With 1 in 7 Americans in poverty, the Associated Press confirms that the level of working-age poor has hit its highest since the 1960s.
With the popular penny-pinching approach to spending since the recent economic downturn, here are several ways to be cheap chic. From affordable streetwear to home sleeping bags, these features will hopefully help those unfortunate odds.
64 Ways to be Cheap Chic
Budget Fashion to Home Fittings for 1 in 7 Americans in Poverty:
Amelia Roblin — Sep 19, 2010 — Fashion
60
Mobile Homeless Homes
The Paul Elkins Shelter is Almost Too Cozy Looking
59
Homeless Haute Couture
Steven Meisel Snaps Shabby-Chic in 'Performance' for Vogue Italia (UPDATE)
58
Target Couture
New High End Label from Target
57
Credit Crunch Prefabs
The L41 Home is Designed for Uneasy Economic Times
56
Homeless Humor
Clever Street Solicitations That Are Sure to Turn Some Heads
55
Recycled Hobo-Chic Menswear
The FFW Max Motta Editorial by Fabio Bartelt
54
Homeless Hipster Shoots
The Original Hipster is a Social Commentary on Wealth and Class
53
Multipurpose Portable Shelters
The Famiglia Grande Helps Families on Their Road to Recovery
52
Poorgeois People
Exploring the Cultural Camouflage of Under-the-Radar-Rich
51
Homeless Couture
Cheap Monday Gets a Distressed, Torn and Acid-Washed Makeover
50
Inflatable Homeless Shelters
The ParaSITE Project
49
Luxury for the Homeless (UPDATE)
Faux-Cardboard or Clochard Duvet Covers
48
Hobo Geishas
Step into the Surreal World of Igor Corzh Photography
47
Hobo Glam
Diesel Black Gold Fall 2009 Show Mixed Frumpy Streetwear With Sparkle
46
Street Life Awareness Campaigns
Jan Moucha's Subversive Homelessness Posters
45
Homeless Musican Fashion Designers
The Crazy Robertson
44
Activist Street Art
Fauxreel's 'The Unaddressed' Addresses Homelessness in Toronto
43
Tents on Wheels
Journeyman Mobile Shelter Bicycle Trailers Offer Tow-Behind Shelter
42
Social Downfall Photography
Nienke Klunder Imagines Society Woman's Descent
41
Striated Public Housing
LA's Contemporary Carver Apartments by Michael Maltzan Architecture
40
Duct Tape Accessories
Show Off Your Style Skills With DIY Duct Tape Purses and Wallets
39
Micro Car Public Discounts
NYC Offers 2-for-1 Smart Car Parking Deal
38
Hobo Workwear
Rag & Bone Spring 2011 Collection Blends Bohemian & Businessman
37
Belly Warmer
When Granny Fashion Becomes Chic
36
Homeless-Care iPhone Apps
The iHobo App Gives You a New Perspective on Street-Living
35
Hobo Chic Campaigns
Topshop Spring 2010 Denim Ads Are a Fashionable Mess
34
Destitute Dolls
New American Girl Homeless Doll Raises Questions About Morals
33
Pavement Bedsheets (UPDATE)
The Le-Trottoir Lets You Experience Homelessness at Home
32
Alternative Homeless Shelters
The EDAR Project Provides Mini Mobile Units
31
Gritty Grunge Couture
The Vogue Italia June 2010 Spread Gets Down and Dirty
30
Homeless Chic
Runways & Trend Setters Channel Fashions of the Flat-Broke
29
Hobo Clown Collections
Vivienne Westwood & Lee Jeans 'Lee Anglomania' Line Plays With Proportion
28
Paper Bag Fashion
Sasha Pivovarova Wears High Fashion Scraps for W Magazine
27
Vagabond Villas
Beautiful Spring Gardens is a Scintillating Shelter for the Homeless
26
Hobo Soup Is Hot!
25
Hobo Chic
Wunderkind Spring 2009
24
Hobo Chic Fur
Luxirare Creates an In-Between Season Coat With Floating Fur Atop Sheer Organza
23
Concrete Seats
'Concrete Things' Public Chairs by Komplot
22
A mobile "home" for the homeless
they deserve some design too!
