After a miserable financial year, most people have had to tighten their belts, and there seems to be no quick fix to the current credit crunch. So it seems as we go into the New Year we will all still need to be careful with our money but do we need to compromise on style? Here are some tips that may make it easier to stay stylish despite having to watch the pennies.

Prioritise

Decide what your priorities are this season. Do you really need new clothes or would a drastic new haircut make more of an impact? If you usually get your beauty treatments done professionally, learn to do your nails or eyebrow shaping, for example yourself or team up with friends and do each others’.

Wardrobe audit

Check through your wardrobe each season to see what you actually need so that you can go shopping with a list and avoid impulse buys. If you have trousers, skirts or suits that are in perfectly good condition, continue to wear them with updated tops and accessories. You really don't need to spend a huge amount to create a capsule wardrobe. If you find it difficult to mix and match items a colour analysis could help.

Shop around

If you naturally find yourself in the "higher end" of the high street and fall in love with a dress/pair of boots that you really can't afford visit some of the stores you don't usually venture into and see if you can find something similar with a cheaper price tag - you may be surprised!

Take advantage of the sales

Even if you are not a usual “sales shopper” and find the thought of rummaging through sales rails tedious, you will find that the current sales are not typical. The stores are not just reducing uncommon sizes or hideous items that no-one wanted. There are big savings on the current season’s collections in many stores. You will be able to get good quality investment pieces (trousers, skirts, jackets, coats) which will last quite a few seasons for extremely reasonable prices. ?Remember though, a bargain is only a bargain if you need it. Don't buy items that don't suit you or that you won't wear just because they're cheap.

Consider your lifestyle

When you consider buying an item ask yourself when and where you would wear it. If it doesn't fit in with your lifestyle leave it in the shop. There is no point spending money on clothes you'll have no occasion to wear however gorgeous they may be!

Look after your clothes

Look after your clothes properly and they will last much longer. Always consult the label before washing and abide by the instructions. Invest in some good quality wooden hangers for your trousers and jackets and some with pegs for your skirts. Hang knitwear and delicates on padded hangers. Use shoe trees for storing your shoes. Rest your clothes and shoes between wearing. Even if an item is not dirty, don't wear the same clothes or shoes two days running - they will have absorbed moisture and a rest will do them good.

Don't skimp on make-up

Make-up makes us all look and feel better. It has a sell-by-date and will go off so trying to last it out for years on end is false economy. However, buying lots of products without trying them on your face first can also be a waste of money. Trying lipstick, for example, on your hand is no good as it will look completely different on you lips. If in doubt, a good image consultant can help you achieve a great make-up look using only the products you really need and will apply it so that you can see if you like it before you buy anything.

Arrange a clothes swapping party

If the cost of food, fuel and the monthly household bills means you really have very little left for clothes, why not arrange a clothes swapping party? Most people have clothes in their wardrobes that they feel are 'mistakes'. Invite your friends to bring their mistakes to your house. They may not suit them but they may be perfect for you. And some of your disasters will probably work much better on your friends. However, you don't want to swap the things you don't feel good in for yet more items that you won't wear. To make sure you all go away with better options, it makes sense to each spend a small amount and invite an image consultant to your party. They will be able to show you which items work best on you and your friends. They will give you advice on whether the colours and styles of the clothes you've picked suit your colouring and body shape.