As fall approaches, refreshing your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Instead of simply layering last year’s pieces, why not try a few budget-friendly updates to add some flair to your style? Here are five easy and affordable ways to give your wardrobe a fresh look this season.
If you wear sunglasses often, consider swapping out the lenses for a bold new color. Instead of the usual black or brown tints, try green, yellow, or blue for a fun twist. Companies like Sunglass Fix offer replacement lenses for popular brands like Ray-Ban and Prada, with prices ranging from $30 to $40. If you can’t find the exact lenses you want, you can even have a custom set made. While you could buy a new pair of sunglasses for less, investing in lenses for a pair you already love ensures you get more wear out of them.
Accessories can instantly elevate a simple outfit like jeans and a t-shirt. A statement belt is a great way to add personality to your look. Try repurposing a scarf from last year by pairing it with a stylish buckle. Etsy has plenty of affordable options, like a round mother-of-pearl buckle for $12 or a hammered copper buckle for $35, which adds texture and shine to a plain leather belt.
Chain accessories are trending this season, making it easy to refresh old pieces in your wardrobe. Add some cable chains to your ankle boots, clutch bag, belt, or denim jacket for a modern touch. Jewelry fasteners make it easy to attach and remove the chains, so you can switch up your look whenever you want. If you need guidance, check out a simple tutorial on the Free People blog.
Nail polish is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your style. This season, bold colors like OPI’s shiny orange “Have Your Pannettone and Eat It Too” and Essie’s deep blue “Waterfall in Love” are on trend. You can wear them separately or mix things up by painting most of your nails in one color and using the other as an accent. If you’re feeling creative, try a geometric manicure for a unique touch.
Dyeing clothes is another fun and inexpensive way to refresh your wardrobe. A bottle of Rit liquid dye costs less than $20, and you can even make your own dye using household items like avocado skins. Bright colors are in this season, so consider dyeing an old pair of jeans brick red or experimenting with a bold green t-shirt before committing to a new purchase. You can also try dip-dyeing for an ombre effect or explore tie-dye techniques for a playful look.
With a little creativity, you can update your wardrobe without buying new clothes. Just be warned—once you start experimenting with DIY fashion, you might not want to stop!