Clothes Shopping on a Budget

Whether you’re shopping for clothes for yourself or for the kids, a few basic items can really add up. It’s easy to leave a mall or department store with very little more than anxiety over the amount of money you just spent.

Here are some fantastic tips for clothes shopping on a budget.

1 Make a list of what you need and how much you’re willing to spend on each item. Just like when you go to the grocery store, making a list helps you stick to your budget.

Little items so easily find their way into your bag when you shop without a list. Adding the amount you’re willing to spend gives you a reality check when you’re ready to buy. It forces you to evaluate the logic of your purchase.

It also means going through your wardrobe and working out what you need instead of what you want just because its trendy. A trend is fine for kids as they probably grow quicker than then trend. But for us adults, trendy clothes don’t always transpose to the older generation that well. If you want to stay on trend keep it to accessories which are cheaper and much easier to swap around.

2 Save and splurge. This is particularly effective when you’re shopping with brand conscious teenagers and us cash-strapped adults. Anything that isn’t seen or is under items can be basics with basic prices. Then the more expensive item on top.

3 Look for coupons, card, and discounts before you buy. Many stores now offer loyalty programs. Each month they’ll mail or email their current promotion. If you know you’re going to be shopping at those stores, save the coupon or promotion code and shop during the specified days.

Additionally, before you hit the shops, do a quick online search for any ongoing promotions or coupons. There are many websites devoted to aggregating promotion codes and other membership sites with local money-saving opportunities or group shopping opportunities. These can be a great way to save money.

5 Shop out of season. You can save money on swimsuits when you shop for them at the end of the season for next season. The store seasons generally start about a month or two before people actually need to wear the clothing and ends before the season is finished. Totaly out of whack I know but its why you see warm winter jumpers hitting the selves as your still running around in a t-shirt.

6 Learn a few sewing tricks like changing buttons and taking up hems. That way when you think something might be ruined you can upcycle it to something new. And before you throw things like jumpers away consider running them by a sewing machine and turning them into cushion covers. Yes sounds odd but knitted type cushion covers cost a fortune and you could snazz up a bed or chair with a new cushion cover.

7 Check the tags. First double check the price so you don’t get a shock at the checkout. Then check the size and try it on. Lastly, check the washing instructions. It might be a bargain but if its dry clean only it will end up costing you a bomb in dry cleaning bills.

8 Got a posh doo or special occasion coming up and dreading the outfit shopping? Borrow from a friend and you no only get an outfit that no one will have seen you in before but it also didn’t cost a bomb, maybe just a bottle of wine to say thank you.

Clothes shopping doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little shopping savvy, a strategy and a bit of patience and planning, you can get way more for your money.