With 1 in 7 Americans in poverty, the Associated Press confirms that the level of working-age poor has hit its highest since the 1960s.
With the popular penny-pinching approach to spending since the recent economic downturn, here are several ways to be cheap chic. From affordable streetwear to home sleeping bags, these features will hopefully help those unfortunate odds.
64 Ways to be Cheap Chic
Budget Fashion to Home Fittings for 1 in 7 Americans in Poverty:
Amelia Roblin — Sep 19, 2010 — Fashion
63
Mobile Homeless Homes
The Paul Elkins Shelter is Almost Too Cozy Looking
62
Homeless Haute Couture
Steven Meisel Snaps Shabby-Chic in 'Performance' for Vogue Italia (UPDATE)
61
Penniless Promotions
Homeless Branded as Living Advertisements
60
Target Couture
New High End Label from Target
59
Credit Crunch Prefabs
The L41 Home is Designed for Uneasy Economic Times
58
Homeless Humor
Clever Street Solicitations That Are Sure to Turn Some Heads
57
Recycled Hobo-Chic Menswear
The FFW Max Motta Editorial by Fabio Bartelt
56
Homeless Hipster Shoots
The Original Hipster is a Social Commentary on Wealth and Class
55
Multipurpose Portable Shelters
The Famiglia Grande Helps Families on Their Road to Recovery
54
Poorgeois People
Exploring the Cultural Camouflage of Under-the-Radar-Rich
53
Homeless Couture
Cheap Monday Gets a Distressed, Torn and Acid-Washed Makeover
52
Inflatable Homeless Shelters
The ParaSITE Project
51
Luxury for the Homeless (UPDATE)
Faux-Cardboard or Clochard Duvet Covers
50
Hobo Geishas
Step into the Surreal World of Igor Corzh Photography
49
Hobo Glam
Diesel Black Gold Fall 2009 Show Mixed Frumpy Streetwear With Sparkle
48
Street Life Awareness Campaigns
Jan Moucha's Subversive Homelessness Posters
47
Homeless Musican Fashion Designers
The Crazy Robertson
46
Homeless People and Their Weblogs Start to Get High Tech
45
Activist Street Art
Fauxreel's 'The Unaddressed' Addresses Homelessness in Toronto
44
Tents on Wheels
Journeyman Mobile Shelter Bicycle Trailers Offer Tow-Behind Shelter
43
Social Downfall Photography
Nienke Klunder Imagines Society Woman's Descent
42
Striated Public Housing
LA's Contemporary Carver Apartments by Michael Maltzan Architecture
41
Duct Tape Accessories
Show Off Your Style Skills With DIY Duct Tape Purses and Wallets
40
Micro Car Public Discounts
NYC Offers 2-for-1 Smart Car Parking Deal
39
Hobo Workwear
Rag & Bone Spring 2011 Collection Blends Bohemian & Businessman
38
Living in Golf Cars
Homeless Move to Golf-Carts in Palm Springs
37
Belly Warmer
When Granny Fashion Becomes Chic
36
Homeless-Care iPhone Apps
The iHobo App Gives You a New Perspective on Street-Living
35
Hobo Chic Campaigns
Topshop Spring 2010 Denim Ads Are a Fashionable Mess
34
Destitute Dolls
New American Girl Homeless Doll Raises Questions About Morals
33
Pavement Bedsheets (UPDATE)
The Le-Trottoir Lets You Experience Homelessness at Home
32
Alternative Homeless Shelters
The EDAR Project Provides Mini Mobile Units
31
Gritty Grunge Couture
The Vogue Italia June 2010 Spread Gets Down and Dirty
30
Homeless Chic
Runways & Trend Setters Channel Fashions of the Flat-Broke
29
Hobo Clown Collections
Vivienne Westwood & Lee Jeans 'Lee Anglomania' Line Plays With Proportion
28
Paper Bag Fashion
Sasha Pivovarova Wears High Fashion Scraps for W Magazine
27
Vagabond Villas
Beautiful Spring Gardens is a Scintillating Shelter for the Homeless
26
Hobo Soup Is Hot!
