7 Ways To Save Money On Clothing Purchases Right Now

We all gotta wear clothes, but they're more than just something we need. They let us show off who we are. How we dress can change how we feel about ourselves and even boost our confidence. Plus, shopping for clothes can be a fun way to lift your mood. But watch out, because spending too much on clothes can add up fast. You don't want to be short on cash for bills or miss out on a dream vacation because you splurged on outfits. Saving money on clothes doesn't mean you can't stay stylish! Just follow these seven tips to keep up with the latest trends without breaking the bank.

1. Make the Most of What You Own

Chances are, you're not using your current wardrobe to its full potential. Looking good is only half about the clothes; the other half is about how you style them. Try organizing your closet by color instead of by item or season. Group all your blacks, blues, prints, and stripes together. Then mix and match. Throw a sweater over a dress for a new look, belt an oversized blazer for shape, or tie a colorful sweater at your shoulders instead of a scarf. Mix sporty with tailored, casual with dressy. Pair vintage jeans with a silky blouse or joggers with a nice sweater and chunky loafers. Roll cuffs on button-downs, undo the necks to a V and do a half tuck or leave it untucked. And don't forget, you can always get your jeans tailored to a flattering length that works with all your shoes.

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2. Keep a Requirement List

This helps you avoid buying more of what you don't need. Write down what you actually need, like a blue striped shirt, black dress pants, and metallic sandals. Post the list in your closet and keep a copy in your bag. Update it when necessary and check it when shopping. Highlight the must-buys to stay on track. Before buying something, ask yourself, When will I wear this and with what? The more versatile the item, the better for your budget. Give online purchases a 24-hour wait. If you're over it the next day, it wasn't worth it. If it's sold out, don't worry, something better will come along.

3. Throw a Clothing Swap Event

It's a fun, budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe with the help of friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Plus, it's a great excuse to clear out clothes you don't wear anymore. Invite a mix of people with different sizes and styles to increase the odds of finding something cool. Just remind everyone to bring clean, good-condition items (so leave that stained sweater and the dress with the broken zipper at home). No need for a dressing room suggest guests wear something like leggings and a tank for easy try-ons. Set up a full-length mirror, garment rack, and plenty of hangers (you can rent these if needed). Someone's old stuff could be your new favorite. Anything left over? Donate it to Goodwill or Dress for Success.

4. Shop Off-Season

Most folks buy clothes for immediate wear, but that can get pricey. Think ahead of the best deals on off-season items. For instance, snag a swimsuit in September or a winter coat in February for great discounts. Retailers, especially outlets, slash prices to clear out last season's stock. Just remember, trends change fast and clearance items are often final sale, so stick to styles you know work for you. I always look for wrap dresses and soft-colored tailored coats, but maybe you're after a ruched swimsuit or a sleek puffer. Use digital shopping tools like ShopStyle and Shop It To Me to find the best deals they'll direct you to discount sites like Nordstrom Rack and T.J. Maxx, as well as regular sites like Target and Nordstrom for sale items. Of course, you can always go straight to those sites too.

5. Rent your Outfit to Look Sharp

Image Source: Rent An Attire

No need to buy a fancy dress for a one-night event, splurge on a seasonal sweater, or get a new blazer for an interview. Check out rental fashion services like Rent the Runway, Armoire, and Nuuly, which are great for mature shoppers. If you're into designer bags, Vivrelle has you covered. The rental trend started with formal dresses but now includes a range of every day and work clothes from brands like Diane von Furstenberg, rag & bone, Lilly Pulitzer, and Paige. These services usually work on a membership plan where you pay a fee for access to a certain number of items each month. They typically include prepaid shipping and handle the cleaning. For example, Rent the Runway is $89 for the first month and $94 after that for five items each month. Armoire offers four items for $79 a month, and Nuuly starts at $98 for six items. And don't forget, you can still rent that stunning gown or sequined top for a fraction of the price.

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6. Buy Secondhand Items

Buying gently used clothes, also known as pre-loved or consignment shopping, is super trendy now. According to thredUP, the secondhand market in the U.S. is expected to hit $70 billion by 2027, and that includes shoppers over 50. If you're new to this, don't worry the "yuck" factor is gone. The clothes are clean, and you'll save money and help the planet. Big resale sites like thredUP and Poshmark are perfect for mature women, offering a huge range of stylish brands. The items are organized by brand, size, item, price, color, and design to make browsing easy. The stuff you find comes from unsold retail inventory, customer returns, and consignment items. Also, check out smaller brand-specific resale sites like J. Crew Always, Madewell Forever, M.M. LaFleur Second Act, Eileen Fisher Renew, and Michael Kors Pre-Loved. Just a heads-up upresale shopping can be addictive, so set a budget before you start browsing!

7. Utilize Coupon Finders

Coupons are awesome for saving money, but hunting them down can be a hassle. It's a pain to search for coupons every time you shop online. That's where coupon apps come in! You can download these apps on your phone or add them to your internet browser. They automatically find coupons or rack up points from your purchases that you can use later.

Conclusion

So, if you're trying to save some cash on clothes, you might think the cheapest stuff is the best bet. But actually, its better to splurge on the pricier items keeping with the current trends. They're usually made better, so you'll get more wear out of them. Plus, when something is expensive, you'll think twice about whether you really need it, which means you'll spend less impulsively. Clothes don't have to drain your wallet. By following these tips, you can still snag trendy, high-quality pieces that make you feel great.