Fashion Fixes 101: 40+ Budget-Savvy Style Hacks

Kudos to the genius who first introduced us to the concept of ‘hacks’—they’ve been a real game-changer! There’s no denying the sheer relief of knowing there’s a solution for every problem. And let’s be honest, the best hacks are the ones that save you time and effort without breaking the bank—gotta love those simple, budget-friendly fixes!

Whether it’s a stubborn zipper or a lipstick disaster, rest assured, there’s a hack just waiting around the corner to save the day. So, get ready to dive into a treasure trove of clever fashion hacks that’ll have you wondering how you ever lived without them. From quick fixes to long-lasting solutions, there’s something here for everyone to make life a little smoother and much more stylish!

1. Pump it up! 

No matter how nice your heels are, everyone’s going to notice if you wear them too many times. And while it may be tempting to splurge your savings on a brand-new pair, that’s just not the right way to do it!

Instead, you can simply add a unique touch of glam to your pumps at home. All you need is some lace (or beads, if you will), glue, and scissors. A few snips, and you’ve got a stylish new pair of heels! 

2. The problem of shrunken clothes 

We’ve all been in a situation when our clothes shrink to half their original size. Whether you forgot to read the instructions or the machine is faulty, we’ve got a solution. To restore your clothes to their original size, all you need to do is follow these steps.

First, get lukewarm water in a bowl. Make sure the water isn’t too hot. Then, mix the hair conditioner with the water and leave your clothes in the solution for 30 minutes. Stretch them to their original size, and you have your clothes restored to their normal size once you dry them!

3. Socks that don’t show 

Don’t you just hate it when you try your best to hide your socks, but they just keep climbing up? Although it doesn’t matter sometimes, it can ruin a good outfit on other days. We have a solution; no, it’s not skipping socks altogether.

Not wearing socks can lead to blisters on your feet other than being extremely uncomfortable. Try wearing no-show socks instead. These are as comfortable as any other pair of socks with the added advantage of being invisible- making them perfect for all times! 

4. If you don’t absolutely have to, don’t! 

What if we tell you that despite what you’ve been told, dry cleaning isn’t always the best solution for your clothes? Most of the time, we tend to rush to the dry cleaner every time we’ve worn a piece of clothing. 

Not only will this habit cost you a lot of money, but it will also affect the quality of your clothes. Besides, if you’ve only worn it for a few hours and managed to keep it clean, it’s best to keep it that way.

5. Cleaning suede shoes in style

Beautiful, sumptuous, and stylish are all the words that come to our mind when we think of suede shoes. The only problem with these shoes is that they’re high maintenance since they get dirty pretty quickly. Among the million cleaning fixes, this last-minute hack is our favorite.

No sweat! Just snag a nail file and give your suede shoes a quick brush-off—super simple! It won’t cost you a dime, and it’s super gentle on your kicks. Rock those suede shoes confidently, knowing they look fresh and clean!

6. Fold, not hang 

We’ve all seen those fancy closet doors slide open to unveil a wardrobe full of pricey threads, right? It’s tempting to copy that setup, but let’s face it, it’s not the most practical solution for everyone. Sometimes, simplicity and functionality win the day!

Firstly, it wrinkles your clothes. Second, it can lead to a dust lining along the top, especially if it hasn’t been reached for a long time. Although it takes a little more effort, folding and putting your clothes on a shelf or a wardrobe is the best option.

7. Bright as new!

Give your jewelry pieces the care they deserve by polishing them with vinegar and baking soda. They’re going to shine as though new! All you have to do is follow a few simple steps. You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, and a bowl.

First, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with half a cup of white vinegar. Blend until you have a paste. Now, soak your silver jewelry pieces for 2-3 hours. Afterward, use cold water to rinse the paste off, and dry them with a soft cloth, and it’s done!

8. Raiding the kids’ section

If most of your wardrobe consists of small- or medium-sized clothes, checking out the kids’ section might be worth it. The larger sizes in this section can easily fit you! Plus, you might just find some super nice and goofy clothes.

