Luv thy layer

A favourite trend of mine at the moment is layers which are a perfect in-between season outfit option.

My tip – to avoid looking stumpy try and choose a ‘base layer’ (the white in my case) that is quite fitted, avoiding A-lines and team with ankle boots or heels.

Also think about colours, fabric and length when choosing your layers. If you are tall you can afford to go for longer layers, if you are short try and stick to layers that sit above the knee. Avoid anything too thick as this will only add bulk to your frame.

Sticking to simple black, grey and white and accessorising with colour creates a chic yet bold statement look. Teaming with a belt defines and highlights the waist creating a more tailored look instantly.

This is a really simple outfit that cost only $60.

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Bringing plaid back

Plaid is a big hit with celebrities and is a great winter print that is so versatile

My tip – experiment with plaid – if you’re not brave enough to try skirts, shirts and dresses, why not accessorise a simple outfit with a plaid scarf or headband.

Try out different colours too. Reds and blues look great on brunettes, and greens and yellows on blondes.

I love to team a plaid shirt with a camisole and some distressed jeans for a simple casual look that doesn’t cost the earth.

Total cost of this outfit $90.

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Summer favourite all year round

Just because the weather has cooled doesn’t mean you have to part with your favourite summer pieces.

Simply adding a few layers to your summer favourite can transform a beach look into an outfit you can wear all year round.

My tip – for the cooler months, stick to darker coloured layers to tone your summer look down.

Team your dress with tights, skirt, a bomber jacket and ankle boots to easily transform the perfect beach look into an outfit that will get you through all seasons.

The total cost of the complete winter outfit is $100.

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DIY – the tube skirt

I am a big fan of DIY, particularly when it is a fashion trend that you may only wear for one season.

My tip – do it yourself. This way you can have the latest in fashion, without spending the hefty price tag.

This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get a look that is ‘on trend’. Tube skirts are hot and so easy to make.

Simply take a plain shoestring singlet, any colour you like– I picked this one up for $5, chop off the straps and as easy as that you have your own tube skirt that even Herve Leger would be proud of.

Alternatively if you are handy with a sewing machine, tube skirts can be just as easily put together – experiment with different pattern fabrics to create a truly unique look.

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Oversize me

This is one of the easiest, most comfortable and inexpensive outfits that anyone can throw together.

Simply grab an oversized shirt – I picked this one up for $10, you could also borrow one from a boyfriend, brother, dad. Add a plain cotton cardigan, team with leggings, cinch at the waist with a belt and heypresto you have a simple, stylish and affordable outfit for no more than $50.

My tip when opting for an oversized look like this is to always define the waist with a belt. This transforms a sloppy look into a polished outfit.

If you stick with a simple cardigan, why not experiment with different shirt colours and patterns. You could also swap the leggings for tights or skinny leg jeans and team with boots or ballet flats for a different look.

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The long and the short of it

I like this outfit not only because it makes me look taller than I actually am, but it also demonstrates a key tip to remember when styling your outfits - balance.

If you are wearing shorter, fitted bottoms, balance your top half with something which fits more loosely. And vice versa, if you choose a maxi skirt, balance with a fitted singlet. Another favourite of mine is teaming baggy jeans with a fitted cropped jacket.

My tip - when thinking about balance, consider not only shapes i.e. loose and fitted, long and short, but also about colours.

In this outfit I’ve balanced the lighter denim and pearl necklace, with a dark singlet and jacket creating a nice contrast.

Keeping balance in mind when styling your outfits will create a more tailored look leaving you looking (and feeling) great.

Total cost of this outfit - $100. The most expensive item was the shorts which were store bought, but as I have demonstrated in a previous post, you can just as easily chop up an old pair of jeans and save yourself $60.

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One piece – 5 ways: More mileage from your fashion dollar

A favourite tip of mine is to load your wardrobe with transeasonal pieces that you can transform into different looks – tunics are great!

My advice when buying these pieces is to keep it simple.

Stick to black, charcoal or neutrals with a good fabric and simple design. This way you are assured you can mix and match easily with other pieces in your wardrobe, shoes and accessories and your purchase won't date as quickly.

This is a FCUK tunic that I picked up for around $80. These are just a handful of ways I like to wear it. It is a great light weight wool which means that I can wear it across seasons. For winter I like to team with leggings and boots.

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Thinking outside the square

This is an easy summer outfit that certainly doesn’t break the budget. Simple accessories like a scarf and belt transform denim cut-offs and a plain singlet into a statement outfit that anyone can put together.

My tip is to think outside the square when styling outfits.

The shorts are an old pair of jeans that I’ve cropped, I picked up the scarf from an op shop and for the belt I’ve used a detachable handbag strap. Other belt ideas could be to use your favourite scarf or a long chain necklace.

Teaming this outfit with a simple cropped jacket makes for a more tailored look – great for a catch-up with the girls!

The total cost of this outfit, including shoes is $47, leaving you with more than enough for that extra latte!

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And so it occurred to me…

As the economy dwindles and the proverbial belt is tightened, it is more important than ever for people - you - to look and feel great…on a budget.

I will scour the stores for the best fashion bargains and share my tips on how to style outfits and stretch your fashion dollars further. Leaving you looking and feeling great without spending the earth!

So stay tuned for some helpful hints and ideas.

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