21 Ways to Be a Frugal Fashionista in a Bad Economy

Are you a fashionista? Are you broke? I don’t know about you, but my addiction to shoes could care less what the economy is like. My bank account on the other hand, seems to care...a lot. One trend we don’t love is the failing economy--or don’t we?

A troubled economy has a significant impact on popular culture, from art to haute couture. People are more innovative, creative and, well, cheap.

With Black Friday upon us, the holiday shopping season is shaping up to be a phenomenal one in terms of deals. Rumor has it on the Huffington Post that one can acquire a Chanel suit at 40% off the regular retail price. If 40% off a cool five grand doesn’t work in your books, don’t worry. There are still tons of amazing ways to retain your fashionista status on the cheap.

Whether you’re reading magazines for money-saving fashion tips, taking the DIY approach to couture--after all, our grandmothers sewed--or sneaking into your kid’s closet for fashion finds, the time to be a frugal fashionista is now.

Here are some no-brainer ideas to think about:

1. DIY everything. You know you’re fabulous, I know you’re fabulous. Wear it if you can make it. If you can’t, give funky creations as gifts this season to save some cash for your own wish list. 

2. Remember your classics. Any good fashionista can root through her walk-in and find tons of classic pieces that can be worn from season to season, year to year. If you are shopping for new fashion to add to your collection, keep classics in mind. Just because Wall Street made bad investments, it doesn’t mean you need to as well.

3. If you can’t buy it, rent it. The "renting" phenomenon reached iconic status when Bag Borrow or Steal was featured in the ‘Sex and the City’ movie, and it continues to grow in popularity. My advice is to rent everything except anything that comes from Victoria’s Secret.

Happy bargain hunting!