Anyone who’s ever visited my house will tell you I have a rather large wardrobe. And two chests of drawers. And all the space under the bed. And that gap at the top of the stairs. All full of my sartorial spending.

Yes, I have lots of clothes. And I do spend a fair amount of money on my ‘collection’. But I don’t spend a ridiculous amount. My love of clothing doesn’t swallow up all my money, and yet I do shop quite regularly. So, is it really possible to have plenty of outfit options without serious spending?

Henry Holland dress via charity shop, Topshop shirt, tights and ring, vintage shoes via charity shop, Emma Fox bag via TK Maxx, collar tips via eBay

Yes, of course it is! The key is not serious spending, but sensible spending. Shopping in the right places  will help you build your clothing collection without breaking the bank. This outfit is a good example of sensible spending – here’s how it works out:

Henry Holland dress: £3.99
Topshop shirt: £25
Topshop tights: £2 (sale)
Topshop ring: £8
Vintage shoes: £3.99
Emma Fox bag: £100
Collar tips: £2.95

Total: £145.93

Not the cheapest outfit, no. But sensible spending doesn’t always equal cheap – it’s about hunting down bargains, finding the best deals and investing in pieces that you’ll wear again and again.

When it comes to shopping for less, charity shops, car boot sales and eBay are a given. These places are packed full of thrifty pieces, like this Henry Holland dress – brand new with tags at just £3.99 – or these very on-trend collar tips, bought from this eBay seller for £2.95 so I can add them to any shirt.

But sensible spending can take place anywhere, if you know what you’re looking for. Topshop may not seem like somewhere you can shop for less, but spending that little bit more on an item you’ll wear all the time, that mixes well with the rest of your wardrobe, will save you money in the long run.

Here are some quick tips to help you shop for less:

• Visit charity shops and car boot sales regularly, and really root through the rails
• Scour eBay for on-trend pieces – it’s especially good for inexpensive accessories and craft supplies you can use to customise your own clothes
• Don’t discount the high street – just consider the longevity of each purchase. Will you wear it often? Does it work with your current wardrobe?
• Search shops like TK Maxx for investment items. I love posh leather bags but hate how expensive they are – TK Maxx isn’t bargain basement cheap, but you’ll make a great saving on the RRP (my Emma Fox bag was originally priced at over £200)
• Understand your style – buying pieces that look good on you, that you love and that are useful means you’ll wear them all.the.time. The two most expensive items in today’s outfit – the shirt and the bag – are in constant use. I wear the shirt about once a week and use the bag almost every day. And that’s what sensible spending is all about!