Your summer wardrobe on a budget!

Need to refresh your holiday wardrobe without breaking the bank? From capsule collections to affordable linen, here’s what you need to know.

The perfect garden party dress, shorts for the beach, and the ultimate strappy sandals, summer is the season when we all love to dress up. And whether you’re looking for a strapless beauty for that European cruise or a vibrant playsuit perfect for the beaches of Barbados, a new summer wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best tips and summer wardrobe ideas to help you save this summer. From online outlets offering the best summer deals to timeless fashions that will stay in your wardrobe year after year, here’s what you should know. 

How to build your summer wardrobe

Creating a flexible capsule wardrobe is the best way to utilise your closet space and budget this summer. By choosing a varied selection of skirts, shorts, shirts and dresses, you can create an endless wardrobe of stylish summer outfits. 

From elegant maxi skirts to crocheted cardigans perfect for those balmy summer nights, minimalism is the key. Invest in a limited collection of quality summer staples, blending old classics with the occasional modern trend to create a capsule wardrobe of 15 to 30 pieces. 

The first thing to do is take stock of your current wardrobe. Take a look at what you have, what you could repurpose, and then make a list of what’s left to purchase. Think colour palette, the weather patterns in your area, and your plans for the summer months.

The advantage of a capsule wardrobe starts with sustainability and space-saving capacity, but it also makes it so much easier to choose what to wear every day. 

Where can I shop cheap summer clothes?

Once you’ve worked out what you need, it’s time to go shopping! We usually find it easier to set a budget in advance, especially if you tend to get distracted once you’re on the high street. 

If you’re wondering where to buy cheap summer clothes, New Look is definitely one of our favourite spots for shopping stylish summer picks on a budget. From skater skirts to breezy dungarees and everything in between, their spectacular summer collections always blow us away. 

Boohoo is another excellent pick for cheap summer clothes for women, with the online fashion retailer offering a fantastic selection perfect for any event. We often see summer sales too, and shipping comes free with a premier account. 

Whether you’re planning for a bit of beachfront bliss or a vibrant city escape, finding the perfect outfit for less is possible when you shop online. And remember, with your well-planned capsule wardrobe, you’ll enjoy even more outfits for less.

Can I buy cheap summer dresses? 

Whether maxi or mini, flowing or skin-tight, we’re all after that perfect summer dress. It’s a glamorous pick that’s as perfect for evening barbecues as it is for long afternoons beside the pool and then dancing in the streets later that night. 

And with asymmetrical styles, ruched fabrics and crochet storming the catwalk, we love the cottagecore vibes of this year’s collections. Floral is back too, with vibrant patterns and sheer layered styles adding a natural vibe to our wardrobes.

Luckily for the budget-conscious, there is no shortage of shops offering gorgeous dresses at unbelievable prices. For example, brands such as Missguided blend the latest looks direct from the catwalk with timeless styles to provide elegant summer choices suitable for any budget.

We’re simply obsessed with the tulle minis and milkmaid-style smocks and are loving the return of tie-dye to the scene. From puff sleeves to cowl necks, this year’s look is bold, bright, and fun. 

Missguided also has a range of asymmetrical beauties waiting to be found, including patchwork sweater dresses, crochet side panel dresses and one-shoulder dresses with ruched detailing.

Where can I buy cheap linen?

Whether you’re headed to the Caribbean white sand beaches and stylish tiki bars or enjoying a holiday much closer to home, linen is the perfect material to keep you cool this summer.

This natural flax fibre is strong, absorbent and fast-drying, making it a top pick to beat the heat. It’s also durable, meaning that the product you buy will likely stay in your wardrobe for years to come. 

While we’re used to seeing linen come with a high price tag, its popularity in recent years has seen the price fall spectacularly. Shops such as Matalan offer a wide collection of linen shirts, trousers and dresses to help you get through this summer season. 

From coral bardot tops to floral shorts and striped playsuits, Matalan provides cool linen clothing at very affordable prices. The wide-leg trousers are perfect for carrying you from the office to after-work drinks, while a range of sophisticated linen blazers offers the perfect pick for the days you need to dress up. 

How can I find affordable summer sandals? 

When looking for the perfect summer sandals to take on holiday this year, you want to blend practicality with style. Or better yet, you might want to buy multiple styles! 

And this year’s trends are nostalgic, with straps in particular highlighted in every store. From vibrant sliders and dependable ‘dad’ sandals to the jelly shoes of our youth, the trend this year is for bright colours and funky shapes. 

Flatforms are making a comeback, as is the retro wooden clog, the perfect choice for summers on the continent or pub gardens back home. We’re also celebrating the wedge’s rise in popularity, with the supported heel helping you add height without discomfort. 

The trick with summer footwear is to find different styles at the best price, so you can buy a selection and switch up your outfits. This is where eBay comes in, offering a wide range of second-hand (or even brand-new) sandals at a fraction of the price you’ll see on the high street. 

Affordable festival outfits

We all know that summer is festival season; the time for us all to go out and let our hair down! However, finding the perfect festival outfit is a big feat, and can cause a lot of stress leading up to the event. We want to make sure we're looking and feeling our best! For festival outfit advice (on a budget!), why not check out our article? 

Perfect your summer look

Keeping up with the summer trends and feeling your best this summer doesn’t have to eat into your holiday budget. With our budget shopping tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create the perfect summer capsule wardrobe for less.

Whether jetting off to the dream holiday destination or simply walking around the town, we want to help you find affordable fashion this year. Because everyone deserves to feel amazing this summer!