Fashion Shoes

Do you shop at Primark, or snub high-priced designer labels in favour of cheap charity shop finds?

Congratulations, you’re a recessionista – a woman, according to a news story last week, with ‘a keen eye for style – but an even sharper eye for a bargain’.

Apparently, more and more of us are seeking out cut-price clothes that tick the style box but won’t give our bank manager a heart attack, and over a third of us own an item of clothing that cost less than 50p.

The bargain fashion boom has been boosted by charity shops, rebranded as a green alternative, and eBay, which has made shopping for vintage clothes easy.

However, low price clothing shops and supermarkets have been criticised for churning out cheap threads with no concern for the factory workers who make them.

But websites such as ethicalconsumer.org have started holding them to account and will let you know whether your cheap chic comes with a clear conscience.

When I was challenged to find a bargain basement wardrobe, without recourse to eBay or charity shops, even I was slightly daunted.

Fortunately it’s sale time, and that, plus a combination of Primark, Poundland, a few supermarket finds, and some carefully sourced websites has served me well.

The result is a collection of clothes that look good, and come in under budget.

In fact, the total cost of all the items on this page is just £78.38 – now that really is recessionista chic.

UNDER £5

Silver sequin racer-back vest top, £4.29, chiarafashion.co.uk

I’m not sure if the sequins would survive the first wash, but this top would look great with skinny jeans. It comes up pretty small though, so it’s best for slender ladies.

Red and white striped vest, £4, Asda

The nautical trend shows no sign of fading, and this vest, trimmed with navy, fits into the look perfectly.

Red tie-detail suedette court shoes, £5, selectfashion.co.uk

A great shape and a good colour to brighten up a little black dress or an everyday work outfit.

Turn back cuff shirt, £5, selectfashion.co.uk

Worn with a belt as a tunic over leggings, or as a beach cover up, this 100 per cent cotton shirt dress is a versatile summer staple.

Jeans, £4, Asda

I do wonder how you can ethically produce jeans at this price, but the high-waist flare has a certain Seventies retro style.

Green skirt, £5, selectfashion.co.uk

In a very fashionable colour, with a chunky elasticated waistband and great rear zip detail, this is a very ‘now’ skirt.

Gladiator sandals, £4, wynsors.com

They’re a touch on the shiny side, but for instant, inexpensive gladiator glam, these sandals (see main picture) definitely tick all the right boxes.

Roses print grey jersey dress, £4.84, chiarafashion.co.uk

A body-con dress with a strong, graphic rose print and a scoop neckline, possibly a little warm for right now, but a good transitional season buy.

Sheer red and black sleeveless animal print blouse, £4, Tesco

Bang on trend for this season, this blouse is too sheer to be worn alone, unless you’re very daring, but it looks great with a simple camisole underneath.

Black crop trousers, £5, selectfashion.co.uk

Surprisingly well-fitting trousers that can be teamed with pretty much any top – a brilliant summer wardrobe addition.

UNDER £3

Turquoise bra and knicker set, £3, Primark

With a contrasting stripe detail inside the cups and buttons on the pants, I just don’t know how they make a set like this so cheap.

Black geometric print dress, £3, Primark

Lovely shape and great pattern for the season’s tribal trend (see main picture). The thin material means the dress is more of a beach cover-up, but with a slip and a wide belt it could just work.