8 Ways To Save Money on Apparel in 2024: Some Great Tips

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You're thinking of not buying any clothes in 2024? Come on, let's be real. Who doesn't have a bit of a "what did I spend?" moment after the holidays? If you're feeling the pinch from winter shopping, you're definitely not alone. Everyone's trying to rein in their spending, save some cash, and still look stylish. Here are six tips to save money on clothes while keeping your style game strong:

1. Make the most of what you already have

Chances are, you're not fully using your current wardrobe. Looking good is only half about the clothes; the other half is all about how you style them. Try organizing your closet by color instead of by item or season. Hang all your blacks together, all your blues, and so on, including prints and stripes. Then, get creative and mix things up. Throw a crewneck or turtleneck sweater over a dress to make it look like a two-piece. Belt a boxy blazer for a more fitted look. Tie a colorful sweater around your shoulders instead of wearing a scarf to add a pop of color to a neutral outfit. Mix sporty with tailored pieces, and casual with dressy ones. Think vintage jeans with a silky blouse and fancy flats, or joggers with a nice cashmere sweater and chunky loafers. Roll up the cuffs on button-downs, undo the top buttons to make a V-neck, and do a half tuck or leave it untucked. And don't forget, you can always take your favorite long pants and jeans to a tailor to get them cropped to a flattering ankle length that works with all your flats and sandals.

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2. Keep track of what’s in your wardrobe

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This will help you avoid buying more T-shirts, dresses, and ballet flats when you actually need a blue-striped button-down shirt, black flared pants, and metallic sandals. Stick the list on your closet door and keep a copy in your bag. Update it as needed and check it when you shop. Highlight what you really need—it’ll keep you on track—and before buying, ask yourself, “When will I wear this and with what?” Items that work across seasons and different occasions are better for your wallet. Wait 24 hours before buying anything online. If you’re over it the next day, it was just a passing fancy. If it’s sold out, don’t worry, you’ll find something better or, as I like to say, “It wasn’t meant to be.”

3. Throw a clothing swap

It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to save money and refresh your closet with help from friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Plus, it encourages you to clean out your closet. Invite people of various sizes and styles to increase your chances of finding something awesome. Remind everyone to bring only clean items in good condition (so no stained sweaters or dresses with broken zippers). No need for a dressing room—suggest wearing leggings and a tank top for easy try-ons. Have a full-length mirror, garment rack, and lots of hangers (you can rent these if needed). Someone else’s cast-offs might become your new favorites. Any leftovers can be donated to a charity like Goodwill or Dress for Success.

4. Check out secondhand clothes and accessories

Whether you call it pre-loved, resale, or consignment, buying gently used stuff is a big deal now. According to thredUP, the secondhand market for clothes, shoes, and accessories in the U.S. is set to hit $70 billion by 2027, and that includes folks over 50. If you're new to secondhand shopping, don't worry about any "yuck" factor. No more digging through smelly bins; the clothes are clean. Plus, you'll save money and help the planet. Some sites focus on trendy, sexy clothes for Gen Z and millennials, while others emphasize high-end luxury items, but big sites like thredUP and Poshmark are great for mature women. They've got huge inventories of stylish brands from malls and department stores, all organized by brand, size, item, price, color, and design to make browsing easy.

Wondering where the stuff comes from? It's a mix of unsold retail inventory, customer returns, and previously owned items sold on consignment. Also, check out smaller brand-specific sites like J. Crew Always, Madewell Forever, M.M. LaFleur Second Act, Eileen Fisher Renew, and Michael Kors Pre-Loved. But heads up, resale shopping can be addictive, so set a budget before you start!

5. Ask for Discounts at Stores

When you’re shopping in person, don’t just settle for the price you see. When you’re at the register, go ahead and ask the cashier if they have any coupons you could use. It might not always work, but sometimes you’ll get lucky with a sweet discount or even an employee perk. Also, try using a browser extension when shopping online. It’ll search for discount codes for you.

6. Shop Re-sale Items from Brands Directly

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Did you know some big clothing brands like Lululemon, American Eagle, and Patagonia offer second-hand clothes at a discount? They even have trade-in programs for your old clothes!

For instance, if you’ve got a pair of barely worn Patagonia shorts, you can send them back for store credit. Then you can use that credit to shop their resale store, Patagonia Worn Wear, for other second-hand items.

A lot of the stuff on resale sites are just store returns and are in great condition—sometimes they haven’t even been worn. It’s an awesome way to get your favorite brands for less.

7. Rent One-off Items

Instead of buying new stuff for special occasions, think about renting an outfit! It’s a great way to look sharp and save some cash. You can easily rent suits and tuxedos at menswear stores. For women’s special event outfits, it’s a bit trickier, but there are online stores that offer rentals through subscription models. Just remember to cancel the subscription once you return the clothes. Even if you drop $150 on a rental, it’s better than spending $800 on something you’ll only wear a couple of times. Plus, you save on dry cleaning and storage.

8. Don’t Worry About Trends

One of the easiest ways to save money on clothes is by figuring out your personal style. Once you know what you like and what makes you feel good, you won’t be as tempted to chase every new trend.

Trends that last less than a year usually mean you’ll only wear those clothes a few times before they end up forgotten in your closet. That’s a waste of money and space.

If a trend really speaks to you, awesome! Try to snag it with a coupon or buy it secondhand. Just make sure you’re getting it because you truly like it, not because you’ve seen it all over Instagram. Give yourself a few days to decide if that trendy item is something you’ll love long-term. This way, you avoid buying stuff you’ll regret later.

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Conclusion

Even if you're a fashion lover, saving money on clothes is always nice. Using these tips can help you look great while saving for your bigger financial goals. Don't forget to check out related posts to boost your savings even more! We hope that it helps to save some serious cash for you in the near future.