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Hi, friends!

You don’t need a trust fund to look like you just stepped off a runway. Martha Stewart said it best: “Just because you don’t have a lot of money doesn’t mean you don’t have taste.” And honestly? That hit me right in the fashion feels. You can snag a $10 thrift find and still look like you own the room if you own your look. So yeah, if you’re tired of scrolling “budget-friendly” clothes that still make you look like a hot mess, I got you!

TLDR: You can have style, taste, and a full-on designer vibe without spending a fortune. It’s not about the price tag. It’s about the eye. And the internet is brimming with ways to fake the luxe life while still making rent. Taste isn’t sold in stores. It’s something you shape. It’s curated. Learned. Tweaked. It’s the talent of knowing what works, what doesn’t, and what makes something feel like you. Let me show you how I make it work.

Step 1: Stop Waiting to Be Rich Before You Start Caring

I often see so many people caught up in this peculiar waiting room of life, convinced that their happiness or success hinges solely on making more money. That’s such a myth! The reality is that taste and style don't just magically appear in your bank account when you finally reach that coveted income level... It's something you can start cultivating right now, in this very moment. You might have had a sense of style all along, even if you didn't realize it!

Take a moment to think about Martha Stewart. She built an empire on the simple principle of knowing what looked good, not necessarily what was the most expensive. Taste is all about vision, creativity, and self-expression, it's not tethered to a budget.

So let's dig a little deeper. Ask yourself some questions: What colors make you feel calm, confident, sexy, or even luxurious? Picture how the right shade can lift your spirits or change your whole vibe. What about textures? Are you drawn to the softness of linen, the richness of velvet, or perhaps the sleekness of glossy finishes? And think about trends, what styles resonate with you even when they fall out of the limelight?

You'll start to uncover a clearer picture of your taste, and that’s when everything else begins to fall into place. The sooner you take that step, the more empowered you’ll feel in your decisions, whether it’s in fashion, home decor, or even how you present yourself to the world.

Step 2: How to Shop Like a Stylist (Even If You're Broke)

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Stylists are obsessed with details, and honestly, we all should be too! It’s all about the little touches that can elevate your space or outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.

First up, know your proportions. It’s incredible how something as simple as a lamp can change the vibe of a room. A $30-60 floor lamp can look incredibly luxe if it’s the perfect height for your surroundings. But if it’s too short and wimpy, it can turn into a total design blunder that leaves your space feeling awkward. So, always measure before you shop!

Next, let's talk about materials. This is a biggie. A faux marble tray from Target? Super cute and chic! But if you pick a plasticky tray with a grainy print, it's an immediate no-go for me. Good materials matter, they can set the tone for your entire home. Always ask yourself: Does this piece feel quality, or is it just trendy?

And speaking of trends, don’t get hypnotized by them. Yes, it’s tempting to hop on the latest fad, but remember that trends are often designed to make you spend impulsively. So, before you snag that trendy piece, ask yourself: Will I genuinely love and use this in two years? If your gut is saying no, save your money and skip it. Focus on timeless pieces that truly reflect your style.

Now, let me share my secret weapon: buying secondhand! Believe me, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local thrift stores are where the real treasure-hunting magic happens. You’d be amazed at what gems you can find!

Step 3: Create a mood board for Your Life

When Martha said that line, I immediately thought of my Pinterest boards.

The reason this matters? Because style needs direction. If you don’t know what you love, you’ll keep panic-buying the wrong stuff. Your mood board becomes your compass. When you walk into Target, instead of grabbing whatever’s on the endcap (guilty), you’ll have a vibe in mind. You’ll choose better. You’ll curate.

Pro tip: Make a private board called "My Actual Home" or "My Style, But Affordable." Save only the looks you’d replicate.

Step 4: Use What You Already Own, But Better

We get so bored with our stuff. But boredom doesn’t mean it’s bad.

Rearrange your furniture.
Paint a piece.
Swap art between rooms.
Stack books by color.

I once spent a Sunday painting all my black frames gold, and suddenly my gallery wall looked designer-level. Like, where is my Architectural Digest feature?

Step 5: Learn the Art of Styling (Not Just Decorating)

You know that moment when a house looks expensive but you can’t figure out why? That’s styling. Styling is the finishing touch. It’s layering the throw blanket just right. It’s putting that candle and matchbox next to the tiny bowl of crystals. It’s not just having the stuff, it’s how it’s placed.

Start here:

Odd numbers always win. 3 items grouped together? Chef’s kiss.
Vary the height. Stack a book, then place a vase, then add a candle.
Texture is everything. Pair shiny with soft. Matte with sparkle. Wood with ceramic.

Taste lives in the styling.

Step 6: Say No to the Ugly Just Because It’s Cheap

This one hurts, I know. But hear me out. If you want to have taste, you have to get picky. Even when you’re broke, don’t buy things that feel off just because they’re "such a deal." There’s always another deal. But bad taste? That sticks out like a sore thumb. Raise your standards. You’re not here to build a home or closet full of clearance regrets. You’re building a place that feels like you.

Step 7: Know That Your Taste Evolves, And That’s Good

Your taste will change. That doesn’t make you inconsistent. That means you're growing. I used to love all-white everything. (I was super overstimulated and needed minimalism at the time, which now drives me NUTS lol) And now, I’m more into clean lines, yet subtle drama, and calming tones with a little glam. The evolution is part of the style. Let yourself change without shame. You’re not a Pinterest board. You’re a person.

Budget Style Resources I Swear By

These are the secret little spots I hit when I want to upgrade without spending $$$:

Facebook Marketplace (obviously)
ThriftBooks – for coffee table books and cute old hardcovers
Etsy – digital art prints that look high-end for under $10
H&M Home – their ceramics? Stunning.
World Market – for affordable rugs, stools, and quirky accessories

What I Want You to Remember

Martha Stewart said it best. You don’t need to be rich to have taste. You need to:

Trust your eye
Learn what works
Let yourself evolve
Say no to the wrong stuff (even if it’s $4.99)
Style the heck out of what you do have

Because taste isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about how much you care.

Too Long, Didn’t Read?

Taste is not about money. It’s about editing, knowing what you like, and learning how to make it work.
Moodboards, Pinterest, and practice help refine your style.
Styling matters more than expensive furniture.
Don’t buy junk just because it’s cheap.
Get creative. Rearrange. Paint. Reuse.
You can look expensive even on a ramen-noodle budget.

Your Turn!

What’s your best budget taste tip? What’s something cheap that makes you feel rich? Tell me in the comments, I want all the secrets. And if you liked this post, you’ll love our free monthly newsletter: A fresh take on living well, looking good, and loving life. Sign up here!

Love you, mean it.

xoxo,

Kacie

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