15 Brilliant Tips For Looking Stylish AF On A Budget

Do I save or do I buy the shirt? 

Being the lover of fashion that I am, this question goes through my mind all the time when I go to the mall. Get a new top or pay my bills? My mind goes back and forth as I make a life-changing decision. There have been moments where I sacrificed my budget to look stylish, and in the end, was it worth it? ... No, not really. 

Scavenging around your closet to make something new and finding ways to save money in small places all adds up! Save your money and learn how to stay stylish on a budget with these 15 brilliant tips!  

1. Backwards Shirt

A button down is an essential item to have in your closet. It's perfect for work, going out, and dressing up or down. Make this shirt even more versatile by wearing it backwards! Leave it open in the back and then knot the bottoms into a bow. You've got yourself two shirts in one! 

2. Nail Growth 

Get your shellac manicure to last longer with glitter nail polish! Nail growth is quite recognizable when you get a shellac manicure, so applying glitter nail polish right on that growth will freshen up your manicure and save you from making many pricey trips to the nail salon!  

3. Stain Removal 

Sweat stains are so annoying to get rid of, so don't let them ruin your favorite shirts! Get those stubborn stains out with hydrogen peroxide, dish washing detergent, and baking soda. Mix this all up andlet the mixture sit on the stain for an hour. No sweat stains are getting in your way of being stylish! 

4. Sunglassses 

A new season means I want new everything! Suddenly, I'm not digging last year's sunglasses anymore. Jazz those shades up by gluing on your favorite crystals. All of a sudden, they became new again!

5. Tight Shoes

I always get so tempted to buy the cheap shoes I see at some retail stores, because duh, they're cheap! But I know from first hand experience to not even think about it because of all the pain they cause. Blisters everywhere, all over my foot! Now I can finally buy those shoes and make them comfortable by putting on thick socks and using a hairdryer to blow on the tight parts. Let your shoes cool while still wearing them and repeat this until you have a good fit. 

6. Chipped Nail Polish 

Chipped nail polish? Ain't nobody got time for that! Seriously, I don't have time to redo my nails. Using glitter nail polish to cover up your chipped nail polish is brilliant and super easy! Freshen up your manicure in one easy step. 

7. Makeup Tubes 

Stretch the longevity of your fleekness by opening up what you thought was empty tubes of makeup. Cut your makeup product tubes open and you will find loads of product you can still use. Save your trip to the drugstore or Sephora for another week.  

8. Jean Jacket 

Bored of your old jean jacket? New ones can get pretty pricey. Stick with your old one and reinvent it so it can become a staple in your wardrobe. Customize your own jean jacket by ironing on affordable patches.

9. Ink Stains 

If you ever have the displeasure of having a pen explode on you, I feel your pain. It is a nightmare to get it out; you have to work your fingers to the bone to get rid of the stain. Use your handy dandy hand sanitizer and hairspray to get that mess out! Don't spend money to replace your top or at the dry cleaners! 

10. Blanket Scarf

If I'm cold, tired, or lazy and I'm at home, it's normal to see me walking around the house wrapped in a blanket. If I want to proceed with my day, I have to part with my blanket, and doing that is such sweet sorrow. Keep your blanket on all throughout the day by wearing it as a scarf. Is it a scarf? Is it a blanket? That's a secret you'll never tell. Stay warm and cute! 

11. Old Blazer 

Want something new to wear, but don't have the money to go out and buy something? Story of my life! If you have an old blazer buried in the back of your closet, this DIY is perfect for you! Turn something old into something new and create a statement piece you will love. Learn how to do it here! 

12. Rhinestone Headphones 

Stay stylish from head to toe by customizing your headphones! Buy some rhinestones and glue them on! Add your personal touch by creating a unique rhinestone pattern. You just turned your headphones into an accessory, congrats! 

13. Designer Crop Top 

Create your own designer-inspired top for not even a quarter of the price! If you can't afford to drop a couple grand on a shirt, you've got to make your own! All you need is a white tank dress and scissors. A needle and thread are optional. Learn how to make it here! 

14. Odor Removal 

Wanting to wear your favorite sweater, but forgot to throw it in the washing machine the last time you wore it? Remove the odor from your sweater with a combination of vinegar and water. Vinegar is an excellent deodorizer and will naturally destroys the germs. Hang your sweater to dry and the vinegar smell go away as it dries! 

15. Flats

Got some left over school or office supplies? If you want to spruce up your flats, use your reinforcement labels and place them around your flats. Paint the inside of the reinforcement labels your choice of color, and you just easily made your own pair of polka dot flats!  

Which tip is your favorite? Do you have any tips to share? Comment to let us know! 

Main image via Why Buy it? DIY it.

Collage image via 1. Instagram / @psimadethis  2. STYLECASTER 3. PureWow