20 ways to refresh your style without spending a fortune (2024)

Whether you're an aging millennial or a 20-something headed into the corporate workforce for the first time, figuring out your own personal style can be difficult — and expensive. But it doesn't necessarily have to be. With a little creativity, giving your look a revamp doesn't have to be as pricey as you think.

Flip through the slideshow for 20 ways to revamp your style on a reasonable budget. From investing in a few versatile, quality pieces to giving your accessories a refresh, use these tips to feel totally confident — and up-to-date — in your aesthetic.

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The best way to start revamping your style is to get rid of all the stuff that no longer suits you. Go through your closet and pull out anything you haven't worn in the last year (or six months, if you really want to be thorough) and donate it to a local charity.

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When you're cleaning out your closet, think specifically about whether each piece really fits the style you're going for. That might mean ditching those old statement necklaces from the 2000s or finally getting rid of the ill-fitting jacket you never wear.

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A nice pair of jeans is one of the most versatile wardrobe staples. It's a good place to splurge, considering how long quality denim lasts, especially if you're considering a timeless silhouette like straight-leg Levi's.

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If you're still rocking those chandelier earrings from your '20s, it might be time to give your accessories a revamp. Stick to a few simple pieces, like quality gold hoops or a chic paper clip chain, for a more sophisticated look that's very 2023.

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In the era of fast fashion, it's easy to get caught up in the trends. Investing in a few statement pieces, though, is a great way to revamp your wardrobe without spending a ton of cash. Pick up a great pair of pants, a chic blazer, and a few great-fitting shirts that can be mixed and matched with pieces you already own for fresh new looks.

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Cheap shoes look, well, cheap a lot of the time. Instead of buying a ton of cheap pairs, invest in a few timeless shoes that you can wear with anything. A good pair of sneakers, nice loafers, and a quality ankle boot are a good place to start.

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Investing in quality pieces doesn't have to mean dropping a ton of cash. Consignment stores and thrift shops are often packed with top-quality garments at steep discounts. Online resale platforms, like Depop and Poshmark, are also a great place to score bargains.

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Fast fashion might be inexpensive, but it probably won't last more than a season in your closet, which means that it's usually not worth the investment. And, when you're trying to revamp your look, less is always more.

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Sometimes, when you're out shopping for a new outfit, it's easy to be a little unrealistic about what you'll actually wear. If you're not 100 percent sure about that new dress, don't force yourself to wear it. We're way less likely to wear garments that make us feel self-conscious or comfortable, and it will just end up taking up space in your closet.

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Even though many capsule wardrobes tend to veer heavily toward neutrals, a pop of color is a great way to add a little personality to your outfit. Pair that great blazer with a vivid blouse, or consider a pair of statement shoes for a little extra oomph.

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The world of "sneakerheads" is vast and a little confusing, but it also involves a whole lot of cool shoes. You don't have to be a hypebeast to venture into the world of Nike, Adidas, Veja, and other wildly popular brands, and a great sneaker is an easy way to make any outfit look a little more 2023.

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If you've got a jacket you love, but it fits a little weird in the shoulders or has sleeves that are slightly too long, head to your neighborhood tailor. It's probably less expensive than buying a new piece, and will look much more put-together when it actually fits your body properly.

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If you feel like you're not sure what your style really is, don't be afraid to look online to find inspiration for outfits that you'll love. Follow influencers on Instagram whose style you admire, or build Pinterest boards full of pieces you like to help put your new look together without the stress of browsing through every store in the mall.

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Fit is one of the most important factors when it comes to whether or not an outfit really works, and even if you got a great deal on that top with sleeves that are just a little bit too long, it's probably time to let it go.

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Sometimes, a great piece just needs a little refresh and it feels totally "in" again. If you're not feeling those light-wash jeans, use a DIY dye kit to give them a darker hue, or try cropping the boxy old band t-shirts languishing in your closet. Of course, if you have sewing skills, the possibilities are truly endless.

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For folks who really want to revamp their style from the ground-up, paring your entire wardrobe back to a "capsule wardrobe" may be the best approach. A capsule wardrobe involves assembling a line-up of quality garments — many experts recommend starting with a couple pairs of good pants, a few blouses, a blazer, a great skirt, a nice sweater, and quality shoes — all of which can be worn interchangeably. This guide from Modern Minimalism is a great place to start.

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Sometimes, getting an outside perspective can be the best way to revamp your style. A styling service, like StitchFix or Dia&Co., can help you try pieces that you wouldn't ordinarily consider on your own, and take some of the guesswork out of choosing what works best. (And, as a bonus, many of these services offer discounts on items that you purchase from them.)

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Even if it's not trendy, if you really love a garment, you should absolutely feel free to wear it. Above all, your own personal style matters most, and what other people think just isn't important. So rock those skinny jeans as long as you see fit, even if Gen Z doesn't think they're cool anymore.

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A lot of the time, changing up your style is going to mean trying out new garments, color palettes, and silhouettes, and that might seem a little weird at first. Don't be afraid to experiment with your style, even if those experiments don't always work out.

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Rethinking your personal style goes beyond your clothes. When you're taking a look at what you want your style to look like, take a holistic approach. Considering your hair, your handbags, and jewelry options alongside your clothing will help you create a look that's overall more cohesive.