How are we all today? I have had a crazy but fun few few weeks styling outfits for various collaborations, street style shoots and of course for the SHEmazing Debs Challenge. The fabulous team at SHEmazing has asked me to share my Top Tips for Cutting Costs When Shopping for the Debs so here it goes!

Let’s face it! The Debs is a big occasion for teens so naturally the temptation is usually to go overboard when it comes to the dress, the shoes and the accessories. This doesn’t have to be the case – you don’t need to spend extreme amounts of money in order to make it ‘a night to remember’. At the end of the day it is the company, the atmosphere and the embarrassing selfies that will make it a memorable night.

These top tips will prove that you can still look fabulous while sticking to a strict budget.

large (1)

Isla Fisherin Confessions of a Shopaholic. — It’s how much?

Shop around for your dress

Many boutiques and Debs specialist stores tend to sell expensive dresses but often have sales so make sure to keep an eye on the stores you like. Aside from boutiques and specialist stores there are plenty of Debs-suitable dresses in more budget friendly high street stores as well as many online clothing stores that stock long length dresses at a cheaper price. The more you browse the better!

Plan in advance

Planning in advance is always a great idea. Do your dress research online first to give yourself a better idea of what styles and colours you might like for your Debs dress and then browse to your hearts content until you spot the perfect affordable dress. Planning in advance will also allow more time to save up for the dress you want and the dress you can afford.

What shoes?

If you think about it, the majority of Debs dresses are full length so how much of your shoes will actually be seen on the day? Having a full length dress means your shoes will go unnoticed for the most part. While your shoes are very important, as they must be comfortable and allow you to walk properly, you do not necessarily have to spend a huge amount on them. A simple and affordable pair of heels from Penneys would do the trick; you may even have a pair of shoes lying around at home that would work with your dress.

If you’re like me, you will end up wearing flats or dancing barefoot towards the end of the night either way. I always bring flats with me when heels are in the equation. Bottom line; don’t feel the need to spend hundreds of euro of one pair of shoes.

Accessories

Again, you don’t need to make a trip to Brown Thomas to top up your Tiffany & Co collection just for your Debs. Before running to the shops have a look at home first. You will most-likely own a piece of jewellery from a previous special occasion. Costume jewellery is another option. There are so many options out there for affordable jewellery both online and in high street stores.