Why not swing by the kids’ section for accessories? Bonus: they’re usually 20-30% cheaper than adult sizes. While you might not hit the jackpot every time, it’s worth a peek! Who knows? You might snag some fabulous finds without breaking the bank!

9. Hunt down defect stores 

As long as you’re open-minded about exploring new places for fashion, you can get the best things for half their price. One of these places includes factory defect stores. Here, you can find the items the brand discarded for minor defects. 

Mind you, these defects can be so little they might not even be visible. You can get brand-new items for huge discounts at these stores! It might be a good idea to check out second-hand stores for the same. Often, the items there are as good as new. 

10. I’d dye for you 

We all have that one piece of clothing that we refuse to let go of, no matter how faded or worn it may seem to others. Well, we have a solution. Instead of throwing it away, you can always dye it again! 

If you’ve got clothes with stains that won’t budge, why not give them a dye job? Just pick a darker shade, and voila! Good as new! Fabric dye is cheap and easy to find, so it’s a quick fix to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank!

11. Removing makeup stains in the blink of an eye 

Removing makeup stains can feel like such a task! Especially when it’s a smudge on your collar or cuffs. Lucky for you, we have the right solution. All you need to do is apply some shaving cream on the stain. 

This product can penetrate even the best quality materials. It might take you a little more effort to remove the heavier stains. Even then, a few scrubs with a toothbrush, and you’ll be all set! Once the stain is gone, put your clothes away for laundering as usual. 

12. Getting a hold

The most annoying thing about wearing PJs with a tie is that it’s bound to disappear into the pajamas after a few weeks. No matter how hard you try, eventually pulling the tie out from the other end is the only option. Not anymore with this hack!

Just attach a safety pin at one end of the tie. That makes it easier to get a grip and pull the tie out whenever it’s sliding back in. It’s way easier than putting the tie back in from scratch!

13. Thrift haul 

If you know how to sniff out good things, thrift stores are the place for you. Not only are you doing a huge favor for the environment, but you are also getting branded clothes at a fraction of their original price.

You can even find designer labels if you’re lucky and dedicated enough. We know what you’re thinking- the condition of these clothes might not be great. Well, lucky for you, that’s mostly not the case! Most of the clothes and items are in great condition, some as good as new!

14. That bites! 

Have you ever come home from a long day of wearing uncomfortable shoes only to discover a shoe bite? These red, blistered spots on your feet can be far more painful than they look, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.

For this, you can apply antiperspirants to the areas most likely to get rubbed against while wearing footwear. This can help you by preventing sweat or friction from forming. Once both factors are in control, you can kick back and relax- literally!

15. Dab it out 

So, you’ve got a lipstick smudge on your favorite shirt? Don’t panic! Rubbing it will only make it worse. Instead, grab some clear tape and gently dab it on the stain to lift off the lipstick. Easy-peasy fix to save your clothes!

Here’s what you need to do: Spray a generous amount of hairspray and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, take a dry, clean cloth and dab at the stain gently. Make sure not to rub it- that will only make things worse. Wash the cloth, and voilà, the stain has disappeared!

16. Repurpose and reuse! 

Our tendency to carelessly toss away any item of clothing with the slightest issue is costing the environment. Most of our old clothes end up in a landfill, the leading cause of pollution. Plus, why throw it away when you can do something fun with it?

You can always repurpose your old clothes into something else, like mittens, dusting cloth, or even pillow covers. Or, a few stitches could help you make something trendy from a worn outfit. You could also use glitter, beads, and buttons to make it more fashionable!

17. Seam-ingly perfect 

There’s nothing more annoying than noticing your hem has come undone just as you’re prepared to leave the house. That, or when you just don’t have the time to sit down with a sewing machine. In such a case, this quick fix might help you out!

Try using a glue gun if you have one- it may not last a wash, but it’s enough to keep you going through the day. You can always fix it up later. Plus, if you do it neatly, no one will even notice!

18. Untangling made easy 

We’ve all been there at some point in our lives: frustrated and flustered trying to untangle knotted necklaces or chains. Here’s what you could try instead: use baby powder on the knotted part. It might sound unbelievable, but it works! 

