Style Tips: How to Look Good on a Budget Read more at Suite101: Style Tips: How to Look Good on a Budget

Try these simple ways of sprucing up an old outfit. Where to buy and how to add accessories to your outfit to create a new look.


Haven't got money for a new outfit every week or two? No problem. By just owning the basics (a nice pair of jeans, a couple of plain tops and a skirt or two) you can add new accessories to the same old outfit to spice it up.

Fashion Scarves.

Scarves are a great way to make an old outfit look new - and they don't have to cost the earth. You can pick up all sorts of scarves at markets, from hand knitted to silk. Colorful lightweight (such as satin) scarves can be added to summer outfits to revitalize them, and woolen scarves can be added to winter outfits. Because there is such a huge variety of scarves out there (and also many different ways to wear them), you can pair a different scarf with the same shirt to give it a new look.

Funky Jewelry.

While delicate and simple jewelry may not change the look of your outfit completely, bold, colorful and chunky jewelry certainly can. For example, try matching bold colored beads with matching earrings to a plain top. You can also layer different necklaces to get different looks. Items such as cuffs can also add interest and variety to outfits.

Belts and Belt Buckles.

Many people today don't really consider wearing a belt - it's easier just to pull on a pair of jeans. As long tops and skinny jeans are still in fashion, it is also easy to skip the belt simply because you won't see it - if it is under your top, that is. Try pairing a wide belt with your outfit by wearing it over your top. Chain or more jewelry-like belts can lend themselves nicely to more dressy outfits. You can also buy a new belt buckle for an old belt to again give it a different look. For a different look entirely, try threading a thin, colorful scarf through the belt loops of a pair of denim shorts in summer.

Shop Online for Fashion Accessories.

If you don't have time to go rifling through markets and boutiques for fun accessories, try shopping online.

* eBay - yes, it seems obvious, but many people forget about large online sellers when buying fashion items. While it is hard to buy clothes online without trying them on, accessories are easy and plentiful. Be careful if you are buying designer goods, however, as there are also a lot of fakes out there.
* Department stores online - most department stores (including Sears, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Bloomingdales) offer online shopping.
* Individual online stores - have a favourite store but no time to go there? Many smaller stores, particularly chain stores, also have online stores. Accessories retailers with online stores include Swarovski, Aldo and American Apparel.