How to elevate your outfits with affordable accessories

I’ve been on a mission to transform my wardrobe without spending a fortune. As someone who doesn’t have the budget to splurge on expensive brands, I’ve learnt a thing or two about how to enhance your outfits without having to buy tons of new clothing.

I’ve figured out the secret: accessories. And I’m not just talking any plain, old accessory. Providing you’ve got a few staples in your accessory collection, you’ll be able to elevate every outfit. And today, I’m going to spill the tea on exactly what you need and how to save.

1. 5 must-have accessories

Creating Pinterest-worthy outfits means finding out what’s really worth your money. These days, people like to make you think you need to replace your entire wardrobe, but that’s not true.

I recently wrote an entire piece on the best 5 accessories that make every outfit look expensive. I’ve tried this myself and can guarantee that together, they completely transform an everyday outfit. So, if you’re going to spend money on anything, make sure you’ve got one of each of the following:

1. A versatile handbag, 2. simple jewellery, 3. sunglasses, 4. a belt, and 5. a jacket or blazer.

2. Look for dupes

Lovers of designer brands, this tip is for you. If you’re anything like me and you’ve got expensive taste, minus the funds, then I highly recommend shopping for dupes. I found a Longchamp tote bag dupe for under £20, and it looks as good as the real thing.

Dupes are great for more reasons than one. Not only are they much more affordable than the real thing, but you can try styling the pieces before overspending on the OG product. This isn’t limited to handbags – I also shared the best Ugg Tazman dupes for less than £30 that I got in the winter last year.

3. High-quality jewellery

I absolutely love jewellery, and in my opinion, it can absolutely make an outfit. The best kind of jewellery is the type that you can wear with almost every outfit. From your casual everyday vibe, to workwear and occasionwear too.

But we all know that finding affordable jewellery is tricky, especially if you still want timeless pieces that will stand the test of time. That’s why I took a deep dive into how to cut costs on jewellery without compromising on quality, so you don’t have to worry.

4. Shop secondhand

I’m a big fan of shopping secondhand. In fact, I’ve previously rounded up the top second-hand clothing apps like Depop and Vinted, so you know how to buy and sell new pieces. And it’s no different with accessories.

Look in charity shops and go to car boot sales. You never know what you’ll find, and it’s usually priced very affordably.

5. Fashionable sunglasses

When it comes to finding fashionable sunglasses, your best bet is to stay up to date with the latest trends. Cat eye, oversized aviators, and square sunnies are some good options for a timeless style that doesn’t appear to be going out of fashion any time soon.

You’ll also want to consider things like your face shape and skin tone before you buy to make sure that your new sunglasses will suit you. That way, you’re less likely to waste your money.

6. Handbags that look expensive

Let’s forget about the luxury, designer handbags for now. What if I told you that tons of high-quality, mid-range handbags look and feel just as expensive, for a fraction of the price?

I like to keep an eye on what’s trending or popular, and then find a style from a more affordable fashion brand instead. Some great places to look include TK Maxx, Accessorize, Zara, H&M, ASOS, and Brand Alley.

7. Use a discount code

As always, if in doubt, use a discount code. Here at MyVoucherCodes, we have a wonderful selection of fashion & accessories discount codes to help you save. All of our offers and promotions are updated regularly to ensure that you’re able to save as much as possible.