A Style for Every Season — the Budget-Friendly Approach

As the seasons change and the cold winter morphs into warm spring and then hot summer days — only to return to the cool chill of the autumn air again — it is fun to adapt our style to the change in temperature and “mood” each season evokes.

But while you might want to purchase new clothing, accessories and other fashion items for each season, your pocketbook might have other ideas. Fortunately, it is more than possible to evolve your existing style for each season — in some cases using the same items all year long. Here are a few tips to adapt your style for every season.

Clothing

If you have a beloved dress, pants and top set and/or other outfit that you simply adore, chances are good you can find a way to wear it all year long. For instance, as Polished Closets notes, a basic striped dress can be styled for spring with the addition of white sneakers and a casual handbag. If it’s still a tad chilly in your neck of the woods in March, a denim jacket will keep you warm. In the summer, trade in the sneakers for strappy sandals that compliment the dress color, and carry a straw tote. In the fall, pair the dress with ankle boots and tights and a jacket that matches or complements the colors, and in winter combine the dress with knee boots, a warm yet chic hat, a heavier coat and a darker colored purse.

Accessories

As mentioned in the previous section, the key to making one dress work all year long is the accessories that you pair it with. But while there are some accessories that scream summer like a floppy hat or holler “winter!” like mittens and a scarf, Posh Beauty notes that many accessories can be adapted and used all year long. For instance, a classic and attractive watch can be worn all year long, especially if the band is a color that goes with all seasons like a light gray, silver or blue. Your sunglasses can also be worn year round, and they definitely should be, even when it’s cold and gloomy outside. While it can be fun to change up your purse depending on the season, a clutch in a neutral color can compliment any outfit all year long. If you do have room in the budget, affordable accessories like larger and colorful earrings for spring and summer are a great choice, along with a darker colored purse for winter.

Hair

As the temperatures start to rise in the spring, you might be tempted to get your hair cut off into a short bob. In lieu of this, consider pulling your hair back into a messy bun and securing it in place with a short scarf or scrunchie. If you are talented at French braiding and have the length for it, a braided ponytail that starts at the top of your head and goes down the back will keep your hair in place and off your neck. In the summer, a classic pulled back ponytail works well; you can also forego the blow dryer and let the warm air dry your tresses, and then pull them back into a casual pony secured by a thin ribbon. The Every Girl has great advice for fall and winter looks, including side swept bangs for cool fall days and a half up top knot, which works especially well if you have curly or wavy hair — both of these styles will look great with a sweater, scarf and/or hoodie.

Makeup

You don’t have to spend a ton of money each season for new makeup; in fact, springing for a new nail polish or lipstick or gloss four times a year should do the trick. Think lighter pinks and corals for spring and reds and wines for fall and winter. Also, if you have ever contemplated getting lash extensions, spring is a great time to try something new, and long and beautiful lashes will go well with the return of longer and sunnier days. In addition to the lashes themselves, you will need accessories like glue for lash extensions and glue remover.

Enjoy your evolving look

You can channel your inner fashionista during each season. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get all new things for warmer or cooler weather. By learning how to accessorize fave outfits that you can wear all year, invest in key accessories and makeup and learn some new hairstyles, you will look season-ready all year long for not a lot of money.