- - 10 ‘Frugal Chic’ Habits You Can Use To Save Money in 2026, According to an Expert

Crystal MayerFebruary 9, 2026 at 8:34 PM

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The new year is all about spending with intention. As influencer Christina Mychas put it, 2026 is all about being “frugal chic.” Frugal chic, according to her recent YouTube video, is a term coined by creator Mia McGrath.

The viral idea is all about knowing what to save on and what to splurge on. It isn’t necessarily about sacrificing but instead about paying attention to how money is being spent and slowing down. Here are 10 “frugal chic” habits you can use to save money this year, according to Mychas.

1. Play Favorites

First, Mychas said it’s all about “playing favorites.” She told viewers that it’s OK to splurge on a luxury item, like a signature scent or a favorite mascara, if it’s something that they will get their money’s worth out of. She encouraged her listeners to know what they like and what looks good on them.

As explained by the experts at Who What Wear, the word “frugal” isn’t about being cheap. It is about spending intentionally. It emphasizes trading in a shelf full of similar products for one timeless product, even if it is a little pricier.

Check Out: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

Read More: 8 Frugal Habits You Should Never Quit, According to Frugal Living Expert Austin Williams

2. Know Where You Are Going To Splurge

The influencer’s second tip involved carefully choosing the things to splurge on. She noted that upgrading everything at once may be tricky, so she suggested choosing one or two luxury items, such as a designer bag or shoes, and pairing them with basics that are more affordable.

The experts at Discover agree that being willing to spend money on quality items may actually save money in the long run. As they explained, cheaper doesn’t always equate to less expensive. Investing in a quality piece of clothing, like a $50 pair of jeans, can be more cost-effective than buying a $15 pair every other year.

3. Pay Attention to What You Are Buying

Another frugal chic habit to try in 2026 is paying closer attention to what you are buying, according to Mychas.

The influencer noted that making shifts to clothes with more natural fibers not only feels better but also may wear better. Having to check labels for materials also slows down the act of shopping, making purchases more intentional.

4. Learn the Difference Between Price and Value

When it comes to living a frugal chic lifestyle, it’s all about curation, according to the entrepreneur and creator of the Minimalist-ish Method. She told viewers that they shouldn’t be looking to buy the cheapest thing all the time. Instead of focusing on price, she suggested considering quality and cost per use before buying.

Instead of looking at just the overall price and choosing the cheapest item, individuals implementing a frugal chic mentality might consider calculating the cost per use or cost per wear. In an article about saving money, The Everygirl said to calculate the cost per use and ask questions, including whether the item is versatile enough to use through different seasons, whether it will help get more use out of another item and whether it will still be used even as trends change.

5. Take Care of Your Future Self

Mychas encouraged viewers to save money by focusing on investing in their future selves first. Luxuries come second.

Getting into this habit helps ensure that the money is there down the road.

6. Buy the Thing You Actually Want

Next, Mychas suggested listeners wanting to practice a frugal chic lifestyle should buy the thing they actually want, not a dupe or a cheaper alternative. She cautioned against compromising and highlighted the virtues of delayed gratification.

7. Finish What You Start

Frugal chic is not necessarily about sacrificing, but it is about mindful spending. In the video, the self-employed YouTuber said that it is not only about intentional spending but also about intentional using.

She noted that simply finishing what you start could save you thousands. She explained that this can apply to anything, but it is never clearer than with makeup and skincare products. Instead of replacing items as they run low, use up the product completely.

8. Check What You Have

Next, Mychas said that people should check what they have before purchasing more. She explained that part of living frugal chic is being familiar with what you own. She noted that practicing mindful spending can help to increase satisfaction with what is owned and reduce frenzied buying.

If the thought of going through clothes is overwhelming, it might be best to start by decluttering. According to Balance Through Simplicity, decluttering can help save money. It helps to prevent buying things that are already owned or that do not have a purpose.

9. Maintain, Don’t Replace

Another frugal chic tip Mychas recommended was maintaining instead of replacing. When pieces are intentionally purchased, people tend to care more about them. Naturally, people want to take better care of things they have invested in. She suggested sewing and mending quality pieces that are worth saving.

10. Pause Before Purchasing

Finally, the frugal shopper suggested viewers simply pause before they purchase. She recommended creating a wish list or saving an item in the cart and walking away. Slowing down can help ensure that things are not bought on impulse but rather after thoughtful consideration, making spending less reactionary.

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Source: “AOL Money”