Dress on a dime

Five ways to look luxe for less

By Tracey Ho Lung

Updated November 2, 2012

Looking stylish and up-to-date shouldn't mean taking out a loan to pay for that must-have designer poncho. There are plenty of cheap and cheerful ways to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. A word to the wise: venture into Old Navy, H&M, Le Château, Zara, Gap, Wal-Mart, Winners and Zellers. I've found these to be some of the best places to find those you'd-never-believe-how-much-I paid gems. Here are five great ways to save on style this spring.

Skimp on trends

Since fashion trends usually have a short shelf life, it's best not to shell out your week's paycheque on them unless they're sure to become classics. (The white pant and tweed blazer are perfect examples of recurring favourites.) So pass on those $300 of-the-moment sailor pants and opt for a $75 version from Winners instead. You'll get the same aesthetic result without emptying your wallet. They may not be of the same quality, but that doesn't matter if the item is something you'll only wear a handful of times.

Wear sparkly jewelry

There's no better way to show you've got style than when you've got shimmer – and you only need one fabulous piece to make a statement. Fake diamond studs or an imitation ruby necklace are inexpensive items that will perk up a basic white shirt or flirty camisole (and you'll look like you've spent loads of money). Department stores have plenty of costume jewelry to choose from to help you keep your wardrobe looking fresh – and your money in your wallet.

Hunt down vintage

Almost every fashion trend that pops up on the runways is inspired by something from the past. For example, take what's hot this spring – '50s-style swing skirts and Coco Chanel-inspired cropped jackets. Many of us can't afford even the designer-inspired versions, so why not visit vintage shops to find similar items at a fraction of the price? We're not promising you'll find that exact Chanel-inspired jacket, but you can bet you'll see something equally stylish.

Opt for prints

Printed fabrics can camouflage a multitude of flaws normally found in cheaper items. The pattern helps to hide uneven seams, mismatched panels and even disguise a cheap rayon fabric to look like buttery silk.

Favour faux textures