25
Hobo Chic
Wunderkind Spring 2009
24
Hobo Chic Fur
Luxirare Creates an In-Between Season Coat With Floating Fur Atop Sheer Organza
23
Concrete Seats
'Concrete Things' Public Chairs by Komplot
22
A mobile "home" for the homeless
they deserve some design too!
21
Haute Hobo Gloves
The U_mag++ October Editorial Features American Gloves
20
Last-Minute Shopping Sales
Super Saturday is Black Friday for Procrastinators
19
Homeless-Inspired Fashion
Constance Jablonski is All Layers for Vogue Nippon July 2010
18
Toilet Paper Origami
This Photo Series of Wiping Methods is Hilarious
17
$1 Bus Rides
Megabus Takes Credit Crunched Tourists from Toronto to NYC (UPDATE)
16
Money Statement Art
Cash Rules Everything Around Me
15
Bag Lady Fashiontography
Black Magazine #12 Gets Dark and Eerrie
14
Recession-Priced Cruises
Affordable Ocean-Going Adventures
13
Recession-Proof Cinema
Box Offices Boom As People Look for Uplifting Entertainment
12
Poor Boy Couture
The Tim Hamilton Redux 2010 Collection has a Mischevious and Youthful Vibe
11
Designer Discount Collaborations
Luxury Brands at Payless Shoes
10
Hands-On Promotions
Lexus Dark Ride Adds Luxury Eco Driving Glove by Linda Loudermilk to Perks
9
Retail Discount Gaming
Play Uniqlo Lucky Machine Online for Clothing Discounts
8
Homeless By Choice
Student Lives In His Truck for 19 Months
7
Cardboard-Inspired Bedding
The Quilt Cover Project
6
University Discounts for Jobless Alums
St. John's Gives 50% Off Tuition for Laid-Off Grads
5
Economy-Inspired Fashion
The $14 Red Recession Dress Was Designed for the Times
4
Twitter Shopping Deals
Twitter Launched the Discount-Filled @earlybird Account
3
Credit Crunch Food Certificates
Mega Restaurant Discounts
2
Hobo Art
Jeremiah Bal's Limited-Edition Piece Made From Grocery Store Banner
1
Derelict Chic Fireplaces
The Philadelphia Fire Barrel is Just Like Being Homeless
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Subculture Fashion Collections
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Sustainable Play Clothes
Peace House Studio Designs Are Made to Be Recycled
Highly Affordable Fashion Launches
Kanye West Alters Prices to $20 On YEEZY SUPPLY Drop
Trauma-Informed Interior Designs
IKEA Introduces Trauma-Informed Tiny House for Seniors
AI-Powered Styling Apps
StyleHack Changes the Way People Dress with AI Style Analysis
Ultra-Stylish Baggy Sweatpants
The BetterMe Casual Drawstring Waist Sweatpants are Chic
Car Culture-Inspired Fashion Capsules
The Forever 21 x Ford Line Emphasizes American Heritage
Creative Laundry Solutions
'Uncommon' and 'Ecover' Release 'Rewear Chair' to Reduce Overwashing
Friend-Founded Home Decor Lines
Nook Theory is an Affordable and Quality Home Decor Brand
Y2K Jewelry Collabs
Claire's x Sliving Brings Paris Hilton's Style to a New Generation
Boho-Chic Fashion Collections
Sophie & Hailee Boasts a Stylish Fashion Range for the Fall Season
Crumpled Chip Bag-Resembling Wallets
Balenciaga Presents the Unique Chip Bag Purse
Festival-Ready Fashion Rentals
The Festival Closet by IHG x Pickle Lets Guests Rent Looks for Free
Inclusive Mobility-Focused Fashion
The Adaptable Collection by Will&Well Aims for Inclusivity
Reinvigorated 90s Fashion
The Old Navy '94 Reissue Collection Revives Nostalgic Style
Filmic Curated Closets
Stitch Fix's Main Character Closets Provide Nostalgic Style Inspiration
Accessible Luxury Goods Platforms
Zero Collective Makes Designer Handbags Affordable for Canadians
Purposeful Empowering Apparel
Living Life on Purpose: Connecting with Customers through Clothing
Fall Farmhouse Staples
Target Unveils a New Collaboration with Chip and Joanna Gaines
Compact Humble Economical Homes
