Smooth Transition

Ready or not, fall is coming. The calendar may not be signaling fall fashions, but fashion designers and labels certainly are. It makes me a little bit nuts to see cool weather fashions so early, but seriously, how else will fashion-minded folks know what and what not to wear when the temperature finally drops?

There are new fashions headed our way, but overall it’s safe to say that the retro look is still one of the hottest trends coming down the runways. Most designers and labels are still taking a look back in time for current design inspiration, and many of the trends and styles for shoes, clothing, and accessories that were popular in the past are still returning as major fashion trends. I am a retro fan, so this is perfectly fine with me, and I bet I am not the only one with a tight budget.

It may lighten the mood to consider budgeting to be just another retro vibe. Putting together a wardrobe and outfits on a budget is reminiscent of the shortage and rationing of fabrics that went on during one of my favorite eras: the 1940s. Justtheswing.com notes that during this wartime era, evening dresses were often short and simple, without too much decoration.

All you need is a little imagination, creativity, and advice to keep up with current fashion and stretch your wardrobe. It would be nice to have an endless wardrobe allowance, but most of us don’t roll like that. Necessity is truly the mother of invention, and it can be fun trying to come up with new ideas for outfits. There is always the tried and true practice of changing the look of a garment with different accessories. By doing this, you can wear work clothes out on the town and vice versa.

Glamour.com has a few dos and don’ts to check out check out, and you can probably find several other sites like My American Love Affair with little effort. Most of these ideas can be adapted as the temperature goes down, and a few of them will work for men.

Sooner or later, a fall fashion shopping trip, big or small, may be inevitable, but even high-rolling fashionistas embrace Coco Chanel’s less is more philosophy. Chanting that phrase in my head usually helps to take the sting out of staying on a budget. Even if this is your first time cutting back, odds are you will still end up with a nice wardrobe.