Compared to 3 years ago, this year’s shopping funds have undoubtedly been cut in half. Many salaries cannot currently afford stretch gabardine cigarette trousers from Michael Kors fall 09′ collection, however your style can still improve and grow dramatically this year by adapting & innovating during these certain circumstances. The best way to avoid the recession fashion slump is to get creative. The wonderful thing about being creative is that there are no rules or limitations. Below is a compilation of inventive ideas that can help save or improve your style during this desolate period:

“All you need is your own imagination, so use it that’s what it’s for. Go inside, for your finest inspiration, your dreams will open the door.” Vogue by Madonna

1). Update & improvise

This might mean a simple hem alteration, adding angled shoulder pads to a blazer, or completely changing the length of a dress from floor to cocktail. Look for new ideas in recent fashion ads or celebrity photos. When you find a look that you like, see if you have something similar in your closet to replicate or tweak, making it work for you. Also look through InStyle & Vogue to find ideas and online at fabsugar.com or style.com. You don’t have to be a seamstress to keep your wardrobe updated or have an AmEx to stay stylish. Being aware of trends and modifying your current wardrobe is a chic and necessary way of “survival”.

2). Host a clothes swapping party

Clothes swapping parties are the new hottest trend – think of it as a young, fresh replacement for your Mom’s old pampered chef parties. Every attendee brings a selected number of clothing pieces or accessories they would like to swap out of their wardrobe. Each person chooses an item and then donates any articles not chosen to charity. You can switch up the method by adding a theme. Ex: 80s or cruise wear, spring cleaning, etc. This party is an inexpensive way to discard something you don’t wear often and receive a new piece while enjoying the company of friends.

3). Go “dirty”, go vintage

What is vintage clothing? The term vintage in fashion refers to an older fabric, style or piece, typically representative of its time. What should one look for when going vintage shopping? Many people make the mistake of looking only for a brand name. Try looking for unusual textures or a piece you can update. When you find a selection that you like, think of a more modern piece in your closet that you can pair it with. You can’t go wrong pairing something old with something new.

The best real, dig-in-the-boxes vintage store I’ve ever been to is in Paris called Free P Star located in the Marais district. Unfortunately, even exploring NYC I have yet to find something comparable in the U.S. However if you aren’t traveling abroad anytime soon, don’t worry; independent thrift stores in the U.S. usually provide the best selection. Once I found a chain white necklace from a random senior citizen neighborhood sale that I have been complimented on over 20 times. Vintage shopping can sometimes take more effort but is less expensive than a routine mall trip and more rewarding when you walk away with a one-of-a-kind piece.

4). Abuse the basics

“I’ve always thought of the T-shirt as the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet.” Giorgio Armani

Basics are undervalued. They are the classic backdrop for any fabulous ensemble. Think of the white t-shirt as a white canvas. Basics have an infinite amount of possibilities and are the epitome of a classic look. Remember that basics are not only t-shirts. Basics should be infiltrated as an option into every part of your wardrobe. Ex: pants, dress, tees, bags, shoes, dresses, scarves, etc. Owning a good selection of basics makes it easier to be creative and free when choosing an outfit from your closet.

5). Switch, swatch

Accessories! Accessories make or break an outfit. Jewelry is not the only item in the accessory genre. Creating a complete outfit involves observing every aspect of the look. This includes shoes, bag, hair & makeup plus jewelry. One of the most important rules when deciding on accessories is to not distract, but rather fully maximize & compliment the chosen highlighted article or body part. You can make the most & stretch your wardrobe the furthest by switching up your accessories. Ex: Taking a dress & switching the base color theme from brown to black, changing straight hair to a chignon, wearing peeptoe heels instead of stilettos, and switching from smoky to natural eye makeup help create a whole new look.

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