This is because it helps reduce friction between the chains/necklaces, making it easier to untangle them. It still might take some time and effort to separate them, though. You can always rinse off the powder using water and soap later!

19. A problem of abundance 

Worried about not having enough space to hang all your clothes? Instead of looking for alternate storage solutions, here’s what you can do to make the most of the space available. Get a few Coke can pull-tabs and your old cloth hangers. 

As you might’ve noticed, there are two holes in the can. As demonstrated above, put one of them through a hanger and the second hole in another. This way, one hanger will support the weight of two pairs of clothes. 

20. Making the best of hand-me-downs

Don’t be too quick to dismiss hand-me-downs! Sure, they’ve had a previous owner, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth your time. You never know; that shirt or pair of jeans might fit you like a glove and become your new go-to outfit!

Plus, you can always repurpose some of these things! Maybe style those old jeans into trendy shorts, or use the t-shirt to make a crop top. So, try to see things for what they are and what they could be!

21. A bold fashion statement

Winter fashion rocks, right? Layering is essential, and here’s a fun trick: transform your scarf into a chic flyaway vest! Just follow these easy steps, and voila – you’ve got yourself a statement piece to amp up your winter look!

The best part about this hack is that you can use it anywhere and go from simple to stylish in 6 simple steps! It doesn’t have to be a winter accessory either- you can replicate this trick for lightweight scarves and wear it all year round!

22. The tea-trick 

Most people underestimate how a stinky pair of shoes could affect their lives. It could ruin your first impression, your mood, and the mood of the person sitting next to you. If it’s too extreme, it can stink up your entire room!

Luckily, a hack as simple as leaving a tea bag in your shoes overnight can quickly fix this problem. Tea leaves can easily neutralize all kinds of odors- even the ones as unpleasant as shoe odor. Using a stronger flavor like peppermint might even leave your shoes smelling delightful!

23. Fixing smelly shoes 

The unmistakable stench of dirty shoes can ruin your impression. And once that happens, it can be challenging to undo! Best to avoid such an embarrassing situation by getting rid of the smell beforehand. Luckily, we have a straightforward solution for you.

You only need a small quantity of baking soda (1-2 tablespoons would suffice). It’s readily available in the market and is a cheap way to treat unpleasant odors in shoes. Spread baking soda inside each shoe and leave it overnight. You’ll wake up to your shoes smelling good as new!

24. Get rid of the fuzz

We all know the feeling of panic on waking up and realizing we fell asleep in our favorite sweater. Or seeing your favorite sweater getting all pilled up. Here’s a quick fix to instantly remove all the fuzz off your sweaters: that too without too much effort!

All you need is a razor. Run it over your woolen gently to remove all the fuzz. Remember, don’t rub it too hard since it could damage the fabric. Once you’re done, run a lint roller to remove any remaining bits. 

25. A problem zipped 

Getting your zipper stuck can be highly annoying, no matter where you are. The only solution known to us is to yank and pull at it, which can make it even worse. However, we’ve discovered an ingenious solution that works every time!

If you get your zipper stuck, you just need to get your hands on a chapstick. As soon as you apply it on the part that’s stuck, it will come undone. You can even use a crayon if available. Just make sure not to make the problem worse with a careless stain!

26. Saving whenever inspiration strikes 

We all have our “Oh, I’m going to recreate this outfit” moments, but rarely do we get to recreate those outfits. And it’s mostly because we forget! So, do yourself a favor by photographing any looks you might want to do later.

This will help you do something about those outfits and show them for reference when you’re out shopping. Plus, if you’re one of those people who take ages to choose an outfit for the day, this hack might help you get ready sooner!

27. Save your tights 

Tights are an indispensable part of our winter wardrobe. Not only do these clothing items keep us warm, but they also add to our overall attire aesthetically. However, it doesn’t take too much for them to rip. Once there’s a rip, even a small one, it can grow very big, very fast. 

To avoid a small hole turning into a full-blown snag, apply a little bit of clear nail polish on the part that’s tearing up. This can stop the snag from growing, at least for now. You can always apply another coat if the previous one wears off!