Häuslein Tiny House Co. Designs the Chipper Tiny Home
Sleek Multifuntional Lifestyle Bags
two-point Introduces the BASK Bag with Various Functions
Sustainably Chic Sleepwear Collections
Half Asleep is a Women’s Clothing Brand with Cozy Capsules
Affordable Designer Bridalwear
Azazie & Christian Siriano's Collection Shares Styles Under $1,200
Embellished Cozy Premium Footwear
Chopova Lowena Presents the New SS24 Collection at LFW
Consumption-Inspired Fashion Capsules
LOUTRE snd Dover Street Market Work on a New Capsule
AI-Powered Virtual Closets
Stylitics' Products Support Next-Gen Personalized Shopping
One-Piece Adult Outerwear
The New 'Puffer Chubbsie' is Making Winter Fashion More Interesting
Retail Overconsumption Campaigns
Coachtopia's 'The Wasted Parts' Explores Overconsumption Culture
Chic Activewear Collections
Sophie & Hailee Offers a Capsule for Fitness and Everyday Activities
Recycled Clothing-Crafted Furniture
Hemingway Design Transforms London's Traid Store
Offbeat Fashion Campaigns
ASOS 'Inspired By' Delivers Non-Traditional Inspiration to Style-Seekers
Sustainable Sleepwear Solutions
Routine Sleep Loungewear Line Redefines Cozy Comfort
Staff Uniform-Made Home Collections
IKEA's VÄXELBRUK Collection Upcycles Worker Uniforms
Taco-Themed Dorm Makeovers
Taco Bell's Tacommodation Initiative Restyled a Student Flat
Celebratory Comic Strip Accessories
The Peanuts 75th Anniversary Loungefly Collection is Charming
Accessible Mindful Shopping Initiatives
Style DNA Brings Sustainability to Black Friday Shopping
Y2K-Inspired Fashion Collections
The Bench Revival Collection Boasts a Range of Nostalgic Styles
Second-Hand Styling Series
Channel 4 & Vinted's Second-hand Showdown Spotlights Pre-Loved Fashion
Outdoor-Inspired Fashion Collections
L.L.Bean & Noah Kahan Debut the Northern Attitude Collection
Refreshed Expressive Fashion Brands
The Cheap Monday Relaunch Retains Its Punk Aesthetics
Repurposed Denim Furniture
Levi's Icons Re/Outfitted Refreshes Iconic Designs with Discarded Denim
Modern Women-Exploring Luxe Fashion
The Fendi SS24 Series was Unveiled on the Runways
Loud Luxury Fashion
Moschino SS24 Pokes Fun at "Quiet Luxury" with Maximalist Styles
Tailor-Made Furniture Ranges
Last Ditch Design's Capsule Balances Aesthetics and Functionality
Heiress-Created Homeware Collections
Walmart is Launching Paris Hilton's Be An Icon Collection
Celebrity-Designed Furniture Series
goop and CB2 Join Forces on their Second Collection
Nostalgic Y2K Denim Collections
Cheap Monday & SLAM JAM Just Released Their New Bootleg Collection
Collaboration American Brand Sleepwear
The Macy's x Gap Collection Has Options for Men and Women
Americana-Inspired Collaborative Fashion
A.P.C. and JW Anderson Join Forces on a New Collection
Eco-Conscious Luxurious Undies
Subset's Cozy Essentials Offers Comfort Without Compromising Style
Compact Affordable Portable Homes
Stanley Tiny Homes Creates the Rogue Tiny House
Furniture Brand Price Reductions
IKEA New Lower Prices Includes Over 1,500 Products
Vietnam-Inspired Furniture Series
Jean-Marie Massaud Presents the Lodge Collection
Blazer-Like Utility Jackets
The Buck Mason Felted Chore Coat is Stylish Enough for Everyday Wear
Celebratory Disney-Inspired Collections
Forever 21 Celebrates Disney's 100th Anniversary
Spring Bring-Ready Apparel
SHEIN Offers a Range of Swimwear and Vacation Outfits
Fashion-Forward Layering Lines
SHEIN Introduces Weather-Adaptive Fashion Collection
Accessibility-Focused Homewares
The Michael Graves Design x Pottery Barn Collection is Chic
Low-Cost Back-to-School Promotions
The Dollar General Back-to-School Campaign is Launching Now
Domestic Awareness Campaigns
