Shopping for Clothing on a Budget
There are two different types of people in the world – those who love shopping and those who detest it. One of the biggest problems people have with clothes shopping is that they never seem to find anything that fits and looks good that also falls within whatever meager budget they’ve set aside to buy clothes. Many people are horribly tempted to put clothing items on a credit card and pay the balance off later, but there are better ways to get the most out of your shopping dollar than sinking into debt.
Something that most people don’t often consider when shopping for clothes on a budget is the use of consignment stores. These small stores allow people to bring in their old clothing and accessories for the shop to sell, in exchange for a certain percentage of the sale. These are usually pretty good for some interesting finds. You’ll usually find a wide range of variety and styles in consignment shops, including everything from a seventies leather vest that sat in someone’s closet for years to a trendy dress that may have been the hottest thing around only six months ago.
Because of this wide variety of clothing styles, you should be able find something that fits your body type as well as your individual personality. Plus, because people are getting a kick back for selling their merchandise, there’s usually a pretty good selection of name brands and designer clothing that you might not find at a regular thrift store. To really get the most out of consignment stores, travel to the ritzy areas of your city – cast-offs from residents in these areas tend to be newer and in better condition.
Another important thing to remember about second-hand shopping is that it’s one of the “greenest” things you can do to help the environment. It’s actually a form of recycling – by buying and using these old clothing items, you’re preventing them from taking up space in a landfill somewhere. This way, if you have friends who make any snide comments about consignment store shopping, you can cut them off about how you’re doing your part to help the planet while treasure hunting for bargains on designer clothes at the same time.
Another good way to buy outstanding clothes at a bargain price is to go to some of the leading stores when they’re ditching their seasonal merchandise at extremely discounted rates. This may mean that you don’t get the absolute trendiest items exactly when they come out, but if you can settle for being just a few months behind the trend, it can save you hundreds. This is especially true for large chains like Macys, Dillards, and JC Penneys, which will go as far as marking clothing down as much as 75% off of retail value, just to get it out the door.
If you’ve got a talent for arts and crafts, you may be able to sew your own designer knock-offs. Or, if not, consider organizing a swap meet with friends to trade some of your old duds for theirs. Sure, they won’t be entirely new, but they will be new to you and your wardrobe. Being on a budget doesn’t have to limit your style. With a little creativity and legwork, you can look fabulous and save money at the same time!