Zara Dress | Louise et Cie Heels | American Eagle Earrings | Thrifted Bracelets via Goodwill
I live for a good formal outfit. You don’t get to wear them too often and usually you end up wearing something you feel amazing in. What could be better?!
The one thing I hate about formal wear is that you don’t get to wear it too often. Double edged sword, I know. Why would I spend a fortune on something that I wear every once and a while? That’s the trade off, you have to feel good without spending a ton.
SO I’m here to give you a few tips to put into practice to score low cost formal wear. But, that’s without sacrificing how you feel, because then, what’s the fun in that?
How to find low cost formal wear
1. Scour the sale rack
Formal wear is often not the first thing people are looking for. So lucky for you, that usually means you can find some amazing pieces on sale.
I would ensure that you’re looking relatively often (if shopping online) because sizes do tend to sell out fast if there’s something really good. And in store, make sure you keep an open mind. I know plenty of people who don’t love the dress on the hanger, and then try it on to find they LOVE it. Try everything, what have you got to lose?
2. Start looking early
You can always find good stuff if you give yourself enough time! It’s so important to ensure you allow yourself time to find something that isn’t too pricey, but also makes you feel like a million bucks.
Take into consideration the shipping time as well. You want to give yourself enough time to not only get it in before the event, but also have enough time to either tailor it to your body, or even send it back and try to find something else.
That being said, I would avoid buying things too early. This is because if you give yourself enough time to keep looking, you might find something you like better. All good if you can still return the first, but not great if now you’re stuck with two!
3. Buy for versatility
You know what’s cheaper than shopping in the sale section?! Shopping your own closet! So many people (myself included), think that you need a new dress for every single event you’re going to. That couldn’t be more wrong!
If you buy versatile pieces, the same dress can look completely different with a few tweaks. Maybe switch out or add a belt, change your earrings and add in a new pair of shoes. It all can make your outfit transform for a lot less than a new dress.
The last time I wore something formal, I chose pieces that I already had in my closet and paired them a new way. I actually LOVE how the look turned out. Probably going to wear it again at my next similar event!!
Zara Dress | Louise et Cie Heels | American Eagle Earrings | Thrifted Bracelets via Goodwill
This outfit was one that I wore to a formal dinner in Lake Louise last month. I was there for a business conference and the lsat night required formal wear. This entire outfit cost me approximately $70, which to me is VERY good. Plus, it wasn’t my first time wearing any of the pieces and definitely won’t be my last!
Do you have any tips you swear by when shopping for formal wear? Let me know in the comments!
xx Victoria
Leave a Reply