21
Haute Hobo Gloves
The U_mag++ October Editorial Features American Gloves
20
Last-Minute Shopping Sales
Super Saturday is Black Friday for Procrastinators
19
Homeless-Inspired Fashion
Constance Jablonski is All Layers for Vogue Nippon July 2010
18
Toilet Paper Origami
This Photo Series of Wiping Methods is Hilarious
17
$1 Bus Rides
Megabus Takes Credit Crunched Tourists from Toronto to NYC (UPDATE)
16
Money Statement Art
Cash Rules Everything Around Me
15
Bag Lady Fashiontography
Black Magazine #12 Gets Dark and Eerrie
14
Recession-Priced Cruises
Affordable Ocean-Going Adventures
13
Recession-Proof Cinema
Box Offices Boom As People Look for Uplifting Entertainment
12
Poor Boy Couture
The Tim Hamilton Redux 2010 Collection has a Mischevious and Youthful Vibe
11
Designer Discount Collaborations
Luxury Brands at Payless Shoes
10
Hands-On Promotions
Lexus Dark Ride Adds Luxury Eco Driving Glove by Linda Loudermilk to Perks
9
Retail Discount Gaming
Play Uniqlo Lucky Machine Online for Clothing Discounts
8
Homeless By Choice
Student Lives In His Truck for 19 Months
7
Cardboard-Inspired Bedding
The Quilt Cover Project
6
University Discounts for Jobless Alums
St. John's Gives 50% Off Tuition for Laid-Off Grads
5
Economy-Inspired Fashion
The $14 Red Recession Dress Was Designed for the Times
4
Twitter Shopping Deals
Twitter Launched the Discount-Filled @earlybird Account
3
Credit Crunch Food Certificates
Mega Restaurant Discounts
2
Hobo Art
Jeremiah Bal's Limited-Edition Piece Made From Grocery Store Banner
1
Derelict Chic Fireplaces
The Philadelphia Fire Barrel is Just Like Being Homeless
Related Ideas
Homeless Support Backpacks
The Makeshift Traveler Backpack Has a Solar Panel and More
Affordable Decorative Pieces
SHEIN Offers Practical and Aesthetic Home Interior Accents
Affordable Midcentury-Inspired Home Decor
The IKEA RÅDMANSÖ Series Features Warm Walnut Tones
Trauma-Informed Interior Designs
IKEA Introduces Trauma-Informed Tiny House for Seniors
Conscious Closet Apps
Indyx Was Designed to Curb Unnecessary Fashion Consumption
Low-Maintenance Tiny Houses
The 'Shanti' Dwelling is Designed For Minimalist Living
Tariff-Friendly Apparel Collections
Percival Launches the USA Edit for American Shoppers
Handle-Only Fashion Handbags
Zomer Presents the No Budget Bag During Paris Fashion Week
Ultra-Stylish Baggy Sweatpants
The BetterMe Casual Drawstring Waist Sweatpants are Chic
Cost-Conscious Thanksgiving Meal Deals
The Walmart Thanksgiving Basket Feeds 10 for Under $40
Model-Approved Sportswear Collections
Sporty & Rich X Irina Shayk Unveil Timeless Essentials
Sleek Multifuntional Lifestyle Bags
two-point Introduces the BASK Bag with Various Functions
Nostalgic 70s-Inspired Apartments
The House Special Studio Designs a Compact Apartment
Collab Tailored Essentials
Victoria Beckham x Gap Reworks Denim, Tees, and Outerwear Staples
Furniture-Honoring Campaigns
IKEA Wherever Life Goes Campaign Honors Furniture as Everlasting
Designer Fashion Collaborations
Uniqlo Partners with Clare Waight Keller for Urban Collection
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Festival-Inspired Luxury Fashion Campaigns
Burberry Celebrates the Energy of British Music Culture
New Yorker-Approved Campaigns
New York’s StreetEasy Urges You to Never Become a Former New Yorker
Spring-Ready Contemporary Fashion Collections
boohoo Boasts the Spring Awakening Collection
Anniversary-Honoring Furniture Series
IKEA Presents its STOCKHOLM Collection for 2025
American Aesthetics-Focused Fashion Capsules
The Coach Spring 2026 Collection is Chic
Chic Technique-Forward Fashion Lines
