Frugal Fashion

Shopping for clothes can be a frustrating and expensive endeavor and living on a strict budge may cause shopping options to seem limited. “We buy all of our clothes at Wal-Mart!” my friend’s daughter recently exclaimed when I complemented her shirt. “Yes,” her mother replied uncomfortably, “but we tell people that we bought them at Macy’s!”

With a little creativity, shopping savvy, and frugal thinking, you won’t feel the need to fib about where you bought your favorite outfit, or how much you paid. Check out these top ten ways to save money on clothing to discover how you can look fabulous without blowing your budget.

1. Determine What You Really Need

It’s all too easy to buy more than you really need. While you might end up with a closet full of clothes, you may still find yourself saying that you have nothing to wear. The best way to minimize overspending and ensure that every clothing purchase is perfect is to make a thorough assessment of exactly what wardrobe items you really need. Take note of each family members preferences in order to save money by not buying unnecessary or unwanted items. Great buys are not so great if they just hang in the closet.

2. Take Advantage of Seasonal Clearance Sales

Retail stores usually start marking down clearance at the first of the month, but the deepest discount prices often occur towards the end of the month. Save money on clothing by developing a sharp eye for the best clearance racks. Seasonal reduction sales of up to 50 to 90% are common. With such great deals, it’s easy to buy more than you really need. Keep in mind your goal of buying only what will be worn.

3. Take Advantage of Extra Savings

Customer surveys are often printed on receipts, so always check your sales slips carefully. If you call the listed number, you can save a percentage off your next purchase. Combine those saving with your clearance purchases and your well on your way to great savings.

4. Check Out Savings at All Stores

Don’t let the fear of high prices keep you out of the more expensive stores during clearance season. Even normally pricey establishments offer amazing markdowns if you shop at the right time. You will find great buys on high quality clothes if you watch for seasonal clear outs.

5. Always Buy Ahead

Another great way to save money on clothing is to buy kids clothes for the upcoming school year on seasonal clearance. Simply buy the clothes for the next season in a slightly larger size than what your children are currently wearing, but remember to account for those inevitable summer growth spurts. When school shopping time rolls around, you can relax and enjoy those last days with your kids, rather than dragging them to store after store trying to find a decent deal on school clothes.

6. Browse Without Buying

Never feel like you have to buy something when you’re shopping for clothes. When you have time just look around, try on different clothes and see what you really like. Try coordinating complete outfits and take note of what really made you feel great. Now apply that knowledge to those clearance sales and look for items that will pull your look together.

7. Check out Garage Sales & Thrift Stores

Garage sale and thrift stores are a great place to find amazing deals on clothing. Shop with an eye for quality, and remember not to buy things that you do not really need. Also, it is important to realize that not all of these items are great deals. Always keep the price in mind. Be sure to check garment for damage and only buy what you will really wear.

8. Freecycle or Online Trade Sites

Check into your local freecycle, or online barter/trade site. While these resources are often overlooked, they can be a great opportunity for frugal shoppers to save money on clothing and other items. If you don’t have one in your area, then start one. These sites are great for recycling clothing and can lead to great deals. Advertise what sizes you have and ask for the sizes you need; it’s a win/win arrangement.

9. It’s ‘Sew’ Easy to Save

If you enjoy sewing your own clothing, there are literally hundreds of ways you can save. From making your own garments from scratch to adding embellishment to clothes you already own, the possibilities are virtually limitless. For example, use those too-short jeans to make adorable skirts for your girls. To extend the life of jeans, try ironing on a patch before the hole appears.

10. Have Your Own Garage Sale

Take a hard look at the clothes in your closet. In all likelihood, your closet is probably stuffed with items that you never wear. Why don’t you wear these items? In some cases, you might be able to tailor them to fit better. If not, consider holding your own garage sale. Not only will this benefit other frugal shoppers; you can also earn money to buy the clothes you really want and need.

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Photo courtesy Kathryn McCallum