Looking good often times involves spending a small fortune on personal care items or services and an updated wardrobe… or so we think.

No matter your personal style or budget, there are plenty of things you can do to look good that doesn’t cost any money at all. Below we will explore how you can look great without spending a lot of money, or no money at all.

• Good Hygiene — This is one of those things that should go without saying but there are many people who spend little money on their appearance, and look like it. Here are a few tips for looking like you spent money on your appearance when you didn’t:
  – Shower regularly. You know that fresh feeling and pleasant smell of clean soap when you get out of the shower? Well that great smell sticks with you long after you can’t smell it anymore. And is better for everyday use than perfume.
  -Your Hair. You don’t have to go to the salon every week to look like you take care of your hair. Keep your hair combed or brushed. It doesn’t cost anything to keep a brush in your purse or your desk at work. Take the time brush your hair throughout the day, especially at the end of the work day.
  – Your nails. Another one of those things where it is not necessary to pay a professional. Make sure you have a good pair of clippers and a nail file that you like. You will get compliments on your nails without spending a ton of money on regular manicures. You don’t even have to polish your nails, just keep your cuticles pushed back and trimmed, and they will look great.
• Take Care of What you Have — Wash your clothes according to the manufactures’ care label. How many of us actually read that label? Also, properly ironing your clothes will automatically make you look more put together than if you didn’t. If ironing is something you just hate to do, consider buying clothes that do not require it. Making sure you take care to hang or fold your clothes immediately after they are removed from the dryer will go along way in keeping what you have looking neat and tidy.
• Borrow — Consider borrowing some nice clothes from a friend. If you have a special occasion and cannot afford to go out and buy a new dress or outfit, ask a friend that has some nice clothes if you can borrow something for the occasion. Be sure to return the items you borrow in a timely manner and be sure to bring them back cleaned and well cared for.
• Accessories — Jewelery will finish off your put-together look and can be done on the cheap. Costume jewelery can look just as good as it’s expensive counterpart, just remember to keep an eye on the condition of it. If the metal starts to turn or other parts start to discolor, get rid of it. Nothing looks worse than cheap jewelry that looks cheap. Also stay away from big jewelry, stick with small, understated items. They will not overpower your outfit and add that finishing touch you are looking for.
• Smile — Here’s one that is totally free and will do wonders for your appearance… Smile! Not only will smiling make you look better, it will make you feel better inside.
• Don’t Slouch — Dermatologist Dr. Kathy Fields says that “Standing tall can have long-term benefits. “My mother-in-law is 93 years old and has amazing posture,” “”She looks at least 20 to 30 years younger because of it! It’s the cheapest tip on earth and good for your health.”
• Thrift Store — Don’t rule out thrift stores when doing your clothes shopping. Many of us think that thrift and consignment stores are full of the worn out, used up items that people just don’t want anymore, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Most clothes that you will find in thrift and consignment stores are of high quality, and you may even find designer items for a fraction of their normal price!

So follow these tips and you can look and feel like you have spent a lot of money on your appearance when in reality only you will know that you did it all on a shoestring budget.