28. Using scarves as a charming hair accessory

If you’re someone who loves scarves, here’s a pro tip for you: wearing scarves in your hair is super trendy! Plus, you can get beautiful scarves for as little as 10$. You can wear it as a headband or use it to tie up a ponytail. 

For a more exquisite hairdo, braid a scarf into your hair. Plus, scarves come in all kinds of colors and patterns. They also make for an excellent accessory for your handbag. Tie it up for a perfect finish to your outfit!

29. Fringe it away 

Throwing away clothes that are in decent condition is such a waste- both for the environment and for you. Save clothes that are out of style with a hack that’s as simple as it gets- by cutting a stylish fringe!

Not only will this fashion hack give a cute edge to your clothes, but it also costs you nothing. Plus, since you did it yourself, it’ll make the clothing item one of a kind. You can add fringes to all kinds of clothing items- tops, skirts, shorts, you name it!

30. Ice it out 

There’s a lot of talk about how gum in hair can ruin your hair and not enough about its effect on clothes. If you get gum on your clothes, there’s a good chance the fabric is ruined- but don’t despair just yet. We’ve got a solution for you! 

All you need to do is place an ice cube (or an entire ice pack) on the gum and let it sit for 20 minutes. This will freeze the gum, and you can easily scrape it off once it hardens. 

31. Vinegar: the king of stain removers 

Probably one of the most underrated stain removers in your household, vinegar is the perfect partner when you’re on a cleaning spree. You can clean everything from faucets, glass, and even toilets with vinegar. Vinegar can even be used for removing fabric stains. 

Spray a generous amount of vinegar (⅓ cup) mixed with water (1 cup) and let it sit for half an hour or so. If it’s a brighter stain, consider soaking it in vinegar for some time before putting it away for laundering. 

32. Rubbing the dirt away

Only one thing prevents white-soled shoes from becoming the most popular style. It’s because they get too dirty too soon! What if we told you that you don’t have to keep your favorite sneakers locked in for fear of messing them up any longer?

Want to keep those white sneakers looking fresh? Grab an eraser and give them a good rub! It’s like magic – especially for rubber and canvas soles. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this simple trick can spruce up your kicks!

33. Fixing red wine stains easily

Spilled red wine on your clothes? Double bummer! But wait, there’s a fix! Grab some white wine – yep, you heard right. Just a splash can help neutralize that red wine stain. Who knew wine could save the day in more ways than one? Cheers to that!

Pouring a small amount of white wine and blotting it over the stain can easily remove the stain. This is because white wine contains an enzyme that can neutralize it. Now you can celebrate with white wine for successfully removing the stain! 

34. Absorbing your troubles: talcum powder 

Got an annoying oil stain ruining your day? We’ve got your back! Grab some talcum powder and sprinkle it generously on the stain. Let it sit for a while, then brush it off. Voila! Say goodbye to those pesky oil stains, and hello to clean clothes!

Let it sit for 20 minutes until the powder absorbs the oil. Put it away to launder! Talcum powder can be used for a lot of things around the house. You can even use it to remove the stinky odor from your shoes. 

35. Vodka on the socks 

Here’s a fun fact: vodka isn’t just for cocktails; it’s also a pro at refreshing clothes! Ever pulled out a shirt from the back of your closet and found it smelling a bit funky? No worries! Just spritz some vodka, let it air out, and ta-da! Good as new!

No need to panic and rush to the dry cleaner anymore! Grab some vodka from your stash and give your clothes a spritz. It’s like magic – the alcohol kills bacteria and neutralizes odors. Just make sure it’s flavorless, or you’ll end up smelling like a distillery!

36. Say no to heat damage 

Getting snow in your shoes can be very annoying–mainly because of the wetness it leaves for the days to come. Although getting a hair dryer might seem like the best bet, it’s not. Using heating devices can lead to a lot of damage, especially for materials like suede or leather.

Try putting newspapers in your shoes and leaving them that way instead. This can help you dry off your shoes quickly and more effectively without any damage. Now, you can enjoy your winter to the fullest without worrying about your shoes!

