How to Shop Like a Fashion Editor On a Budget

How to Shop Like a Fashion Editor On a Budget

If you think shopping for a quality outfit (shoes included!) with a max budget of $100 is impossible, think again!

When we sent Zanna Roberts Rassi, Senior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, to Target to take on the challenge, she more than delivered.

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In fact, she managed to spend $98.97 -- so she technically landed UNDER budget. What a pro!

Watch the video below to see how much she spent on each item:

Hard to believe, we know. None of it looks cheap!

To learn her ways, we followed her during her Target shopping spree. Behold the bits of wisdom we walked away with:

RULE NO. 1: Before You Buy, Give It the “Shake Test”

Zanna swears by what she calls the “shake test,” in which she evaluates the quality of the fabric and checks how the seams align before she dishes out her dough.

“It’s going to make the difference between chic and cheap,” she says.

RULE NO. 2: Don’t Buy Clearance Just Because It’s On Sale

Everyone loves a bargain! (The impulse buying struggle is REAL.) But if you’re buying something JUST because it’s on sale, Zanna suggests taking a moment to reevaluate.

“Only buy clearance if you really, really love it and you can imagine wearing it in 5 different ways [on] 5 different occasions,” Zanna advises.

“If you can’t,” she continues, “don’t buy it.”

RULE NO. 3: Keep Versatility on the Brain

For instance, when Zanna is shoe shopping on a budget, she opts for a pair that could go with everything from a skirt or a dress to pants or jeans.

The fashion editor also loves a good scarf because you can wear it in a variety of ways, such as around your neck, as a belt, tied on your bag or in your hair.

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Getting your money’s worth NEVER goes out of style.

RULE NO. 4: Bring a $100 Bill

Yes, this might sound counterintuitive, but if you have trouble staying on budget, here’s Zanna’s No. 1 tip: Always. Bring. Cash.

Using a credit card will tempt you to spend more money than you intended. In fact, when Zanna was on her spree, her initial outfit added up to $107, but she had to make some swaps because she only had a $100 bill.

See, the trick works!

And Zanna isn’t only a fashion guru! Check out her multi-purpose Milk Makeup line right here.