Tips from an expert: How to update your wardrobe, on a tight budget

As cost of living rises, keeping up with fashion is getting harder for many. Here’s what stylist Paula Joye says you need in your wardrobe and how to snare classic pieces at bargain prices.

Keeping an eye on sales and repurposing what you already own will help you stay stylish without going into debt. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Keeping up with the latest fashion and continuously refreshing your wardrobe can be an expensive affair.

With the cost of living high on households, flashing the plastic is out and with it a tightening of the purse strings.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay on top of what’s in fashion.

Keeping an eye on sales, using what you already own and making smart choices when shopping online will mean you can stay stylish without going into debt.

Having a plan when tackling the mid year sales currently on in department stores like Myer, tops the tips from our expert sartorial set on how to get bang for your buck.

Fashion stylist and friend of Myer Paula Joye says planning means checking online for brands you like, editing your wardrobe for pieces you actually need and making a shortlist before you hit the stores.

Face of Myer Tayla Damir with models Luke Hatton and Zoe Nieuw. Picture: Wayne Taylor

“Shop the classics. A black blazer, a three quarter woollen coat, cashmere sweater, jeans, pieces that will live in your wardrobe forever,” Joye said.

“Buy the best quality you can afford within your budget. When it comes to designer buys, stay away from trends. Think classic styles from classic designers – Calvin Klein, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste.

“I always looks for denim jackets, trench coats, cashmere roll necks and don’t forget formal wear, the mark downs are almost always significant and you just may find the perfect black dress.

Expecting her first child, a girl, to husband, AFL player Nathan Broad, model Tayla says the Myer mid year sales have come at the perfect time.

“With only a few weeks to go, I am feeling surprisingly good, although slightly nervous,” Broad said.

“I’ve been shopping up a storm for her, so these Myer mid year sales couldn’t come at a better time. I have stocked up on things for me and also some adorable pieces for her, including some Bonds onesies.”

Investing in versatile pieces that can be dressed up and down and mixed and matched into a capsule wardrobe, was her top tip to taking on the sales.

“Also now it is winter, make sure you discover the power of layering,” Broad said.

“It’s not only practical when it gets a bit chilly, but also adds depth to your outfit – play with textures, colours and lengths to create interesting and different looks.

“If you are really watching your spending – accessorise strategically. Accessories really have the power to transform any outfit so invest in statement jewellery, scarfs, belts and hats to elevate your look.”

Originally published as Tips from an expert: How to update your wardrobe, on a tight budget