Your Guide to Affordable Christian Fashion

Guest post by Megan Haffron

The world of Christian fashion is one of Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards filled with lux outfits that are modest, modern, and stylish. There’s just one problem: they’re also usually super expensive.

But just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean Christian fashion is out of reach. There are so many ways to use fashion as one of your practices of daily Christianity without breaking the bank. Here’s your guide to buying modest fashion essentials, while making it fun and affordable.

A floral sleeveless dress makes for modest spring or summer fashion that doesn’t have to exceed your clothing budget.

1. Thrift Stores

You’ll never find better prices for clothes than when they’re used. When you want to save money, the first place you should go is your local thrift store. While there are a lot of clothes that won’t fit your style, there are always diamonds in the rough. You can find big name brands, limited edition clothing, and more, all at heavily discounted prices.

The best part? Because most of these clothes were made decades ago, they’re a little more modest than modern clothing. You’ll have a much wider range of clothes to browse that are respectful without compromising on style.

Though as you head over to the thrift store, remember the words from Christ in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When you go to the thrift store, bring any clothes that you don’t wear anymore. Just as you are blessed with something that was gifted by someone else, you can pass on that blessing with your own gift.

2. Online Christian Boutiques

While there are many boutiques that sell expensive clothing, there are also some that keep their prices affordable for all budgets! Check out the online catalogs of boutiques offering the kind of clothes you love. In addition to great prices, they often offer free shipping, bundle deals, and other benefits that help you save even more money.

Online Christian boutiques are also just great resources for fashion in general. Not many boutiques understand traditional practices of daily Christianity, such as why some Christian women wear skirts and avoid pants. Having a vendor that knows and respects your lifestyle is important for finding clothing you love that helps you walk in alignment with Christ.

3. Church Community Clothing Swaps

A wonderful way to get new clothing and bring your church community together is a clothing swap event! During these events, everybody brings some clothes to give away. You can go through and look at all the different clothes offered by your community, as well as offload some clothing you don’t wear anymore.

Even though the church has grown and developed over the past two thousand years, we should still strive for the holy fellowship that defined the early church. That means this event doesn’t need to just be a clothing exchange. Some of the bakers in your community can bring snacks, or you can ask everyone to bring some food and have a full church potluck. You’ll walk away from the event with a full closet and an encouraged spirit.

4. Local Clothing Marketplace Apps

Local marketplace apps like Craigslist, Poshmark, and Depop are great ways to find secondhand clothing near you that’s affordable. Unlike with buying used clothes from a single vendor, like a thrift store or boutique, you’re buying directly from the previous owner. This usually means lower prices, higher quality, and more details about the modest clothing essentials you’re getting before you buy it.

Plus, shopping on apps is convenient. You can look at new clothes being offered in your area on your phone at any time, making it easy to get first dibs on incredible deals.

5. Make Your Own

Why buy clothes when you can make your own? If you have access to a sewing machine, there are few options more affordable than DIYing them. You can find cheap (or free) patterns online that you can use to make just about any piece of clothing, but skirts are one of the easiest. All you need to do is buy fabric from your local craft or fabric store and you’ll have everything you need to create your own custom-tailored clothing!

But if making your own clothing from scratch sounds intimidating, one affordable and easy modest fashion hack is alterations. If a skirt is too long or a neckline plunging too deep, you can add some fabric to make immodest clothing modest. When you can turn any clothing item into one that fits in a modest wardrobe, shopping becomes a lot easier!

Final Thoughts

With the standards of modern modesty slipping further away from more traditional ones and with clothing prices constantly going up, it can be hard to find clothing that honors God, looks great, and doesn’t break the bank. But by getting secondhand clothing and shopping intentionally, you can blend practicing daily Christianity with good fashion and finances. With these tips, we hope you feel confident shopping for new (or, if buying secondhand, new-to-you) additions to your modest wardrobe!

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