Fashion on a Budget: 5 Genius Ways to Save Money on Clothing

Clothes are a fun way to express your style but can cost you a fortune. Thankfully, fashion on a budget isn’t impossible. Whether you rent clothes, swap with friends, or scour second-hand fashion websites, there are many ways to save money on clothing. Just be sure to avoid impulse buys that go a long time unworn in your closet. Let’s get to the tips!

1. Shop for What’s Not Happening

Clothing is a fun and necessary part of your wardrobe but can also be a major expense. When shopping, you can save money by limiting your spending to essentials. By doing this, you’ll be able to stretch your budget and enjoy the latest styles without putting your finances at risk.

Another way to save is by purchasing clothing in season. Buying a lightweight sundress in winter or a pair of skinny jeans in summer is tempting, but you’ll likely get the best price when these items aren’t in demand.

You can also find great deals by purchasing your favorite clothes brand at retailers. Journeys offer coupons and promo codes, which can mean great deals on everything from cheap dresses to designer jeans. Many brands also provide resale programs, often based on store returns and can include lightly used and even new clothes.

2. Mix High and Low

There are many ways to save money on clothing, like going on second-hand fashion websites or buying discounted shoes. However, one of the best tips is to buy less. Impulse purchases tend to go unworn in the back of your closet, which can cost you more in the long run.

Instead, make your wardrobe a classic staple collection that works for your lifestyle and mix in cheaper, on-trend pieces. The result is a pared-back, stylish closet that looks expensive without breaking the bank. You can take inspiration from A-listers and influencers who are fearless in mixing high-end designer pieces with affordable items.

3. Save Money on Clothing by Shopping Second-hand

When it comes to clothing, buying second-hand can save you a lot of money, which is great if you’re a single mom who’s budgeting (or anyone else). If you’re hitting up a brick-and-mortar store, consider shopping the week before the weekend rush. Retailers will begin marking down the items they want to push through the weekend on Thursday evenings.

If you buy new clothes, only do so if you can afford them with cash or a credit card with low interest rates. It will help you avoid getting sucked into the fast fashion cycle and force you to think about the true cost of each fashion purchase while maintaining a budget.

Also, take good care of your clothes so they last longer. That means folding your sweaters and tees rather than stuffing them into drawers, using hangers that won’t warp tops, and washing and drying clothes according to instructions.

4. Fashion on a Budget: Avoid Unnecessary Expenses

Clothes can be fun and a great way to express your style, but they can also take a big bite out of your budget. Generally, clothing falls under the “wants” category rather than the “needs” category, along with other non-essential expenses like entertainment, dining out, and monthly subscription services. Sticking to a shopping list to save money on clothes and avoid window shopping is important. It will help you stay focused on what you need instead of being tempted by a cute new outfit that isn’t within your budget.

A good strategy for saving money on clothes is to shop before the weekend rush when retailers begin marking down items they want to push through the weekend. Also, keep an eye on clearance sections because you can often find items similar to the originals in other stores at a fraction of the price.

Another way to save is to avoid high-end designer labels and stick with generic brands like jeans and t-shirts for day-to-day attire. It will save you money and ensure your style is maintained.

5. Set Up Sale Notifications to Save Money on Clothing

Whether you’re shopping online, in person, or with your favorite store app, sign up for email notifications. That way, you’ll know when things go on sale. For instance, those sales can be a great time to get the pieces you need for fall. Many stores also send one-time coupons to new subscribers. Likewise, think about signing up for emails from local boutiques you love and frequent. Smaller shops have a harder time clearing out their inventory than big box retailers, making them more likely to run sales.

Finally, consider limiting the amount of money you can spend on monthly clothing to help you stick with your budget. It can be especially helpful when buying classic dresses and other clothes.

If you’re feeling extra frugal, try a 30-day no-shopping challenge, or commit to only spending on clothing items you can buy used, second-hand or on sale. And remember to do the math when it comes to purchasing a new item of clothing: Calculate its cost-per-wear to make sure you’ll wear it more than once.

Do you have other tips for maintaining great fashion on a budget? Please share in the comments below!

Photo by Stel Antic from corelens (Canva Free Content License).