If you’re one of the lucky few that can afford to buy a whole new wardrobe every season, then this blog does not apply to you. However, if you’re like most of the general population who can’t, or won’t, spend an arm and a leg every 3-4 months to keep up with current trends, then keep reading! Believe it or not, there are ways to remain fashionably conscious and still stay within a budget, and this list is meant to show you how.
For affordable, stylish clothing, we love shopping at Kohl's, Macy's, Nordstrom Rack, H&M, and 6PM. Visit their store pages to find coupon codes, learn about sales and promotions, and more!
Source: Marie Claire
The first step to getting new clothes is getting rid of some of the old ones. This is true for several reasons. First, you can sell the ones that you’re getting rid of, by having a yard sale, posting them on Facebook, consigning them, or what have you. Check out 8 apps we recommend to sell previously-loved clothes. Second, it helps you become aware of what you really need for the upcoming season. For example, if you’re not getting rid of any jeans, you probably don’t need any new ones; but if you added most of your long sleeve shirts to the yard sale pile, you’re probably going to want to grab a few of those when you go shopping.
Source: Insider Monkey
Some people feel a stronger need than others to have the best of everything and to have it as soon as possible. If you’re one of those people, don’t plan on saving any money. As we’ve mentioned several times in the past, one of the best ways to save money on your wardrobe is to buy items off-season, or once it isn’t so new anymore. Typically, items are overpriced when they first hit the sales floor - and why not? Retailers know that customers will flock to them just to keep up with the Joneses. So, if you can hold off on buying a certain item just a little bit longer, then do it. The selection may be slimmer, but so will the cost.
Source: Reader's Digest
If you wait long enough, usually until the next season, some sales even drop as low as 75% off! Obviously, this is where the 75% off rule comes from: Never buy anything that isn’t at least 75% off. Although waiting for items to drop to 75% off does make it harder to find the pieces that you wanted or needed, it allows you to get so much more for your money. Plus, if you plan it right, and get in the habit of shopping off-season regularly, you will eventually get ahead of the game, rather than behind.
Source: Money - U.S. News
For most people, it’s a lot easier to spend money when you’re paying with a debit or credit card than when you’re paying with good old fashioned cash. This is because it’s so much easier to stay within a budget if you can look inside your purse or wallet and see your funds diminishing right before your eyes as you shop. In other words, you’re much more likely to spend sparingly if you physically limit yourself.
Source: multichannelmerchant.com
Before you make your final selections and bring them to the checkout lane, take out your smartphone and scan the barcode using any one of the many barcode scanner apps there are out there. Unless the item is retailer specific, the app will show you the best prices across several retailers nearby. Some stores will price-match which is super convenient, as it saves you a trip to another store; but even if they don’t, at least you know where you can get the same item for less money!
Source: Business Insider
Not only is shopping online extremely convenient; it’s also a great way to save some money! Many retailers are doing a majority of their business online these days, and to keep this trend growing, they offer online exclusives and discounts. What’s more is that there are sites out there that actually give you some of your money back, just for shopping online! That’s right - sites like Ebates and FatWallet are affiliate sites that give you a small percentage back from your purchase. The more you shop, the more you earn!
Source: Curalate
The deals and steals aren’t only on the main retailer websites - they are also on the retailers’ social media pages! From Facebook to Twitter and even Instagram, retailers are popping up on social media sites left and right. In fact, your favorite retailer probably already has a page, and is probably already offering tons of deals and discounts to anyone who follows them. Most of us check our social media pages countless times a day anyway, so why not save some money in the process?! Additionally, Facebook often has pages dedicated exclusively to deals and steep discounts from your favorite retailers, so be sure to search for those as well!
Of course, not all of these techniques are for everyone - perhaps you’re not big on social media, or you just can’t wait until the offseason to do your shopping. That’s totally fine! But choose at least one of two of these ideas to try out. You may find them to be much easier than you thought! Plus, you’ll be totally satisfied with how much money you save!
