TIPS FOR SHOPPING ON A BUDGET

Some of us love to shop and some of us avoid it at all costs and only do it when it is an absolute must. Understandable. But, something we can all agree on when shopping is the occasional buyer’s remorse. It does not take long for the guilt factor to take over for the price of clothing. And most of the time, when we go shopping, we do not even intend on spending much. But sometimes it just happens. So, how can you have a trendy, stylish wardrobe without spending a fortune? Can you learn how to be fashionable on a low budget? We have gathered some tips and tricks to ensure your next shopping trip does not inflict too much pain on your wallet.

 

Identify A Want vs. A Need

 

 

Something that we all struggle with as human beings, not being able to identify what is a want and what is a need. If you already own four black sweaters, trust us, you do not need a fifth. But, if you are genuinely lacking a good black sweater in your wardrobe, take the time to look for one. It is important to go shopping for things that you are missing, not that you already own. It is totally okay to want the same top in more than one color but keep your budget in mind and ask yourself “do I really need it?” before taking it to the checkout counter with you.

 

Quality Over Cheap

 

A way to save some money and eliminate trips to the mall if you are a non-shopping lover when you are shopping look for quality pieces. While these higher-quality pieces may be a bit on the more expensive side, you will have them for longer and it will minimize the number of times you have to go out and replace that item. A good strategy to use is to take a look at the seams. You can easily tell the difference between well and poorly made clothing by the seams. Also, keep an eye on the material. Try to stick to natural fibers and blends that last a long time, like wool, and avoid synthetics like polyester. 

 

Shop for The Wrong Season

 

 

Shopping for clothes either late in the season or a full season behind is a great way to get the best bang for your buck. For instance, shop for summer clothes in the fall. Starting in early fall, retailers are getting rid of their summer stuff and there is often a ton of sales with incredible markdowns on pretty high-quality garments. Then, start shopping for winter items around January or February. The same thing is true with winter items in early spring and for spring and fall items at the end of those seasons. Just make sure it is not so trendy that it might be out of style. Yes, you will have to wait a little bit longer to wear it, but it can save money when shopping for clothes on a budget.

 

Thrift & Secondhand Shops

 

A great way to find killer bargains is by dedicating a day to thrift shopping. There is the obvious chance that you walk out not finding anything suited for you. But, if you are new to thrifting, take it as a learning experience so that on your next thrifting trip you know what to look for, where to look and just how to do it. Thrift stores are filled with so many hidden gems at such low prices. If you are shopping for summer, keep in mind that you can shop in the jeans section, find a pair in your size that you live and get creative with them by cutting them into shorts. And if you are a woman that loves the oversized look, believe it or not, the men’s section is right up your alley. Trust us!


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