IKEA Australia Presents the This is Not a Home Campaign
Luxe Fall-Centric Fashion Capsules
mfpen Unveils its Latest Capsule for the FW23 Season
Branded Flea Markets
IKEA Belgium is Hosting a Flea Market Across Its Eight Branches
Affordable Housing Prototypes
Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jai Complete the Tiny House
Board Game-Themed Fashions
The Shoe Palace x Monopoly Collection Includes an Array of Styles
Celebrity-Designed Furniture Collections
CB2 and Goop Partner to Release a Charming Furniture Line
Vintage Americana Fall-Ready Fashion
Universal Works Unveils Far From Memphis for FW23
Edgy High-End Fashion Collections
Alexander Wang Debuts the Ultra-Edgy Garage Collection
Preppy Kids' Apparel
Sporty & Rich Kids Offers Elevated Comfort for the Next Generation
Renter-Friendly Wallpaper Collections
Otto Studio & Tierney Milne Created Peel-and-Stick Decor
Affordable Gen Z Apparel
Foundry by Cover Story Clothing Enters the Fashion Scene Through AJIO
Shoe-Inspired Lifestyle Apparel
Converse's Unveils its New Chuck Taylor Clothing Line
Accessible Fashion Tours
The Walmart Style Tour Shares Personalized Color Analysis & Styling Tips
Wasteful Shopping Billboards
Not On The High Street's Billboards Highlight a "Don't Gift Guide"
Pop Culture-Inspired Rentals
Airbnb Unveils the New 'Icons' Experiences for Short-Term Guests
Handpicked Vintage Collections
Thrift+ Launchers a New Partnership to Source Vintage Fashion
Low-Cost Country Star Housewares
The Dollar General Dolly Parton Collection Has Around 50 Items
Minimal Preppy Fashion Capsule
G.H. Bass Presents a Look at the Modern Ivy Collection
Record-Breaking Retailer Slumber Parties
This IKEA Pyjama Gathering Has 2,052 Co-Workers
Marginalized Artisan-Made Decor
IKEA Presents its Second Instalment of the MÄVINN Collection
Outerwear-Centric Fall Fashion
Bene Culture Presents its Latest Collection for the Season
University Starter Kits
IKEA Canada Curated a $99 Kit with Dorm Room Staples for Students
Affordable Back-to-School Campaigns
Staples Canada Embraces the Theme of '90s Throwback Pricing
Elevated Athleisure Pieces
C.P. Company Presents Practical and Stylish Apparel for Winter
Chinese Erotica-Inspired Spring Fashion
Chet Lo Presents a New Collection for SS24 During LFW
Fashion-Forward Ski Series
PrettyLittleThing Unveils Elevated Ski Collection for Winter Sports
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Tom Ford Allows Consumers to Seamlessly Shop Its Spring 2024 RTW
Ramadan Fashion Capsules
REDTAG Launches its Annual Ramadan Fashion Collection for Women and Kids
Minimal Affordable Sub-Labels
Target Presents its Own No-Frills Brand with Minimal Design
Size-Inclusive Towels
TOWEL is Replacing "One-Size-Fits-All" Towels with a More Inclusive Options
Multifaceted Luxury Linens
Pom Pom at Home Debuts Versatile Bedding for Diverse Aesthetics
Adaptive Senior Fashion
Joe & Bella Specializes in Modern, Adaptive Fashion for Seniors
Spooky Fashion Collections
The PLEASURES and Eastpak Capsule is Debuted Via an Eerie Photoshoot
Living Condition Awareness Dollhouses
IKEA's UNWELCOME HOME Doll House Brings Awareness
American Lifestyle-Inspired Fashion Collections
Blackstock & Weber Launches the Academy Collection
Wasteful Fashion Campaigns
Vestiaire Collective Reminded People to Shop Mindfully on Black Friday
Cutting-Edge Wearable Furnishings
MCM Wearable Casa Intersects Luxury Fashion and Furniture Design
Cheerful Spring-Ready Collaborative Fashion
Diane von Furstenberg Works on a Capsule with Target
Storage-Conscious Clothing Hangers
Simone Giertz Creates the Space-Saving Coat Hingers
Girlhood-Inspired Clothing Drops
Peachy Den's 'Sweet Cheeks' Collection Pays Homage to Girlhood