Tory Burch Fall 2026 RTW Capsule Explores History and Utility
Tropically Inspired Garment Designs
Ashaki Embraces Heirloom-Quality Construction
Diet-Specific Meal Planning Systems
Passionate Penny Pincher Emphasizes Practical Frugality
Halloween Essentials Campaigns
IKEA Turns Home Essentials into Shields for Scary-Movie Nights
Revived Celebrated Home Decor
Ikea Brings Back Archives in the Nytillverkad Vintage Collection
Culture-Defining BIPOC Apparel
The 'Modern Dandy Collection' by AC Miller is a Walmart Exclusive
Urban Technical Capsules
Champion Black Edition FW25 Focuses on Minimalist Functionality
Back-to-School Fashion Collections
UNIQLO Launches Weather-Ready Wardrobe Essentials for Students
Nostalgic Youth Culture Capsules
Coach Presented Its Fall 2026 Line During New York Fashion Week
Timeless Easy-Care Clothing
XCVI Crafts Comfortable, Long-Lasting Clothing Styles
Accessible Mindful Shopping Initiatives
Style DNA Brings Sustainability to Black Friday Shopping
Nostalgic Pink Lifestyle Collections
The SHEIN x Mean Girls Collection Features Statement Pieces
70s-Style Concept Stores
Anya Hindmarch x Boots Looks Like an Apothecary with a Playful Twist
Low-Cost Home Scent Ranges
The Dollar General True Living Air Care Collection Has 12 Scents
Offbeat Fashion Campaigns
ASOS 'Inspired By' Delivers Non-Traditional Inspiration to Style-Seekers
Menu-Inspired Dorm Decor
Urban Outfitters x Chipotle Created the 'A Little Extra Dorm' Collection
Low Footprint Compact Houses
The Nano Micro House is an Affordable Living Solution
Sustainable Sleepwear Solutions
Routine Sleep Loungewear Line Redefines Cozy Comfort
Urban Deconstructed Fashion
The Louther x Carhartt WIP FW25 Capsule Reimagines Workwear Staples
Retail Advertising Campaigns
IKEA Hides Price Tags to Highlight Material Quality in a New Campaign
Back-To-School Wardrobe Pieces
The UNIQLO Kids Selection Offers Everyday Styling Essentials
Bourgeois Dress Code-Inspired Fashion
The Balenciaga Fall 2025 Haute Couture Collection is Elegant
Branded Low-Cost eCommerce Stores
Amazon Haul Offers Low-Cost Products to Attract Shoppers
Streetwear-Branded Decor Ranges
The Crate & Barrel x Converse Furniture Collection Has 80 Pieces
Daily Style Accessible Fashion
The Demi Lovato x Amazon Essentials Line Offers Chic Staples
Art-Promoting Campaigns
Beige Billboards Spark a Bold Call to Save Charlotte’s Art Scene
Unconventional Awkwardly Seated Tables
The Uncomfortable Table by Capitalism Has 34 Legs
Taco-Themed Dorm Makeovers
Taco Bell's Tacommodation Initiative Restyled a Student Flat
Reimagined Minimal Parisian Apartments
The Minimalist Cocoon Apartment Maximizes Function in Paris
Remixed Americana Bag Designs
The BEAMS x L.L. Bean Bags Updates Two Classic Silhouettes
Affordable Celebrity-Endorsed Kitchenwares
The Dolly Parton Kitchen Collection 2025 is Chic
Family-Wear Minimal Fashion
Soshiotsuki × Zara Debuts a Sense of Togetherness Collection
Practical Valentine's Candies
Sweethearts Conversation Hearts Share "Love in This Economy" Phrases
Reality TV-Inspired Fashion Capsules
Betsey Johnson Launches a Mormon Wives Capsule Collection
Collaborative Curated Fashion Capsules
SHEIN Taps Cultural Tastemaker Scot Louie
Utility Street Fashion Capsule
CLOT x Neighborhood Collection Delivers Moto Inspired Pieces
Global Fashion Promotions
E-Commerce Giant SHEIN Launches Extended Holiday Shopping Event
Sneaker-Honoring Furniture Collections
The Modernica x STASH Range Features Four Items
Essential Shopping eCommerce Promotions
Amazon Everyday Essentials Week Will Offer Up to 40% Off
Sleep Poverty Awareness Campaigns
