SPLASHING out on new glad rags is a cost we can all do without at this time of year.
Here are some ideas on how to dress up for Christmas parties without busting the budget.
ICING ON THE CAKE: Give existing outfits an easy festive makeover with new accessories. A glitzy belt gives interest to jeans and a top.
Try the Lipsy embossed ring belt, £14, at Next.
The shops are full of collars that will lift a plain top. New Look has white and black diamante collars reduced from £9.99 to £7.49.
A statement necklace can transform the look of any outfit. Claire’s has a silver rhinestone and pearl necklace, down from £12 to £5 in the sale, which is perfect for nights out.
MODE MODIFY: Tap into your creative side and give old clothes a new lease of life for the festive season.
Rhinestone is great for adding sparkle to any garment. You can get iron-on strips from Etsy, with three 45cm strips for less than £5.
Or individual rhinestones are widely stocked on Amazon priced at around £2 for a pack of 1,000. These will usually need fabric glue for attaching, which is just under £3 on Amazon.
Try adding rhinestones along the collar of a plain top or follow the hem of a skirt or dress. The key is to play around with patterns and find a design you are happy with before you start to set the rhinestones in place.
PRE-LOVED STYLE: If you find yourself lusting after sequin outfits in the shops, look through second-hand selling sites for a potential bargain. Depop, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are just a few of the platforms awash with pre-loved sequin outfits that are a fraction of the cost of a new outfit.
A quick search of eBay, for example, shows sequin tops with starting prices of 99p.
Find a style you like and make a bid. Just remember to factor in postage charges.
Deal of the day
SET the festive season alight with a choice of nine winter fragrances in this Yankee Candle gift set. Now £26.50, down from £54 at Boots.
SAVE: £27.50
Cheap treat
KEEP fingers warm with a pair of lilac Cosy Gloves for £1 at Primark.
What's new?
LOOKING for an easy lunchtime treat? Ginsters has brought back its festive chicken and stuffing slice.
Clubcard customers can get one at Tesco for £1.25, instead of the normal price of £1.65, until December 18.
Top swap
WEAR this £55 embellished diamante headband from Ted Baker for a simple but stylish party look.
Or create a similar statement for less with New Look’s black diamante swirl headband for £11.99.
SAVE: £43.01
Leah's little helper
BUY pals a £5 Christmas card from Aperol. It comes with two free Aperol Spritz drinks to enjoy at All Bar One in January. See etsy.com/uk/shop/aperolspritz uk.
All proceeds are donated to The Drinks Trust.
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