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Michelle Obama, first Lady of the United States is known for her no-nonsense fashion, and price conscious dressing. She is comfortable mixing designer couture items with J.Crew and White House/Black Market Boutiques. While this example puts high style in easy reach. Still, for the low income or frugal majority, the prices can still be a bit of a stretch.
Still, there are things you can do to exemplify Michelle Obama’s classic style without sacrificing your frugal sensibilities.
Classic Basics: Stay away from trendy styles when you purchase new clothing. Stick to items with timeless style that you know will still be in style 5 years from now. You’ll know the difference as a trendy item is something that you probably haven’t seen before or at least in the last 10 years, and a classic item is something you see in the stores every two to three years.
Your basic wardrobe should include Sheath dresses, or the best dress for your shape, a few pairs of slacks, colorful blouses, and classic cardigan sweaters. Inventory your closet to see which of these things are missing and then fill in the gaps.
Fit is everything: Nothing is more important than the fit of your clothing. I learned this by dressing my husband in suits. I can buy a $100.00 suit (on sale) and pay $40.00 to get it tailored, and people will swear that it is cost several hundred to a thousand dollars. Women should do the same thing. The key is to find a good tailor through references and referrals.
Show off your best assets: Just as Michelle Obama is known for showing her beautiful and muscular arms, you should also determine and show off your best asset, and also to take care of that asset, by keeping in shape. Be they legs, waistline, bust, or butt, if it is near perfect (and we all have something that is near perfect) show it off.
Accessorize: The thing that makes Michelle Obama’s wardrobe pop is her accessories. You don’t need hundred of broaches, necklaces, and scarves to accessorize smartly. Just collect a few broaches that you really like to move from outfit to outfit. Remember one scarf will look different with each different outfit and wearing it differently each time goes a long way. Start with a collection of three. Also, shop for all of your accessories at garage sales and thrift stores as that is where you will find the coolest antique and and valuable items.
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Andrea Hermitt writes for parenting (specifically teens), the home blog, and also the frugal blog, and homeschooling at families.com.