beauties make pretty head scarves and they’re a great way to make an old basic handbag look like it’s just come fresh off the runway.

3. Adorable Ballet Flats or High Heels

Spice up your footwear collection by taking an old pair of flats or heels, or an inexpensive pair from Primark. You want plain flats for this as you’re going to add your own flair to them. Studs and sequins, also silk scarves come in handy for this DIY project. Using a needle and thread you can sew fabric onto front of shoe in a pretty bow or separate sequins in your chosen pattern.  

With a little creative thought and some spare time your piggy bank will be overflowing in no time.

Kim Pennefather