37. Loosen it up 

Wearing tight-fitting jeans is one thing, and wearing jeans that just won’t fit anyone is another. Don’t worry if you’re stuck in the latter situation because you love your old jeans too much or didn’t realize you outgrew them, don’t worry. We’ve got you!

Here’s what you need to do. First, spray the jeans with lukewarm water. When it is damp enough, use all your strength to stretch out the fabric. Make sure to keep spraying water wherever necessary. Leave it to dry once you’ve stretched it out to the max. It’s a perfect fit now!

38. Cool off the smell

We’ve all faced the dread of laundry day postponement, resulting in a pile of clothes emitting an unpleasant odor. Moreover, improper drying post-wash can exacerbate the situation. It’s essential to tackle this issue promptly to maintain a fresh and clean living space.

Suppose you don’t have the time to wash these clothes; stick them in your freezer for a quick fix. This can make the germs dormant, ridding your clothes of the weird scent. But first, put your clothes in a plastic bag. You don’t want to get the germs on your food!

39. Avoiding pills and sheds 

As much as we love wearing thick, cozy sweaters, the problem of pilling and shedding is all too annoying. However, this problem has a straightforward yet less-known solution. Fold your woolens and put them in a ziplock bag. Then, keep them in your freezer.

Yes, you read it right. Keeping your woolens in a freezer shrinks the fibers, which can significantly minimize pilling. Keep it in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours. Give it a good shake after taking it out to remove the excess hair and fur balls.

40. Getting rid of armpit stains 

If you’re prone to sweating buckets, you know how to deal with those dreaded sweat stains, especially in the armpit area. They can totally cramp your style, right? But fear not! We have a nifty little hack up our sleeves to tackle those pesky stains easily.

All you need to do is mix baking soda (approximately 4-5 tablespoons) with half a cup of water. Apply the paste and let it sit for 2 hours before washing it. You can also use lemon juice (equal parts water and lemon juice) to remove armpit stains. 

41. Gift yourself anti-chafe shorts 

Don’t sweat it if you don’t have a thigh gap — you’re in good company! Most women embrace their natural curves, even if it means a bit of friction between the thighs. So, walk with confidence, knowing you’re rocking your unique beauty!

This can lead to irritation and tenderness between the thighs, which, if neglected, can worsen. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair of anti-chafe shorts. The price can differ according to the quality of the fabric, starting at a cost of as little as 10$.

42. Making the shoe fit

For the most part, shopping for shoes online is fun. You get more options to choose from, and it’s super convenient except for the times when a shoe is slightly smaller than your foot size. Instead of putting yourself through the hassle of returning or exchanging your shoes, try this simple hack instead. 

Take a ziplock bag and fill it up with water. Then, put it inside your shoes. Remember, the ziplock bag size should be big enough to fit the shoe. Store it in the freezer overnight. Take your shoes out in the morning; they’ll be bigger.  

43. Sunglass dilemma 

If you constantly slide your sunglasses onto your head, those arms might feel wobbly. Don’t wait until they snap off! A quick fix today can prevent a major meltdown tomorrow. After all, a stitch in time saves nine, especially for your favorite shades!

If you’re looking for a temporary fix, try applying clear nail polish on the hinges of your sunglasses. This can help you buy time by fastening the arms of the sunglasses a little more strongly until you find a better solution.

44. Glittering it up 

You’ll love this hack if you’ve been considering sprucing up your wardrobe with some sparkle. All you need is plenty of glitter, fabric glue (professional-grade super glue would be better), and whatever piece of clothing you want to work with.

Just slap some glue in any pattern or style you fancy, and go to town with the glitter! Whether crafting something unique, using stencils, or just dousing everything in sparkles, it’s your call. Oh, and don’t skimp on the glue!

45. Channel your inner designer

Give your clothes that ‘extra’ special touch by sewing something independently. You can sew a cute pocket on an old t-shirt to dazzle it up. Funky patches, which can also be glued or sewn, are readily available in the market, depending on your preference.

If you love this hack too much, consider getting a glue gun. It would make your work a lot easier. You can also jazz up your wardrobe with more such additions, like glitter or beads. It’s better than throwing your old clothes away!