budget fashion

There's nothing like the feeling of being dolled up for a fancy event . . . until you get the bill! Although heading to a black-tie affair can add up quickly, it doesn't have to with a few simple tips and tricks. From scoring a designer gown for less to creating your own glamorous up-do, you can look Oscar ready and pretty on a penny your next night out, here's how:

The Dress

• Rent it!: If you're having a hard time justifying the price tag for a dress you'll probably only wear once, rent it! Similar to a suit rental, you can now rent gowns for a fraction of what they could cost you. Websites like Rent the Runway allow you to wear designer gowns and accessories for your big night, without breaking the bank. They even send you an extra size to ensure the right fit!
• Turn to your friends: Ask a few of your close friends if they have a formal gown they'd be willing to lend you. Try a few options and add accessories to make the look your own. Just be careful around the drinks and return it dry cleaned.
• Get thrifty: Consignment shops are a great place to score deals on gowns and assure that no one else will have your dress! Don't be afraid to do some digging and remember to start your search weeks in advance. If the fit isn't right, a few adjustments from the tailor — maybe even a hem — will make the gown look custom and truly unique.

Read on for more.

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

You’re one of a kind, and you want to dress accordingly. But, all too often, it’s a lose-lose situation: Either you wear the same dress that thousands of other women also bought at the Gap, or you shell out a lot more money for special designer pieces, a bank-breaking habit. No go.

The solution: Save money by buying cheap threads off the rack, and then make easy, small modifications that will set you apart from the girl standing next to you in line at the register.

No need to fret if you didn’t exactly get an A in Home Ec. A good tailor should be able to make any of these small tweaks for way less than the cost of a more expensive piece. Prices can vary by tailor and the intricacy of the work, so shop around to find the best quote or ask for referrals from friends and family.

Here are three basic (and inexpensive) tweaks that can make that Forever 21 dress or Gap tank top all your own:

1. Cut & Crop

Clothing companies can’t offer skirts and dresses at many different lengths for different people because it costs too much to develop that many separate patterns. So, sometimes the trend can get lost in translation depending on your body type. This spring, trends call for long maxi skirts, short printed skirts, asymmetrical hems on blouses, and capri-length denim. Make alterations depending on what is most flattering to your body type–try shortening longer hem lines, getting the front panels of your skirts trimmed off a couple of inches, or altering a pair of skinny jeans to fall just above the ankles. That way, you’ll retain the original print, structure, and style of the trend, but the piece will be more tailored to you and your figure.

• Shorten sleeves: $20
• Hem a skirt or dress: $15
• Take in the waist of a dress (no lining): $30

For more tips on transforming cheap threads, read on.