Fashion Cents: Dress Like a Millionaire

Dressing like a millionaire does not need to result in breaking into hives at the thought of your credit card statement.  With a few smart decisions, you can turn heads and dress to impress.  Five highlights of creative, wardrobe-enhancing strategies given below are sure to make you shine.

by Jenn Sim

1) Visit craft shoes and websites for one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. Etsy.com is a great stop for jewelry, cufflinks, vintage clothing, and other unique wares sold by artists from all over the globe.

2) Visit end-of-season sales for classic wardrobe staples. A black cocktail dress or classy oxford will always be in style.  Last season’s orange, mod prints?  Not so much, so save that fiver!

3) Do not be afraid to ask if you can purchase an item “presale” if you know a big sales event is coming up shortly. I went into a department store the day before their summer sales event and, naturally, fell in love with a dress.  The cashier informed me that I could prepay for the dress at the future sale price and pick it up on the first day of the sale, ensuring availability in my size.  Result: I snagged a gown originally priced at one hundred sixty eight dollars for a sweet fifty bucks.

4) Adore your friends’ fashion prowess?  Host a “clothing and accessories swap party.” Have everyone bring some items in great condition and current style, buy a few bottles of wine, and leave with some new-to-you pieces.  If none of your friends share your taste or size, join bigwardrobe.com, where you can offer sellers cash, swaps, or a combo of the two.  A quick view of the homepage today spotlights a men’s Panama hat and a pair of women’s Vivienne Westwood shoes.

5) Take time to care for your clothes. A scuffed and ratty shoe can easily ruin a brilliant outfit.  Small investments on items like shoetrees and waterproofing spray can add years to your outfits.