Comments on: How to Buy Budget Fashion that Looks like Designer Fashion

By: Brianna

Brianna — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:38:56 +0000

What about all those New Yorkers who wear ill-fitting clothing just because it’s designer? Ya know, they’ll buy anything designer at sample sales and such just because of the label, and end up looking like the homeless. In fact, I usually assume someone is wearing designer labels when everything’s a size too big or just all around awkward…

By: Christa

Christa — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:43:43 +0000

Update: I just bought a pair of ultra-dark skinny jeans from (gasp!) Forever 21.

Backstory: I have been stubbornly anti-skinny-jeans since they became trendy (on principle.. I’m 25 and tall but not interested in looking like another L.A. hipster). But a friend got me to try a pair finally, and at $12.50, they looked good enough that I couldn’t say no. I am actually surprised by the fit and feel of the fabric of such inexpensive jeans. The back pockets are also well done.

So although I will still stick to 7s for my usual bootcut, I am pleased to have a little foray into the au courant that actually look good, and set me back for the price of a movie ticket. So I concede, Trisha, you are (again) right.

By: Tressie

Tressie — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:15:32 +0000

I write a blog called So Frugalicious (www.sofrugalicious.blogspot.com) so I’m all about cheap chic. It is very important for clothes to fit right. I bought a Forever 21 top for my bridal shower and had it altered to fit perfectly. Everyone thought I spent a fortune.

I also started an inexpensive website to provide gorgeous clothes at great prices. Please check out http://www.moxiebee.com and let me know what you think.

Thanks!

By: Tashina

Tashina — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:50:37 +0000

This was a great post. These tips are things that I learned along the way and have tried and tried to pass along to others. It’s nice to see that someone else agrees with all of the above as well.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:09:11 +0000

Yes, it takes a LONG time to find non-name-brand jeans that do the trick. If I happen to find inexpensive ones that fit well, I will snatch them up whether I need them or not — because if I ever NEED some within a few days or weeks, I’ll deffo have to shell out the big bucks.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:45:13 +0000

I’m totally with you on fabric, Karo. Good quality fabric makes a difference, and there’s not a strict correlation between price and fabric quality. While designer pieces generally use better quality fabrics, it’s not always the case. And you can find some pretty great fabrics at affordable price points, if you look around.

Christa - I think it’s easier to find a designer pair of jeans that fit well, but it’s certainly possible to find non-designer jeans that fit just right. It depends on your body type, of course, but also in how much time you want to spend looking.

By: Karo

Karo — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:26:28 +0000

Fabric is so important too. Crisp cotton looks much better than polyester, especially if tailored properly. Although a hint of stretch in a natural fabric also will give it a better fit even without tailoring.

Any fabric that feels bad to the touch or looks cheap up close makes the piece look bad, even on a pricy piece of clothing.

By: Christa

Christa — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 05:13:28 +0000

Jeans in my opinion have to be designer to look good. (agree, disagree?) All about the fit and the washes. I exclusively wear 7s because they fit me great. Everything else, I pretty much get from Target.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:44:02 +0000

Great tip about the adjustable strap. And it’s true that it’s often hard to find budget clothes that fit just right. What you save in price you often pay for in extra time.

Alternatively, you can always take your clothes to an affordable tailor

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:41:24 +0000

If I only bought things that really fit me, my closet would contain maybe 3 items - the most expensive ones.