Bargain shopping can be turned into an art. Your closet can be overflowing with clothes that not only fit well, but that also express your unique personality and style. And the best part? You will have paid retail price for less than 10% of it. So here's how to have a stylish and distinct wardrobe on a budget.
This style of shopping is definitely not for everyone. In the beginning you will have to invest more time than you are used to on browsing and rummaging through clothes, quite possibly with very little to show for it. However, if you stick with this method, you will soon train your eye and learn the places where you have the most luck. It is very frustrating at times, but that is also what makes it so rewarding when you find clothes that you love for amazing prices.
Steps
1) Weed out your old wardrobe. Get rid of anything that doesn't fit you, and try to let go of attachments to clothes that you just don't wear.
2) BUT DON'T JUST THROW THESE CLOTHES OUT! There's so much you can do with old clothes. Here are some suggestions.
- Reuse: If you have pants that are too long/awkwardly fitting in the leg, but fit your waist, make them into shorts! They can be made into simple cut-offs or you can sew a cuff. Longer knee length shorts with or without a cuff are also an option. Cutting up t-shirts is also an option, as well as creating your own stencil and stenciling a design on the back of shorts/pants, or making an original design on a blank (or not blank) t-shirt.
- Resell: If you have designer clothes or any other clothes or accessories (sunglasses, shoes, scarves, hats, etc.) that you think could yield a profit, resell them. This cleans out your closet, and allows you to earn more money to buy new clothes. Ebay, Craigslist, second-hand stores, thrift stores, and consignment shops are all good places to try to sell them. If you have a lot of stuff to sell with your clothes, you could also consider a yard sale.
- Give away: Have friends or co-workers that are the same size? Let them rummage through clothes that you are not reusing or reselling before you give them away to charity. They may return the favor one day. However, charity is also a great way to discard your old clothes (and can usually be used as a tax write-off).
3) Find out where discount stores like Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Ross, etc. are where you live, as well as where any thrift stores, Salvation Army’s, consignment shops, and second-hand stores may be located. These are my go-to stores when I’m not looking for anything specific. These stores can be helpful for a specific search, but I find them more frustrating in such a situation. See what works for you though! Try each store out, and see if you like what they carry. Give each store at least 2-3 visits (spaced out enough so that they get new inventory) before you decide whether or not the store is good for you.
- Be careful about return policies. Because the clothes are discounted, they usually can only be returned for store credit or are non-refundable. Don’t hesitate to try stuff on, and be confident in your purchases!
- You know what’s really amazing? Discount stores have sales too! I’ve found some of my best deals in such circumstances. Look out for them.
- Be conscious of possible defects. Although most clothes in discount stores are supposedly “flawed,” most are unnoticeable and do not affect the quality of the product. However, it is best advised to inspect anything you like before purchasing.
- Notice fabrics, cuts, and brand names: A wide range of clothing can be found in discount stores, and some are better quality than others. Searching for familiar brand names might be helpful, as well as looking for more quality fabrics. Better quality clothes also tend to have better cuts and thus are more flattering so again, TRY STUFF ON!
- Target and Wal-Mart are also good, low-price options.
4) SALE RACKS! Also will be one of your favorite places on Earth. Visit your current favorite stores, as well as stores you may not normally go into. The more places you try, the better luck you will have! It takes time to figure out which stores have the best sales, but the research can pay serious dividends. There are stores I only shop the sale racks at (i.e. Urban Outfitters), and have still accumulated quite a collection. Most department stores usually have a few huge sales a year, and most other stores you can find in the mall have a sale rack or two in the back. You will learn to live there; it’s a quaint neighborhood really.
- Again, be wary of the return policy for on-sale items; they’re usually different.
- Don’t be ashamed to be cheap. Have no shame in walking straight past all the regular-priced items to the sale racks. Saving money is smart.
5) The infamous outlet stores: You might not always be as lucky with outlets as with discount stores and sale racks, but perhaps the day will come when that fact changes. Attack such places with the same fervor as any other shopping adventure. And, while already discounted, outlets also have sales too. Needless to say, you should scout those out.
- Outlet malls tend to become a whole day affair so make sure you allot yourself enough time to shop.
- Some "deals" at outlets really aren’t that great. Don’t take the stores word for something; that shirt may only be $4 cheaper than retail despite their advertising.
- Oh, and this may sound like a broken record now, but return policy — know what it is.
6) The INTERNET is your BEST FRIEND: The Internet is the best place to go if you’re in pursuit of a specific item. There are countless, COUNTLESS websites that specialize in discount clothes. eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, and Overstock.com are great places to start. But you can discover your own lesser known websites simply through a little research. Googling the type of clothing you need is also typically helpful. Even your favorite stores have sale sections online that may include clothing that can’t be found in the store.
- Learning what size to order is more or less a trial and error process. Measuring yourself is a must in the beginning. Start out buying easier items like shirts and shoes before buying harder items like coats, and the ever unpredictable jeans or pants. Don't buy jeans or pants online unless you have tried them on before, but it’s all a judgment call.
- RETURN POLICY. Be especially wary of it when buying online. If you’re not positive about a purchase and can’t return it, chances are you shouldn’t buy it. Returns aren’t usually free either; you’ll get refunded for the clothing, but you still pay for shipping.
- Free shipping: Look for it as if it were gold. Usually after you buy so much, you'll get free shipping. There might be a code on a magazine you need to know though, so take note of such things as well.
- Security: A lot of people are wary about purchasing online because of credit card theft, and this is a valid concern. Make sure the sight is secure before giving out any important information. Start out with more well-known stores to gain confidence in buying items online. Check your credit card bills for purchases you didn’t make; most of the time you can be refunded for such charges, and you will be able to get a new credit card number; there is always a risk, albeit small.
6) Don’t be afraid to TRY SOMETHING NEW When you’re buying clothes at low prices, you can afford to buy something you normally wouldn’t. If you see a style that fits well and is priced right, but that you wouldn’t typically describe as “you” or “your style,” buy it! While some may not work out, you will be surprised at how your style could evolve just from one great purchase!
8) Have patience, patience, and more patience. As said before, this is a slow moving process in the beginning. Until you discover what stores you like the best, it may seem like time-wasting and frivolous pursuit. Saving money on great clothes can be one of the most satisfying experiences. Buying clothes isn’t a vital aspect to life, but wearing clothes that fit and you love really makes a difference in your self-confidence and overall mood. You don’t always have to buy from the bargain rack (although you have a hard time pulling yourself away), but you can find some truly amazing clothes for even more amazing prices.
9) HAVE FUN! Love shopping! If you’re not having any luck, don’t stress out! It’s just not your day. Save your money for when you really find something you like. Fashion is a trial and error process, and is more error than success.
- Convince your friends adventure into the discount and sale world with you so that you can compare notes on the different places you've been.
- Give yourself plenty of time to look around discount stores-- it can take a while.
- The Salvation Army as well as some thrift stores, consignment shops, and second-hand stores only take CASH.
- Coupon hunting is always advisable.
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