CLOTHING
There is nothing like that feeling of wearing a new outfit that you love and you know you look good in! So how does one save on clothing? Besides hunting down those awesome finds at thrift stores, my biggest tip for this category is to simply ask, “Do I need it?” Wait a couple days, come back to it and see if you still need it. If it is a want, is it worth the money? Could you get a better deal?
What is your best tip when it comes to saving money for clothing?
YVETTE: I mostly just resolved to buy less. I sign up for all the sale texts and check out second hand stores.
HEATHER: Here’s where we may differ from others. Instead of going the thrift store route, we will do a ton of research and buy 2-3 sustainably made, quality items and stick to a pretty minimal wardrobe. Joe has 3 dress shirts that he bought at the beginning of school (2017) and they are still going strong.
I alter, mend, patch as needed, and I am an avid stain fighter so that the clothes last as long as possible. I don’t think I’ve actually bought clothes for the girls for about a year. Our play group swaps a lot and I used to nanny for twin girls, so we get all of their sets of clothes. It’s funny, a friend had twin girls, and mails me their old clothes. Now her sister is having twin girls, so I get to pass the clothes back to them!
MORIAH: Shop at thrift stores! I find the best deals at thrift stores and consignment stores.
AMANDA: We always weigh our options. Most of the time people don’t realize investing in a good pair of jeans/suit/shoes will actually last far longer than cheaper pairs. Often times you will buy the cheaper stuff three times over in the lifetime of the one higher quality item. Sometimes, Walmart t-shirt works just swell! Other times, it’s time to buckle down and go to Dillard’s and get something more pricey. Ask yourself how long you expect this item to last and what specifically you need it for.
SAMANTHA: This is actually one area I’m really good at. I definitely don’t overspend when it comes to clothing shopping…actually…I’m wearing a cardigan right now that I’ve had for 10+ years…the elbows are wearing out! My advice is to not fall into the vicious cycle that is trend after trend, season after season.
I shop sales only or on Poshmark, Goodwill, and if you’re not a fan of second hand…then definitely shop major sales and do a wardrobe re-haul and buy items that seamlessly mix and match and can be transitioned from season to season. Keep it simple with colors you love and think “Capsule Wardrobe” – also, let’s be real, many of us live in athletic wear if we aren’t going into an office – and if you are going into an office – capsules wardrobes are perfect!
MICHAELLA: I save for nice versatile pieces. When I buy an item of clothing, it better be able to be used for more than just one event or occasion. Usually I just put this purchase on a credit card (to earn points/miles), but if you’re trying to use cash only, I would say evaluate your budget and see what spending could be cut (coffee from Starbucks, eating lunch out at work, etc.)
KRISTEN: My mom. She buys us and our kids many of our clothing items. I primarily shop Banana Republic Outlet for my husband with coupon Friends/Family sales online. He isn’t a big shopper and I don’t make random visits to Target or Walmart. We try to shop online only for what we need and then pick it up rather than grazing around the store being tempted.
TAMELA: Put it in your budget and stick to that amount. A lot of people think that being on a budget means you can’t have the things that you want, but that’s so far from the truth!! Being frugal doesn’t have to mean eating rice and beans and wearing the same outfit every day for the next 10 years. Spend wisely and stay within a modest budget.
Do you have any money saving tips for clothing? Share in the comments below!
This is really helpful. I’ve been trying to research guides and recommendations to make my financial status better every year. Thanks for this!
I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful! Each gal has got some great ideas!