Thrifter-Themed Fall Streetwear
Patta Presents its Latest Collection for the FW23 Season
Unashamedly Romantic Pop-Ups
Laura Ashley's Workshops Use Deadstock Fabric to Create New Totes
Neutral Tonal Spring Streetwear
Carhartt WIP Opts for Neutral Light Tones for SS24 Season
Reprised Fall Apparel Capsules
SHEIN Reimagines Autumnal Fashion Looks with Western Motifs
Affordable Deadstock Apparel
SHEIN Ventures Into Sustainable Production with a 30-Piece Capsule
Affordable Activewear Collections
Forever 21 Unveils a New Activewear Line for the Season
Global Affordable Housing Competitions
ICON Challenging Architects & Designers with Initiative 99
Statement-Making Home Lines
Mini Rodini's HOME Collection Boasts Bedding, Curtains, & Loungewear
Shared Fashion Pop-Ups
eBay UK is Inviting Love Island Fans to Shop the Nation’s Shared Wardrobe
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Accessible Seasonal Celebration Products
These Target Holiday Products are Priced at $5 or Less
Low-Cost Holiday Retailer Guides
The Dollar General Holiday Toy Guide Has Options Under $20
Size-Inclusive Summer Fashion
Hayden LA's Summer Staples Boast Whimsical Floral Patterns
Closet-Clearing Challenges
Traid's Closet Clear-out Challenge Boosts Garment Donations
Festive Eco-Friendly Apparel
EarthyTweens Offers Up a New Clothing Capsule for the Holidays
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
Community-Focused Fall Fashion
Feng Chen Wang Presents its New Collection for the FW23 Season
Personalized Fashion Advice Tools
Urban Stylers Offers Personalized Virtual Styling and Advice
Contemporary Workwear-Inspired Fashion
Madhappy Debuted Its Utility-Focused Pre-Fall 2023 Range
Cozy Cottage-Inspired Furnishings
TV Personality Stacey Solomon Debuts a Home Collection with Asda
Kitschy Private Label Kitchenwares
These New LIDL Kitchenwares Come in Many Affordable Options
Winter Clothing Drives
United Way Organizes an Initiative to Collect Winter Clothing for Seniors
Budget-Friendly Menu Launches
El Furniture Warehouse Introduces a New and Inclusice Menu
School Sitcom Clothing Collections
The JCPenney Abbott Elementary Apparel Collection is Chic
Short-Form Fashion Competitions
#TikTokFashion Challenges Users to Create and Share Their Design
Fashion-Centric Co-Working Spaces
L.A. Fashion Weekend Partners with Hollywood Production Center
Sophisticated Premium Bedding
Pom Pom at Home Expands Bedding Collection to Meet Growing Demand
AAPI Heritage-Honoring Exhibitions
3.1 Phillip Lim Presents the Crafting Selfhood Exhibition
Collaboration Springtime Clothing Collections
Diane von Furstenberg for Target Has Over 200 Pieces
Mobile Dorm-Designing Features
Pottery Barn Teen Unveils a New Dorm Shop and Expanded Features
April Fool's Lifestyle Collections
Nugget Introduced Its 'Most Trendiest - High Endiest' Line Yet
Pre-Loved Clothing Markets
Charity Super.Mkt Will Take Over Fenwick's on Bond Street
Emerging London Designer Exhibitions
POOR Collective Showcases the Powershift Exhibition in London
Wedding Day Emergency Kits
The Stylish Bride Aims to Alleviate Wedding Day Anxieties with This Kit
Personal Financial Assistants
Timmy Offers Tailored Suggestions to Improve Spending Habits
Home Inventory Management Solution
'Bring Order to Chaos' Keeps Track of Your Belongings
Discount Retailer Promotions
The Poundland 'Price Pounders' Campaign Focuses on Cost Savings
Connective Economic Travel
Swapper Helps Business Travelers Use Hotel Budgets to Stay with Friends
Revamped Gen Z Fashion
Walmart Refreshes its Gen Z-Focused 'No Boundaries' Collection
Exclusive Joint Fashion Capsules
Mr. Porter and CHERRY LA Join Forces on a Collection