How to shop smarter while keeping things stylish

Not all of us were born crazy rich, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have expensive/classy tastes. We’ve all fallen in love with an amazing outfit right off the rack, only to see our dreams shatter before our eyes when it costs as much as a moderate student loan.

(Or a month’s rent in Vancouver! Got ’em.)

So if you didn’t just discover your boyfriend is the heir to an intensely wealthy family from Singapore (like the main character in a certain movie you should absolutely see in theatres), we’ve got some basic tips for how you can look like a million bucks, even if you don’t have that much in the bank.

Embrace alterations

You can lose your mind trying to find an outfit that both compliments your style and fits you properly, not to mention how much you’ll end up paying in the end. This is why finding a tailor you love and trust can and will change your life.

Now, if something doesn’t fit quite perfectly, but is an amazing deal and matches your style perfectly (looking at you, sale rack), you can just bring it in for alterations. You get a better-than-perfect fit at a price you can live with, and you also get to say that your new outfit was custom-tailored. #humblebrag

Know your style inside and out

We’ve all been there: You see a bold, beautiful top on a mannequin, almost daring you to take it home right then and there. So you do, because you can imagine a hundred situations where you’ve wanted something just like that, and how it represents the next step in your style evolution.

Until you take it home, compare it to the rest of your closet, and realize you’ve spent a couple of bills on an outfit you’ll most likely wear to the club once and never wear again. Once you understand and respect what your everyday style is, you can make sure everything you buy will fit perfectly into your existing roster.

Find a style inspiration and stick to it

Finding your own style is like finding your own creative voice; it takes time and usually involves a good deal of copying others first. So if you see someone on IG who has never worn an outfit you wouldn’t fight for, don’t just creep; use their style as a guide for how to grow your own.

Love what a character was wearing in your favourite show? Don’t chalk it up to Hollywood stylists; visit Worn on TV and find the exact outfit so you can work towards replicating your own version.

Think outside the box

Once you have those points down, it’s time for your final test: Bringing your passion for fashion into the world outside malls and high-end stores. Thrift stores, boutique shops, outlet malls, and clearance sales can be an amazing opportunity for you to add a huge amount of class and wealth to your look without breaking the bank. It’s all about using your head.

Find a designer you love at a thrift store, but in a size that can’t work for you, even with alterations? Take a note of them and hunt them down later. No good second-hand stores in your area? Take the search online through sites like ThredUp and Poshmark. Looking for a low-risk way to dip your toes into a new style? Sign up for a clothing subscription box service that allows substitutions.

Whether you’re looking for a new summer style, gearing up for the end up wedding season, or just want to have a fun outfit for when you go out for a wine and movie night with friends, you can make it happen without being crazy rich.

And in case you didn’t get the hint: Make your next movie night into an unforgettable time by catching Crazy Rich Asians in theatres now.