just don't call me a recessionista, ok?

“Recessionista”… don’t you just hate the word? Proof of how widespread it’s use has become, last week I was competing in a pub quiz (we came last FYI) and one of the questions asked us to define the word. Not only was I distressed and how far this verbal annoyance has penetrated mainstream society, I was also disappointed with the so-called definition they provided on their answer sheet: Something along the lines of ‘a fashionable person who now only shops in charity shops’.

Now, unless I’m very much mistaken the correct definition would be more like:

“a person with a keen interest in fashion who has altered their shopping habits in the wake of the global credit crisis”. THAT’S what I put on my answer sheet. But that aside, we’re being bombarded with articles suggesting the only way to survive the financial gloom is to clothe ourselves in outfits we buy for about $1. Not so! Unless you live near some incredible thrift stores – and a lot of us don’t – then that is depressing and pretty much impossible.

So, flying in the face of every ‘recessionista’ article you’ve read before, here are BritUgly’s Top Tips on what to do when your clothes budget is tight. Take it from someone who knows.

Dodge the Trends
If there’s one ‘trend’ that’s starting to emerge from the glossies as they gear up for Spring/Summer it’s the LACK of any discernible trends at all. This is good news, allowing our clothes from last summer to still feel fresh and not forcing us to buy into faddy fashion with an incredibly short shelf-life. Just take a look at the Oscar Wilde quote at the top of EIU. Not good for the budget!

So accept this new lack of trends. Or go one better and leave the magazines – nay, even the blogs (but not Chictopia of course!) – for a week or two and figure out what works for you and will continue to work into next year.

Buy less, but spend more
Yes many would have a heart attack at me suggesting that now is the time to be investing in that expensive dress you’ve always wanted…. But bear with me. In the recent Nov-NYE party season, rather than buy a couple of different Topshop dresses and heels to match, I blew my whole budget on this dress and shoes, found at two separate sample sales.

They were worn to every single big party (work, school friends, London friends, NYE). And every single night I felt amazing. Much better than three different high-street dresses which would’ve cost the same price. And when you have a dress you love this much you never experience the old ‘I have nothing to wear!.

Of course, not everyone can access or afford sample sales. I couldn’t until I hit my mid-twenties! Apply these tips to the top-end of your own budget. More my my outfit here

Small Change, Big Difference
If you’re sticking to my tip above – and I thank you for it – there are some things you can do to shake up your look for what is practically small change… a bright new lipstick or some insane false eyelashes with have as much impact as a whole new outfit ever could. And will cost you less than $10.

Seek out Difference
My all means get your basic items in order, but if you’re going to be buying less then make sure each piece stands out and adds something new to your wardrobe. Do you really need another dress from F21/H&M? Invest in something more unusual that others won’t have.

Whether your budget extends to FarFetch or etsy , find something that the girl sitting next to you won’t have.

How is everyone else coping with the so-called credit crunch?

Has it affected your spending habits?