Buying Efficiently: Ways You’re Wasting Money on Clothes
Buying new clothes is a great way to catch up on the latest shopping trends, helping you look fashionable and boosting your confidence. While shopping can be quite rewarding, filling up your closet can also come with hefty price tags. So, if you’re searching for ways to buy clothes more efficiently, here are a few things to look out for to ensure you do not waste any of your hard-earned money in the process.
#1 You’re Not Buying Generic Brands
Although fashion name brands and designer items are quite alluring, they can also be very expensive, costing thousands of dollars for a single item. Luckily there are many generic brands that you may have never heard of that sell similar items and at a significantly lowered cost. This is especially true when it comes to basics including t-shirts, jeans, undershirts, and socks. Such items may end up getting a lot of wear and tear anyway. As such, it may be best to save the expensive purchases for special occasions and events where they can be shown off.
#2 You’re Not Buying Used
Another great way to save on clothes shopping is to buy used or second-hand items. You can find such clothing articles at local thrift and consignment shops. The great thing about buying used clothes is that you can find many bargains at substantially lowered prices. Keep in mind that thrift store shopping often requires a great deal of patience. You will have to go through bins and racks full of unique items. However, many thrift stores (especially consignment shops) carry designer brands at a fraction of their normal cost. This means you can still purchase the latest trends but at a discount. What’s more is that many thrift stores also support charities and your purchase can directly support a good social cause.
#3 You’re Not Purchasing Sale Items
What’s more is that many of your favorite department stores will have a variety of sales including sidewalk, sample, semi-annual, and holiday sales where they need to get rid of their overstocks of merchandise. As such, it is important to keep track of when these stores will have their biggest sales of the year. The best way to do this is to sign up for their email lists so that you’ll have notifications delivered straight to your inbox. Stores may also send you some great coupons to discount your purchase even further for being such a loyal follower.
#4 You’re Not Shopping In Your Closet
If you are guilty of having a ton of never worn items in your closet, it may be time to take yourself shopping in the comfort of your own home! That’s right, shop your own closet and take advantage of all the items that you already own. Thinking of outfits in advance can even help you to save time in the morning. Get creative by mixing and matching items that you normally would have never thought of putting together. This could also include taking items that need to be fixed at a local tailor. This could mean a more cost-effective approach when compared to new purchases. Also, remember to take care of all of your clothes so that they last longer. For instance, read their labels, wash them carefully and even dry them in a gentle, energy efficient clothes dryer so that you can enjoy them for many more years to come.
#5 You’re Not Shopping Out of Season
One great way to save a ton of money when clothes shopping is to shop out of season. As the temperatures change outdoors, many stores will mark their merchandise down in preparation for the upcoming season. For example, right before spring or summer, winter clothes will be discounted. The same holds true for summer clothes which will be discounted as fall and winter arrive. These are great times to find the best prices on staples for your closet. Not only will you be able to save, but you can also stock up on items, storing them away until next year and at a fraction of their original retail cost.
So, while clothing can be quite expensive, there are ways to maximize your wardrobe and fill your closet with items you love. Save money when clothes shopping by trying any of these helpful tips. You can shop smarter and be more efficient without sacrificing what’s in your wallet.
About the Author
Cassie Brewer is a health professional in Southern California. In her free time, she enjoys writing about her passion (healthy living, of course!) and everything beauty related. Nothing makes her happier than helping other be the best version of themselves they can be. Photos provided with permission from Cassie Brewer. Follow her on Twitter @Cassiembrewer.
