Hero dress is from Loopy Mango
The “aesthetic” look has become super popular in recent years, particularly among people who spend a good part of their time exposed to internet cultures.
One of these aesthetics is often characterized by softie or “softcore” vibes, with an emphasis on pastel colors, frills, and lace. The look can be expensive to achieve if you go for expensive soft and fluffy materials like mohair, but it is possible to find softcore clothing on a budget.
Here are some tips, with affordable inspo in between.
Most pieces shown below are between 30-50 USD.
Choose Basic Pieces and Accessorize
When it comes to creating an aesthetic look, more is often more - simple as that.
But at the same time, pieces that don’t look attractive on the rack, without being styled, are usually much more affordable.
Pink and extra fluffy sweater from CheerfullyCraftedUS (Etsy)
So, if you’re working with a budget, then rather than loading up on lots of different statement pieces, choose a few simple pieces that you really love and accessorize your outfit around those.
Chunky jewelry is on trend now which means there is a lot of it on the cheap now. Not only will this save you money, but it will also create a more cohesive look.
And if you’re ever feeling stuck, remember that you can make your own jewelry - macrame jewelry is easy to DIY and great for the softie vibe.
Baby blue soft knit from CheerfullyCraftedUS (Etsy)
Garnet pendant by StudioVy (Etsy)
Pink cropped cardigan LYRIC from Princess Polly USA
Necklace by PineappleIslandUK (Etsy)
Choose pieces that are too bold to be expensive
On the other hand, retail is ruled by the law of the marketplace and that is even in indie fashion.
A fluffy mohair knit in an inoffensive shade of beige will probably appeal to more people that a knit with a giant side bow.
There are some statement pieces that people love to buy, but some are just too bold to sell well. If you don’t mind looking more aesthetic than the majority, going for bolder statements and funny colors can be a great way to get the look at relatively lower cost.
Fancy-looking but affordable bow knit from CHICWISHOFFCIAL (Etsy)
Cute plushie from BlackIceGarden (Etsy)
Distressed butterfly crop knit from BlackIceGarden (Etsy)
Shop Secondhand
One of the best ways to find softcore clothing on a budget is to shop vintage.
There are many online vendors that specialize in secondhand clothing, and many of them sell through Etsy. Some will inflate their prices but you can often find great deals on items that would be otherwise out of your price range.
When shopping secondhand, be sure to pay attention to the condition of the items; you don’t want to end up with something that looks like it’s been worn a hundred times already.
Layered tulle from CHICWISHOFFCIAL (Etsy)
Look for Seasonal Sales and Discounts
Another great way to save money on softcore clothing is to keep an eye out for sales and discounts.
Short knit OTTO from Princess Polly USA
Many indie boutiques have periodic sales throughout the year because they need to put new stuff out often. So it pays to stay up-to-date on when those sales will be taking place - they don’t have to necessarily be around major holidays, sales can be quite random too.
Soft heart top from CHICWISHOFFCIAL (Etsy)
You can also sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers so that you’ll always be in the loop when it comes to special offers. Additionally, don’t forget to check online coupon websites; you may be able to find some great discounts that way.
Smiley face knit from Another Chill
If you’re looking to achieve an aesthetic softcore look without spending a lot of money, there are several ways you can go about it. Shopping secondhand is a great option, as you can often find high-quality pieces for a fraction of the retail price. Another option is to keep an eye out for sales and discounts; many retailers offer periodic sales throughout the year. Finally, remember that less is often more when it comes to creating an aesthetic look; choose a few simple pieces that you love and build your outfit around those. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect softcore clothing on a budget in no time!
