Shopping on a Budget
Paging through fashion magazines, it's easy to get caught up in the world of Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. It's easy to forget the realities of a budget even though we all are fully aware that money doesn't grow on trees! Yet scrolling through an instagram feed full of Free People and Anthropologie still feels tempting. Perhaps the shock of a 150$ price tag on a simple sweater jolts many of us, myself included, back to the real world. For many of us, our budget is much smaller than our designer filled dreams; but that does not mean we cannot still be fashionable. Over the years, I have developed some simple habits that help me save money while acquiring a wardrobe I am proud to wear. I hope these tips and tricks can help you look fashionable while allowing you to stay within your budget, or at the very least help you save some money and shop smarter.
1. Know what you are looking for
When I notice a clothing trend, I like to write it down. If I see an expensive item, I note what part of it I liked. Later, you can use these key words to look on cheaper websites for the same styles. For example you can search for items such as "Leather Jacket", "Satin Slip", or "Wide leg pants". Personally, I gravitate to Boohoo.com or Forever21.com to search for cheap clothing that follows the latest trends. These websites have an enormous selection of clothing so knowing what to search for makes your life much easier.
2. Look through the sale section
I know this seems like an obvious tip, but I mean really look through the sale section. This takes some time, but you can often find some great pieces that cost very little if you hunt through every piece of sale clothing at a store.
3. Look for discounts when shopping online
I cannot express to you how easy it is to do this and how rewarding it can be. Before you checkout online, google "*insert name of store* coupons". Sometimes this can bring up online discount codes you weren't aware of. I've done this many times and managed to get 15% or 20% off my entire order.
4. Always buy basics cheap
Why buy a ribbed turtleneck from Urban Outfitters for $29 when you could get an identical one for $12.90 from Forever21? They are the same top, likely of similar quality. The only difference is the brand name that drives up the price. Question expensive brands, often times their quality is not any different than a cheaper brand. Would you rather pay more money just to be wearing a brand name on the inside tag no one else can see? You can save a lot of money by purchasing basic items from more affordable stores: tank tops, long sleeved tops, t-shirt dresses, t-shirts, cardigans, basic bodysuits, etc.
5. Know which trends are only seasonal
If you will not be able to wear the item in three months time and it will be out of style by next year, it is not worth paying a lot of money for. A lot of trends come and go very quickly, try to acknowledge these types of trends and buy these items for a cheaper price.
6. Purchase versatile pieces
You will be able to create more from your wardrobe if you purchase items that can be worn in many different outfits. When you are shopping, ask yourself, "What could I wear this with from my closet at home?". If you can only think of one skirt that would go well with the top in your hands, do not buy it. You want to add items to your closet that you could produce multiple outfits with, otherwise you are wasting your money. Also ask yourself, "Where would I wear this?". If you cannot think of a time or event you would wear a clothing item too, you likely will never wear it. Spend your money on clothes that you will wear often, not clothes that will hang in your closet with the tags still attached.
7. Do not underestimate the power of cheap shoes
We often justify expensive shoe purchases by telling ourselves that they will last for a long time. Unless you are purchasing winter boots or tennis shoes, you likely will not be wearing a specific pair of shoes often or in harsh conditions. Wedges and high heels are occasion shoes. This means you wear them for a fancy dinner or during the holidays, why do they have to be high quality, long lasting shoes if you wear them five times a year? This also comes back to the seasonal aspect of clothing, you don't need to pay a lot of money for a pair of sandals if they will be out of style by next summer. Amazon.com, Target, and Forever21 are great places to buy inexpensive yet trendy shoes.
8. Know when to splurge
All things considered, there is a time and a place to invest in expensive items. For example, I will always purchase more expensive jeans, winter boots, and winter parkas because these are items I wear often and for multiple years. Consider the longevity of a clothing item, sometimes it is worth buying an expensive item because it is better quality, will last longer, and will ultimately save you money.
These are some of the tips and tricks I like to consider when I am buying clothing, I hope it can help save you some money too. If you liked this post and want to see more posts like it, please enter your email in the subscription box to the right to be notified every time a new fashion, lifestyle, or beauty post comes out :)
Happy Shopping,
xxx Michaela
