Find the best budget fashion using these free mobile apps
By Helly Barrett (follow Helly on Twitter @helly_barret)
As we enter Spring/Summer 2015, that means a new season and that means a new style. However, as many of you will already know, updating your wardrobe doesn’t always come cheap! Take a look at our suggestions below for the Top 5 free budget fashion apps to see how you can find great Spring/Summer style on a budget.
#1 Depop | Buy and Sell Clothes & Accessories
Depop is the ‘little shop in your pocket’. It’s basically an ebay-esque app dedicated to people selling their old clothes and accessories. Items for sale range from dresses, sunglasses and even make up!
How does it work:
Looking to buy? You can search through all the items listed on Depop by item condition, size, brand, colour and more. Depop members are selling everything from unworn Topshop pieces to worn older Primark items.
You can also make some extra cash by simply snapping a photo, tagging the brand, item type, colour etc and suggesting a price and postage cost. (N.B. Depop takes 10% commission from each sale). Whether you choose to swap, sell or buy, you’re sure to find yourself a bargain!
Iphone/Android:Yes
Best Feature: The explore tab displays the most popular items just like Instagram – perfect for some style inspiration
Cost: Free
Depop – Image source:sportswearnet.com
#2 Red Laser | Barcode and QR Scanner Shopping App
Red laser is a mobile shopping app that lets you scan an item’s barcode and searches hundreds of store and online websites to find you the best price.
How does it work:
This app is ideal for those of you who like fashion brands that can be brought in stand-alone stores, department stores and online – think Mango, Miss Selfridge, Diesel and Superdry. Simply scan the barcode or search the item’s name and Red Laser will tell you the best place to buy the item on a budget!
Iphone/Android: Yes
Best Feature: Red laser will suggest alternatives and accessories so you could find an even better bargain and inespensive outfit extras.
Cost: Free
Redlaser – Image source: gizmodo.co.uk
Shopstyle and Pretty in my Pocket are similar mobile apps that can also help you find a fashion bargain!
#3 The Hunt | Personalized Shopping Suggestions
This one’s for those of you who covet celebrity style but are on the look-out for fashion without the heart-stopping price tag. The Hunt – the cure for outfit envy – is a mobile app that provides a forum to help you hunt down an expensive look with purse-friendly alternatives.
How does it work:
Simply upload a photo or link of the item you’re looking for and other community members will help you track down the exact item or suggest similar (and cheaper) alternatives!
Iphone/Android: Yes
Best Feature: When uploading your desired item you can specify a budget so you’ll only receive affordable item suggestions!
Cost: Free
the hunt – Image Source: undeniablestyle.com
#4 Vinted | Sell & Swap Secondhand clothes
Vinted is a very similar mobile app to Depop, however, as the same would suggest, it’s more orientated to those with a love of all things vintage! Individual sellers are on Vinted just like Depop, however there are also small boutiques, independent start-ups and limited edition pieces on there.
How does it work:
Sell by uploading a photo with relevant description tags or buy by searching by size, brand and item type within the Vinted ‘catalogue.’ This is the app for you if you want that one of a kind vintage piece on a budget!
Iphone/Android: Yes
Best Feature: You can ‘follow’ specific brand tags so you’re updated every time an item from your favourite store is uploaded
Cost: Free
Vinted – Image source: mangopay.com
#5 L’Oreal Colour Genius | Personal Stylist App
Now, as important as a budget outfit is for purse-friendly fashion, if your hair, make up and accessories aren’t on point then hunting for that bargain will have all been a waste! L’Oreal’s Colour Genius app lets you upload a photo of your outfit and then you can chose to match it, blend it or clash it and the app will suggest full make up and accessories to complete your look.
How does it work:
Use this app to create style combinations you would have never thought of! Then, instead of rushing to the shops, get hunting in the back of your wardrobe or swap accessories and make up with the girls to complete your final look on the cheap.
Iphone/Android: Yes
Best Feature: Chose your look based on your mood and day or night time.
Cost: Free
L’oreal’s Colour Genius app – Image source: gasbarratto.biz
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For more tips on how to achieve great fashion on a budget, check out our 7 tips on How to Dress fashionably on a budget.
