The idea that you need to spend plenty of money to look good is so last season. There are even advantages to having a small budget: financial limitations stretch the imagination and force you to think hard about how much you really want everything you buy.

A New Start

To revamp your wardrobe, pare it down to the clothes you actually want. This way, you’ll avoid buying items that coordinate with clothes you no longer wear. Begin by separating clothes into three piles: throw away; charity; pieces you want to keep.

Be ruthless and get rid of anything you haven’t worn for the last two years. Don’t keep something in the hope that you will lose weight or that it will come back into fashion.

Be Real

Common sense should really be your first guideline. Before buying anything new, think about your lifestyle and select only items you’ll wear often enough to justify the purchase. Make sure any additions will complement what you already own, choosing fabrics and styles that are easy to wear and maintain for maximum versatility.

Avoid dry cleaning. As a rule, try not to choose fabrics that need dry cleaning. This is especially true of garments that will need frequent cleaning.

Cotton blends. You may prefer the look and feel of pure cotton, but buying a cotton blend will save you time or money as you won’t need to iron it.

Linen lasts. Linen is more resistant to deterioration when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures than cotton, but be sure to buy a linen blend if you like your clothes crease-free.

Denim for value. Denim is one of the most comfortable and cheapest materials. It gives you lots of wear for your money—and grows in style with age.

Hard-working luxury. Silk may be luxurious but it is also very durable and hard-wearing. It also keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Artificial fabrics have their place. Recently developed materials have many of the advantages of natural materials, such as comfort and strength, but with added ease of care and durability.