Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.  ~Janet Lane

If only I had frequent flyer miles for the number of times I’ve stood in my closet, looked at everything there, and decided I have nothing, but absolutely NOTHING to wear.  Sometimes it’s a matter of the things in my closet having shrunk two or three sizes overnight; sometimes it’s because no matter how hard I try, there is no way to make something from the last century seem fashionable; sometimes it is just that I am bored with everything hanging there. I stand there, waiting for the fashion fairy to dump enough money in my bank account so that I can go buy the newest and latest and most inspiring. (I’m still waiting.)

Girlfriend and guest blogger GEN TUPAS understands our fashion frustrations and shares some great tips for being fashion-forward (or at least fashion-current) on a budget.

Every season, designers release new clothing lines and try to entice you into buying something from their new collection. Before you know it, you long to change up your wardrobe, but worry about the small fortune it might cost you. Never fear, for there are solutions. Here are seven straight forward ways any girl can dress fashionably and still have some money left. Let’s get started!

1. Buy classic pieces of good quality to mix and match

Every wardrobe needs a few timeless, classic staples that will never go out of style. A pair of jeans that fits just right can go with many different tops and shoes for a multitude of different looks. A little black dress can be styled to wear at the office or to go out at night. Grey pencil skirts and black or white button down shirts can be worn in numerous ways. Find a few great pieces to layer with, such as sweaters, jackets, vests, or wraps. Mix and match, and you can come up with several different ways to wear each piece.

2. Accessorize to switch up your outfits

Creating alternate looks with accessories is a fun and affordable way to stretch your wardrobe even further. A fabulous statement piece such as a long necklace or an over-sized ring can change up your look while adding different pops of color to your outfit. Hair accessories such as head wraps and hair clips are also a great option because they are inexpensive and will diversify your look. Shoes can also change the entire vibe of your outfit. Add heels to a pair of jeans and a plain shirt with a long statement necklace to go out on the town, or add trendy loafers to the same outfit for casual Friday at work.

3. Browse thrift shops, outlet stores, and internet auction sites

Never underestimate what you can find in a thrift shop. You can often find quality brand name clothing that is still in good condition for a very small percentage of the original price. Outlet stores can serve you well also, offering the same items you would buy from that store in the mall for a much higher price. Internet auction sites are another fantastic option, with tons of listings in the fashion category at much lower prices than you could find offline.

4. Reconstruct old t-shirts

Have any old t-shirts that you just aren’t sure what to do with? Maybe they are too big, or the cut is unflattering, or you are just plain sick of them. If so, you can reconstruct your tees into something new. The internet is full of tutorials on this subject. You don’t even have to know how to sew; most t-shirt reconstructions can be done with scissors alone, cutting them into new and flattering shapes, while maybe even cutting strips along the sides and tying them up for a funky and stylish look.

5. Shop the clearance racks

Clearance racks don’t always have the nicest clothing, but if you shop often you may be able to catch something cute. One trick is to choose stores that have high quality clothing that will last. Even if you cannot afford the normally priced articles of clothing, you may get lucky and snag something you love off the clearance rack. You can then take home a high quality piece that was within your budget and that won’t fall apart quickly, forcing you to spend more money on a replacement piece.

6. Use coupons and find good sales

If you have a favorite store, find their website and sign up to be on their email list. You will receive alerts whenever they are having a sale, and in most cases will even receive coupons you can print out and redeem in the store. You may also be able to sign up for a customer rewards program and receive discounts on future purchases.

7. Buy in bulk

The more of one item you buy, the cheaper it becomes per unit. If there is a popular fashion item that many of your friends want, you can buy it in a large quantity and split the bill to reduce your individual price. There are many online sellers with small businesses that would be more than happy to accommodate you.

Whether you use one of these or another strategy, there are lots of ways to look fabulous without breaking the bank.

GEN TUPAS (GenTM) is a freelance writer and a blogger. One of her greatest dream is to become a wedding planner but found herself following her mom’s footsteps and became an entrepreneur. Her personal blog is called 365 Slimming Days where she writes about her love for beauty, fitness, and health. She recommends shopping for deals to look great.

What are your tips for looking fabulous on a budget?

More frugal shopping and fashion advice:

• 3 Massive Mistakes Women make while Shopping
• Mix and Match Swimwear Fashion
• How to Give Fashion Advice to a Friend without hurting her Feelings

Plus, check out Gen’s guest blog on 10 Tips to Throw a Frugal Party.

By the way, we LOVE guest blogs here at Girlfriendology. Have a great girlfriend story to tell? Want to celebrate your fabulous female friends? SHARE! (And, we also have Girlfriend Gurus – check that out to be featured on Girlfriendology!)

SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter and get our FREE eBook ‘30 Days / 30 Ways to Be a Better Friend‘ - check it out!

More to check out – Facebook.com/Girlfriendology and Twitter/@Girlfriendology where we’re connecting with over 50,000 women (we block guys!) and Pinterest.com/Girlfriendology where we share visual inspiration and great quotes. More Girlfriend Friendship Quotes.

THANKS to our BIG 2012 Sponsor – Biz Stain Fighter and Mean Green Degreaser (check out their coupons!). And our July sponsor of Fridays – The Wine Sisterhood (check them out on Twitter and Facebook too). And – THANKS to YOU Girlfriend!