Let’s be honest. Times are tough right now and none of us are looking to blow a lot of money on a new wardrobe of hot and trending clothing. However, you need a few pieces to help freshen your look, right? If you want to be budget-friendly and fill your closet simultaneously, here are the top perks to help you out.
Shopping on a budget
- Pick your staples: Every closet has staples you find yourself reaching for every chance. So, take note of those fashion staples and focus on them when investing in new pieces.
Perhaps it’s a well-tailored pair of pants and a crisp button-down. Or maybe it’s more like tailored blazers.
Whatever the staples you love, you’ll want to make them your priority when shopping, and remember to pick them out first so that you don’t accidentally overspend! - Limit your splurges: When you want to go big on something (new shoes, for instance), make sure you’re careful about your spending. Don’t splurge on 5 things if you only have the budget for 2. While it may feel restrictive knowing you aren’t overspending will always be worth it at the end of the year! Plus, if you still want that extra splurge you passed on, you can make it a priority next year!
- Consider second-hand purchases: Too often, second-hand clothing gets a bad reputation.
Perhaps this is true if you’re shopping for a small “hole in the wall” place! But, plenty of quality-based secondhand shops will give you great, brand-new clothing at half the cost. It gives you more budget to shop big, and you’ll be able to know that you are getting great quality clothing that will last you for seasons to come, too. Plus, certain wardrobe pieces (especially shoes and handbags) are timeless, so even if they were technically last season, they’re still great for everyday wear and use. - Prioritize the “little” brands: Just because you want to prioritize quality doesn’t mean you need to shop just for the larger brands. Smaller online brands offer you a great selection of quality name pieces, but you’re paying for the quality of the clothing rather than the brand name itself.
- Create a shopping list: Before you go shopping, make a list of the items you need and stick to it. This will help you avoid impulse buying and ensure that you are only purchasing items that you truly need.
Prioritize items that will have the most impact on your wardrobe and that will be the most versatile. This will help you make the most of your budget and ensure that you are getting the most value for your money. - Invest in quality: When shopping on a budget, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest options, but this can lead to buying items that will fall apart after a few wears. Instead, invest in higher-quality items that will last longer and be more versatile.
Look for items made from durable materials and with quality construction. This will ensure that you get more wear out of your clothes and that they will last for years to come. - Take advantage of discounts and sales: Keep an eye out for discounts and sales, and take advantage of them when you can. Many retailers offer discounts and sales throughout the year, so make sure you are aware of them and take advantage of them to get the best deals.
Additionally, look for websites that offer discounts, promo codes, and coupons for different sellers. For example, TopCoupons4u.com offers 20% off $100+ purchases on Zaful, and even tiered packages of $50 off final purchase tallies, etc. It’s a smart shopper’s dream come true. - Buy out of season: Buying clothes out of season can save you a lot of money. Retailers often offer discounts on clothes that are no longer in season, so take advantage of this and stock up on items that you can wear next season. This will help you save money in the long run and ensure that you have a variety of clothes to choose from.
- Don’t be afraid of DIY: You don’t have to buy everything new. You can freshen up your wardrobe by revamping old clothes. You can add new buttons, new zippers, or even change the hemline. This will give your clothes a new lease on life and save you money.
- Swap clothes with friends: Swapping clothes with friends is a great way to refresh your wardrobe without spending any money.
You can exchange clothes that you no longer wear for something new and different in your friend’s closet. This is a great way to get new clothes without spending any money and also helps to reduce waste by giving clothes a new home instead of throwing them away. - Rent clothes: Another alternative to buying new clothes is renting them. Many companies now offer clothing rental services where you can rent clothes for a specific period of time and then return them. This can be a great option if you only need something for a special occasion or event and don’t want to spend money on buying it outright.
In conclusion
Filling your closet on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or quality. By following the tips outlined above, you can freshen up your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Prioritize your staples, limit your splurges, consider second-hand purchases, prioritize the “little” brands, create a shopping list, invest in quality, take advantage of discounts and sales, buy out of season, don’t be afraid of DIY, swap clothes with friends and rent clothes are all great ways to save money and still look great. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can fill your closet with clothes you love without spending a fortune.
Happy shopping!