Ikea Canada Introduces the Sleepless Lamp Calmpaign
Genderless Outerwear Designs
Sujitha Shivajothi Redefines Outerwear With Its FW25 Collection
Designer-Led Retailer Bedding Collections
Target Partners with Jeremiah Brent on a New Capsule
Theatrically Informed Indoor Fashion
The Louis Vuitton Spring 2026 RTW Collection is Chic
Affordable Housing Prototypes
Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jai Complete the Tiny House
Nostalgic Y2K Denim Collections
Cheap Monday & SLAM JAM Just Released Their New Bootleg Collection
Co-Branded Sleep Studies
IKEA U.S. Partnered with the National Sleep Foundation
Vintage-Inspired Streetwear Collections
BoohooMAN Has Teamed Up with Cool Kicks
Conceptual Memory-Themed Fashion
Paranoid FW25 Explores Identity Through Nostalgia and Nature
Empowering Fashion Campaigns
Coach's Spring 2025 Campaign Celebrates Personal Time Management
1980s Corporate-Inspired Collections
H&M Studio's 'SS25 Collection' Features Tailored Pieces
Artist-Inspired Ready-To-Wear Capsules
Chloé's Pre-Fall 2026 Collection is Titled Female Trouble
Vintage Style Streetwear
Human Made Drop at Hbx Introduces Denim, Tees, Bags, and Homewares
Low-Cost Luxury-Inspired Cosmetics
Bath & Body Works Everyday Luxuries Collection is Affordable
Alpine-Inspired Fashion Collections
Madewell Launches The Chalet Shop for Cold-Weather Layering
Confident Fashion Rebranding Campaigns
Boohoo Launches the People Will Talk... Campaign
Minimalist Wardrobe Essentials
JJJJound FW25 Heritage Core Capsule Re-Centers Foundational Design
Modular Retail Product-Designed Homes
The Muji Muji 5.5 House is Filled with Muji Products
Cost-Conscious Clothing Campaigns
The Primark 'Never Basic' Campaign Focuses on Value
Bangladeshi-Inspired Playful Furniture
Fico Presented its First-Ever Furniture Capsule in Milan
In-Store DIY Packaging Stations
Taco Bell UK is Uniquely Supporting Circular Fashion Sellers
Luxury Earth-Toned Workwear
Still Doesn’t Matter Reaffirms Timeless Utility Over Fleeting Trends
Camp-Inspired Fashion Capsules
18 East Nods to Nostalgia with Its Summer Outdoor Capsule
Story-Driven Vacation Apparel
& Other Stories Features Versatile Pieces for Summer Getaways
Heritage-Infused Streetwear
AAPE by A Bathing Ape Revisits Youth Culture’s Golden Eras
Product-Inspired Halloween Looks
Aldi and EllaDoesFX Created a Look Inspired by Professor Peppy
Curated Secondhand Collections
The Digital House of Vinted Grants Members Access to Iconic Items
Understated Unisex Clothing Collections
The MYSTEPHENM VOL 1.5 Capsule Collection is Futuristic
Preppy Kids' Apparel
Sporty & Rich Kids Offers Elevated Comfort for the Next Generation
Charity Celebrity Closet Sales
Vestiaire Collective & Paris Hilton Debut a Charity Closet Sale
Expressive Premium Apparel
Avalange Bridges the Divide Between Traditional & Customizable Fashion
Refined Utility Tailoring
A.PRESSE 2026 Offers Refined Utility and Casual Tailoring
Compact Urban Dwellings
Miami Tiny House Applies Modern Design to a Small Residential Footprint
Punk History Apparel
The War of the Three Kingdoms Fuses 17th-Century Rebellion with Punk Design
Affordable Summer Home Kitchenware
Dolly Parton Expands her Heart & Home Collection
Curated Resale Storefronts
eBay's The NYC Edit Storefront Shares Tastemaker Selections
Affordable Luxury Streetwear Capsules
Kanye West Adds New Item to His 20 Dollar YEEZY Line
Cultural-Influence Fashion Capsules
Denim Tears Presents its 5th Quarter Collection
Affordable Designer Apparel
Old Navy x Anna Sui Launches the Brand’s First-Ever Designer Collab
Low-Cost Back-to-School Campaigns
