Just because your wallet is shrinking doesn't mean your style has to. Fashion experts assure that even if you scrimp on budget, you can still look a million bucks. All you need is a little bit of imagination and creativity.
Some of the classic tricks to dressing up on a very tight budget include going for the sales racks, second-hand stores, souqs, garage sales that are teeming with random fashion pieces and even holding a swap party.
It is important to bear in mind that investing in good-quality, timeless items can help you save money in the long run, as well as plain dark-coloured outfits. Another great buys are accessories, as they can do wonders to a simple outfit.
For the lower-end of the market, Vanessa Northway, academic head and senior teaching fellow at the School of Textiles and Design, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus, suggests value stores that offer throw-away-fashion at rock-bottom prices.
A trip to the souq will also be worth it, as you will certainly find affordable pieces that can glam up your look, such as ornate dress jewellery and silk pashminas for added elegance or a non-label handbag made of leather.
"The souqs are tricky to get to sometimes, and usually busy on a Friday or on weekends when you actually have time to go. But if you can get there and can stay calm under the hustle and bustle, then there are pieces worth buying to jazz up your wardrobe that don't break the bank," she says.
‘Super cheap' tailor
If none of the items in the shops appeal to you, try shopping around for tailors in non-touristy places. Look for some fabrics, sketch that style idea in your head and present it to a "super cheap" tailor and you're sure to get a custom outfit that costs a lot less.
For the fashionistas who can't live without the label and the budget has dwindled, the growing second-hand market in Dubai is a good option. Buying designer used clothes and accessories online or rummaging through piles of hand-me-downs at a garage sale is likely to yield some great results.
"[Also] consider pieces that are not screaming out this year's trends but are more adaptable for next autumn too, something a little more timeless," Northway advises.
If you are not too concerned with the actual brand but want the look, Northway says there are ample opportunities to get more for less.
"I suggest classic pieces that are on sale or for those who are not bothered about that designer label, then head to [shops like] Matalan, H&M and good old Marks & Sparks or Debenhams... They have a selection of designer ranges for high-street prices."
Mark Timmins, director of fashion at the School of Textiles and Design, Heriot-Watt University, says holding a swap party, where friends can exchange their clothes and accessories without spending a dirham, is another money-saving option.
"The idea of a swap party is a brilliant one, an opportunity to keep in touch with your friends, try out a new you without having to lay out loads of money and be green in the process," Timmins notes.
Yolanda Joubert, senior buyer for ladies footwear at Shoe Mart, agrees, saying that a clothing swap will go down well for some people.
Trading impulse buys
"It's a trend observed closely in fashion hubs such as New York and Paris. Many times, we purchase an expensive piece for a special occasion and never wear it again. I think a clothing swap is a great way for friends to come together and trade those impulse buys or rarely worn articles," she adds.
If you still have money to spare for shopping, Timmins suggests saving it up until the sales period. Or if you do feel the need to window-shop, it's best to hit the malls with only enough money for some lunch and the taxi fare home.
"Avoid shopping just when the new season's ranges are in the shops. Try to wait for the sales and ask [yourself] if you really need it," Timmins says.
He also recommends restyling or jazzing up your existing wardrobe. All you need to do is check out the latest trends in the magazines and see if you have something similar in your wardrobe which could be updated by simply adding an accessory that's in tune with the season's hot colour.
"Take the scissors to your current wardrobe and restyle some key pieces by taking a long sleeve to a short or cutting your jeans… Add buttons, ribbons, sequins to old clothes or bags and make them new," he adds.
Jourbert agrees that a garment can be transformed by simply changing the buttons. Adding a splash of colour is also an easy and inexpensive way to revamp your wardrobe.
"This autumn, the must-have colours will be violet, jade, Russian pink and cobalt blue, so remember to add a few of these tones to your closet for an instant update.
"You don't need to spend a fortune either, just add something small such as a bag, a pair of shoes or a scarf," she advises.
