There's a prevalent myth in the fashion world that to look stylish, you must spend a fortune. While high-end brands often come with a hefty price tag, you don't need to empty your wallet to look great and feel confident. Fashion isn't just about the price; it's about how you put pieces together to reflect your personal style. With a few smart strategies, you can elevate your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Here are some practical tips for enhancing your style on a budget:
1.Adopt the ‘Modern Boho’ Style
Adopting the modern boho style as your signature look will help in creating a wardrobe that always works for you. As our tastes and needs evolve, you may still be holding onto what suited you in your twenties and that style may not suit you as well in your forties, fifties and beyond. Rest assured that the modern boho style can be adapted to suit for each decade of your life. If you're unsure where to start to achieve the modern boho look, consider a styling session at our Imagine That Lifestyle stores located in Subiaco & Guildford, Perth Western Australia, to get personalised advice, styling tips and guidance.
2.Invest in Staple Pieces
Building a versatile wardrobe is a cost-effective way to enhance your style. Essential items such as a white linen shirt, a relaxed fit linen pant, and a classic black linen dress can serve as the foundation for countless outfits. By mixing and matching these staples with various quality shoes and our unique accessories, you can create a range of looks without constantly buying new clothes. Our linen collection is perfect for investing in staple pieces.
3.Prioritise Quality Over Quantity
While it may be tempting to buy multiple inexpensive items, investing in high-quality pieces pays off in the long run.
Opt for garments made from durable fabrics like linen, cotton, and wool. These materials not only look better but also feel more comfortable and last longer. When you feel confident in your clothing, it naturally enhances your overall appearance.
Quality pieces will serve you well for years, making them a wise investment.
4.Adapt to the Seasons
There's no need to overhaul your wardrobe with each changing season for the modern boho look.
With a few clever adaptations, you can transition your favourite summer pieces into cooler weather.
For example, layer a summer dress such as our ‘Malibu’ Linen Dress with a pair of boots and a stylish linen blazer, such as our ‘Dali’ Linen Blazer to create a winter-ready outfit. This approach allows you to get more mileage out of your existing wardrobe.
5.Master the Art of Layering
Layering can really transform an outfit from ordinary to chic.
The key is to choose colours, fabrics and silhouettes wisely; think earthy tones, using calming hues for colours, and quality tailoring to flatter harmoniously.
For example, you could try combining a linen collared shirt such as our ‘TMB’ Original Linen Shirt with our 'Paris' fur vest and when it is extra cool, you can add a 'TMB' crop leather jacket....
Another example is a quality linen shirt over a simple cotton tee; a great style choice for the modern boho woman and the modern boho man....
Effective layering adds depth and dimension to your look, creating a polished and sophisticated appearance.
6. Make Small Adjustments
Sometimes, small changes can make a big impact on your style. Rolling up the sleeves of a shirt or blazer, cinching a linen dress/shirt with a belt – such as our 'hipster' belt OR opting for a straight leg linen pant instead of figure-hugging pants, or adding layers of quality jewellery pieces can instantly elevate your outfit. Simply knot and tuck up a linen shirt for a more crop style look. These minor tweaks can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your ensemble.
7.Choose a Sophisticated Colour Palette
A neutral colour palette—think blacks, whites, greys, and sandy beiges—offers timeless elegance and versatility. These shades form a solid foundation for your wardrobe and make it easier to incorporate pops of colour through accessories. While bright colours can be fun, they often shift with trends. Neutral colours are more cost-effective and provide a more sophisticated base for your outfits. Check out our 'shop by colour' to learn tips on how to dress in neutral colours.
8.Maintain Your Shoes
Shoes can make or break an outfit.
Even the most expensive outfit can look less impressive with worn-out shoes. To keep your footwear looking chic, regularly clean and condition leather shoes (you can use our favourite leather balm
This will waterproof them to protect against the elements, and you can consider having them re-soled if necessary.
Add a quality leather boot to your staples such as our ‘Rocky Mountain’ Boots that can be worn season after season with their timeless style and high-quality construction in velvety nu-buck leather.
A well-maintained pair of genuine leather shoes can elevate a basic outfit and make it stand out. Check out the modern boho leather footwear collection.
9.Update, Rotate & Refresh Your Wardrobe
To effortlessly update your modern boho wardrobe each season, focus on incorporating a few key pieces while adhering to simple style rules.
Embrace a ‘no pattern’ approach, opt for ‘neutral tones,’ and choose ‘premium materials’ like linen and leather. Also, pay attention to ‘accessorizing well.’
By following these guidelines, you’ll discover that refreshing your wardrobe is not about constantly buying new clothes but rather about skilfully updating and revitalising what you already have.
You may even rediscover pieces you haven’t worn in a while and experimenting with new techniques means you can reimagine how you style these pieces.
This can create new looks that feel like you’ve upgraded your wardrobe without spending any extra money. Regularly reassessing and organising your current clothes can also help you identify gaps and make more thoughtful additions in the future.
By following these tips, you can elevate your style in a budget-conscious manner and achieve a sophisticated modern boho look without spending a fortune. Embrace our strategies to enhance your wardrobe and enjoy a more stylish, more confident you.