Staying up-to-date on the latest fashion trend takes effort, and honestly – money.

You are going to run into a lot of monetary issues if you are constantly trying to emulate all the styles that you see on model runways and in high-end fashion magazines that represent the cusp of fashion today. But there is a way to get those looks without spending a fortune.

The following tips are meant to help you get that high-fashion look, without dropping thousands of dollars.

• Clip Magazine Ads and Photographs

Fashion comes and goes, and is often found in the pages of magazines and photographs that you see. If you want to look like you’ve stepped off a runway, you will need to know exactly what are trending currently.

By clipping ads and getting photographs, you can build a small portfolio of looks you want to pursue. This will come in handy when you’re at stores shopping for specific pieces.

• Look For Thrift Store Finds

Every city has thrift stores. However, there are some near every metropolitan areas that have more upscale items. If you visit every thrift store in your area, you will start to find which stores have higher-end clothing.

Consider looking near outlets, big box retailers, and in college towns. College students give away their clothing in large quantities at the end of semesters, and right before breaks.

• Build With Basics

Did you know that a lot of fashion icons only bare the most basic essentials? The classic skinny jean and white t-shirt are just starting options to layering the looks. You can always tweak them with different fashionable trends.

By already having basic elements of fashion, you will not have to spend more to get that same look that style guides are pushing.

• Off-Season Clearance

Look for off-season and clearance sales at high-end stores and mall offerings. Often, you will find that clothing from last season will be heavily discounted.

This is true for uncommon sizes and under-performing goods. If you get something that is not in your size, you can have a seamstress or tailor custom fit it for you. This will still offer you that high-end look but with a custom fit for others to envy.

At the end of the day, to save money and still look great, start off by knowing what look you want to go for, then hunt it down through various means. Forget brands, sizes, and cost. Instead, focus on color, fabric, and availability. Those things will reduce the overall cost, and still give you fine looking, fashionable options.