It’s safe to say we all like to look our best. Nothing puts a spring in our step more than when we’re feeling pulled together and looking fabulous. We walk taller, speak with more confidence and have more authority.

But what do you do when you’re feeling a bit flat and like your wardrobe could do with at best, some new additions or at worst, a total fashion overhaul. What do you do when you want to treat yourself to some new clothing, but only have the smallest of budgets?

Well my friends, let me help you. Looking fabulous and fashionable does not have to cost as much as you think. Here are four ways to make that happen which won’t break the bank.

1) FIND THE FRIENDS IN YOUR WARDROBE

Please, before you do anything, do this. Often when we think we have nothing to wear, the answer isn’t spending lots of money on new clothes but considering what we already have that works and which we love.

I know how it feels, I’ve been there too. I’ve opened my wardrobe doors and exclaimed “I have nothing to wear!” at the top of my lungs whilst staring into a closest stuffed to the brim with clothes. But let’s face it, most of us, indeed if not all of us, do have at the least a number of items in our wardrobes that we love, which fit and make us feel rather lovely.

So find those first. Dig out those faithful friends. See if some of your items will work well together. And then consider any gaps or what you could buy to inject a little more style or drama. Dedicate a few hours to doing this and I promise you’ll be astonished at how much you find.

2) CONSIDER DIFFERENT SHOPS

Forget about the usual places you shop, perhaps even forget about the cheap and affordable retailers that we all know about and consider cost per wear. Try charity shops instead for fantastic pre-loved fashionable clothing or if you find a current trend that you absolutely love hop on eBay and see if you can find a vintage version that’s more affordable and better made.

Or consider spending more money on an item that you know you’ll wear for a number of years but use online catalogues to make it more affordable. You can pay monthly online catalogues in instalments which is always handy, especially if you need to invest in a new coat or suit for work. (Please do make sure you can afford the payments though and that you’re investing in a piece that you love!)

3) SWAP WITH YOUR MATES

How many times have you found something in your wardrobe that doesn’t work for you but you can imagine would look totally amazing on your friend? Clothes swap parties are so popular right now and for very good reason. They won’t cost you a penny yet if you’re lucky, you can go home with a bag of new fashionable items to wear whilst also giving a new home to those items that have been taking up room in your closet.

So why not get your friends together, ask them to bring 4 or 5 pieces of clothing that they don’t wear (or have never worn!) and do a swap shop! It’s a great way to spend a few hours and it’s a brilliant way of updating your style whilst looking after the environment too.

4) THINK ACCESSORIES

Sometimes it’s not our clothes which are ‘out of style’ but the accessories that we may wear with them. So if budget is super tight, forget about clothes and think how can you update a few of your key looks with a new belt, necklace or pair of shoes. Accessories are much cheaper, often last longer and yet can transform the pieces you already own as quick as a flash.