Target Back-to-School-idays Offers Discounts Up to 30%
Gen Z Dorm Makeovers
Urban Outfitters Launched the Dream Dorm Makeover Contest with HGTV
Bold Compact Hotel Interiors
Pocketbook Hudson by Charlap Hyman & Herrero Reworks Guest Rooms
Colorful Youth Fashion Collections
Joe Fresh and Life at Home™ Have Partnered with Crayola
Eclectic Paris Apartments
The Apartment by Studio Asaï Blends French Elegance with British Whimsy
Anti-Bias Fashion Unveilings
Primark Created "Kim Parr" to Challenge Preconceptions
Heritage-Inspired Bold Workwear
Beams Plus FW25 Lineup Revives American Traditional Tailoring
Athleisure-Friendly Clothing Ranges
The House of CB Perfect Match Range is Ready for Everyday Wear
One-Legged Luxury Fashion Jeans
Coperni Continues to Initiate Conversation with One-Legged Jeans
Solar Tribal Homes
Chhattisgarh Links Housing And Rooftop Solar For Tribal Families
Garment-Mending Events
Fashion Revolution's Mend in Public Day Encourages Repair & Reuse
Workwear-Inflected Fashion
nonnative Undercover Ozism Spring/summer 2026 Collection Blends Utility
Youthful Corporate-Inspired Capsules
Pacsun Drops 'The Corporate Edit'
Singer Holiday Decor Series
Dolly Parton’s Heart & Home Holiday Range Brings Festive Comfort
Redesigning Restful Moments
The ANEW Project Turns Daily Objects into Mini Retreats
Affordable Smart Community Projects
Arrow Electronics and Habitat for Humanity Collaborate
Reimagined Annual Fundraising Events
Housing Works Restructures its Design on a Dime Benefit
Affordable Inclusive Minimal Clothing
Primark Introduces a Capsule of Adaptive Clothing
Reimagined Slim Living Designs
The Slim Fit House Shows How Narrow Lot Homes Can Feel Spacious
Naturally Crafted Furniture Lines
PINCH Debuted a 10-Piece Collection Called 'A Return to Home'
Housing Affordability-Focused Campaigns
The Housing Canada Coalition Runs 'End the Housing Game'
Homelessness-Supporting Blanket Designs
LANY's Paul Klein & Sackcloth & Ashes Debut a Chic Blanket
Parisian Altheisure-Style Sleepwear
BED Sleepwear Debuts Adjustable Satin Loungewear
Handcrafted Rustic Pillow Covers
PillowPia Launches Its Eco-Conscious Chindi Pillow Cover
Cost-Effective Custom-Fit Shirt Bundles
Son of a Tailor’s Summer T-Shirt Bundles Boast Five Shirts
Utilitarian Design Series
D/Partment Introduces Functional Pieces for the Modern Home
Stylish Urban Picnic Apparel
YESEYESEE’s Fw25 Picnic Collection Captures Relaxed Streetwear
Sleek Modern Furniture Designs
POVISON Debuts Its Furniture Collection at NYCxDESIGN
AI-Powered Wardrobe Management Apps
'ClosetIQ' Analyzes a User's Style to Find Outfits
Low-Cost Autumnal Accessory Ranges
The Meijer Halloween Collection is Priced at $10 or Less
Low-Cost Restaurant Meals
IKEA is Reducing Restaurant Meal Prices in Markets Around the World
Inclusive-Forward Cheeky Pajamas
The ‘Homebody’ Sleepwear Collection Features Breathable Fabrics
Youth Homelessness-Centered Data Tools
SchoolHouse Connection Partners with the Poverty Solutions
High-End Household Linens
Bonsoirs and Paul & Joe Team Up for a New Patterned Collaboration
Vibrant Celebrity Icon Collections
The 'Bedsure x Iconic Collection' Pays Homage to Marilyn Monroe
Search Data-Based Furniture Lines
Primark Launches a New Pinterest-Inspired Spring Home Collection
Equitable Chore Apps
Pairwork Helps Working Couples Divide Labor at Home
Spring Cleaning Challenges
eBay's List to £1K Supports a Fresh Start with AI Listing Features
Reinvented Compact Living
An Affordable Housing Prototype Meets Modern Needs on a Micro Scale
Connective Economic Travel
Swapper Helps Business Travelers Use Hotel Budgets to Stay with Friends