7 Thrifty Tips to Update Your Wardrobe for Spring

Spring is in the air, and the warmer weather can definitely bring on cravings for a spring wardrobe update. We want to pack away the heavy, bulky fabrics from winter and dark, jewel tone colors. It’s time to give your closet a little makeover by filling it with lightweight fabrics, tender floral prints, and bright, spring colors.  Ready to update your wardrobe for spring?
If your clothing budget is on your mind right now, we’re bringing you 7 frugal tips to spruce up your wardrobe for the change of season without spending a fortune. Our tips will have your daily outfits looking like you got a whole new wardrobe, even though you’ll really only be spending money on key pieces to pull this off.

7 Thrifty Tips to Update Your Wardrobe for Spring

1. Add in spring accessories to create the illusion of a bigger wardrobe. You’ll spend much less on accessories than on all new clothes, but the brighter colors will let you create new outfits. Choose bright colored headbands, purses, cell phone/iPhone covers, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Having bright punches of color coordinated together will make an existing outfit look new and springy. Make sure the color is balanced and evenly spread, such as a headband with a matching purse, or a necklace with splashy bracelets.
2. Switch out 2 black or dark long-sleeved tops for bright vibrantly colored tops. These new tops should be in lightweight fabrics and saturated colors- think fuchsia, teal, and coral. Stick with solid colors so they can be accessorized to add variety. These stand-alone shirts shouldn’t set you back too much, just look for inexpensive tops that can be worn alone or in layers.
3. Scarves. Scarves are the ultimate budget fashion accessory that can play many different roles in a modern wardrobe. They can be tied through belt loops to add a spring look to jeans, pants or capris. Scarves can also be worn on your head for the ultimate vacation look. Here’s a tutorial on how to tie a scarf in 3 different ways.
4. Get a few pairs of springy fashion shoes at budget stores, like Payless or Walmart. These inexpensive shoes will add an update to any existing outfit and are usually modeled after the season’s hottest styles. You’ll be trendy without spending a fortune while switching out old winter shoes and boots for spring sandals and hot heels in juicy colors.
5. Buy 2-3 tanks in summer colors to replace shells under jackets and sweaters. Thrift stores and vintage stores are great places to find awesome tanks at a budget price. Rich spring colors and must-have patterns are the key here. The perfect tanks will be able to be worn under jackets for professional daywear or on weekends with shorts, jeans or skirts in casual outfits.
6. Find 1-2 designer pieces at a rack store, outlet store, or department store sale that are high quality and marked down. Not all your wardrobe update pieces have to come from second hand or discount stores. If you’re dying for designer pieces, don’t deny yourself, but don’t go overboard. Choose only 1 or 2 pieces that are very versatile and have high quality construction (meaning they’ll last more than one season). Only add pieces that are not too trendy so they can be used again next year. Check rack stores and eBay first to see if you can score your favorite designer brands at a better price.
7. Opt for skirts in lightweight fabrics instead of shorts. Shorts are cute and can be tempting, but buy skirts instead. Skirts will be able to transition to fall/winter by dressing up with a denim jacket or turtleneck sweater and tights, getting you more wardrobe mileage for your money.
By using these strategies and looking for key pieces to transition your look, you can update your closet for spring without breaking the bank on a whole new wardrobe! Find more beauty and fashion tips and tricks, including 8 Quick Rules to Grow Up Your Wardrobe  and Don’t Look Like a Tired Mom: 13 Quick Mini Makeovers.
Neck scarf photo by Mickael Casol.  Headband photo by yarnovermovement.