It’s the time of year when everyone breaks out their spring and summer clothes. But if you’re opening your closet with a sigh, you’re probably considering buying new pieces to update your wardrobe. Before you do, here are ten ways to save yourself from going overboard with your online shopping cart.
Shop Sales Whenever Possible
If it’s spring, shop for summer clothes, and vice versa; buying clothes out-of-season can save you a lot compared to buying a new swimsuit in the middle of July.
Be Careful With Deals
Sales racks seem like a great place to save money. But often, they’ll entice you with pieces that, while inexpensive, you might not necessarily wear. Gravitate toward something you like first, then look at the price tag rather than the other way around.
Consider Rentals
Renting clothes is becoming more popular, and is especially wise if you’re looking for something to wear to a spring or summer wedding.
Invest in Quality Pieces
Always choose quality over quantity: buy clothing that has classic silhouettes and will last for years. This will prevent you from needing to shop for new fast-fashion pieces every season.
Go Back to Basics
Separates, basics, and other pieces you can mix and match should be the bread and butter of your wardrobe. If you’re missing basics, prioritize shopping for these first.
Shop Secondhand
Secondhand stores and thrifting are excellent places to find inexpensive gems. You might have to do some digging, but with online thrift stores and free time, you can find impressive, well-made, warm-weather clothes.
Reinvigorate Pieces You Already Own
Maybe you can avoid going shopping altogether! Fashion is cyclical, so clothes from a few years back might have a place in your wardrobe again. Shop your storage or see if you can alter existing clothes, like cutting old jeans to make shorts, for some fast, frugal fashion.
Shop Outlets and Discount Stores
Outlets and discount stores often have high-quality clothes that, while not always “in season,” often have fantastic basics at a fraction of the cost. Many famous clothing brands have an outlet version of their main stores, so start there first before you shop for the top-shelf stuff.
Use Coupon Codes and Cashback Programs
If you’re a big fan of a specific store or designer, see if you can sign up for a mailing list to have coupon codes delivered to your inbox. And those of you shopping online should never checkout without searching for coupon codes.
Cashback or loyalty programs can also be an excellent way to save but bear in mind that these can sometimes encourage more spending, so sign up for them with caution.
Take a Beat
Before you buy a piece you’re hemming and hawing on, acknowledge that this is probably your body telling you to wait it out and see how you feel. Patience often leads to a price drop as well. And even if it doesn’t, you might find you lose interest and that you didn’t need it as much as you thought you did.
