Clothing spending can add up quickly. Start a clothes fund and sock away some money each month to curb your buying habits. The extra cash can help you pay down debt or save for a vacation.
Squint at the care tags on clothes you buy; if it says Dry Clean Only, you can often hand wash them at home. Also, many retailers have a price adjustment policy.
Shop Around
It’s a fact of life: Clothing wears out, styles change, and new clothes must be bought. But the latest fashions don’t have to break the bank. With pre-planning and smart moves, you can breathe new life into your closet without blowing your budget.
To stay in the loop on discounts, sign up for store emails. Many big retailers offer loyalty coupons and promotions like an Amazon promo code. Additionally, consider showing support by liking a store’s Facebook page, which may provide notifications of upcoming sales and exclusive coupons.
Another way to save on clothing purchases is to head to an outlet store. These stores sell last season’s items and overstock from the current year and often have deep discounts. You can score tops for around $60 when they would be more than $160 in a regular store. Check outlets near holiday weekends to find the best deals on summer apparel and winter outfits.
Check Coupon Codes
Some online tools can help you get better deals on your clothing. One of the most useful is a coupon database, which collects printable and digital coupons and rebates. Search for the brand and product you want on a search engine to find one.
Another way to save is by signing up for a store’s email list. Many major retailers offer sign-up customers special loyalty coupons and early sale access. You may also find code-free offers on their social media pages.
You can also sign up for a shopping assistant tool like Honey, which searches for coupon codes while you shop online. This browser extension can look at the items in your cart and automatically enter any relevant codes you have found. This can save you a lot of time and effort. However, it would help if you still were wary of using any online tool that hasn’t been thoroughly tested. Some can be misleading or have hidden conditions. For example, some stores exclude specific products from their coupon codes to prevent people from getting the best price.
Keep a Clothing Fund
Clothing can be fun and an ego boost, but it’s easy to rack up bills and debt if you need to be careful. The good news is that there are a few smart ways to curb clothes spending and breathe new life into your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
One strategy is to use the cost-per-wear rule when shopping for outfits. This helps determine if that trend piece or one-time occasion outfit is worth the price. Another option is to buy in the off-season when prices are lower.
If you have many clothes you’ve only worn once or twice, consider taking them to a consignment shop. This will give you cash back for the items you no longer want or need. It’s also a great way to recycle clothing and save money at the same time. You could even turn your shirts into hats or bags for a thrifty DIY project. Lastly, shop with the best credit card for clothing purchases. A card offering cash back can help you save on clothing and breathe new life into your wardrobe.
Subscribe to Store Newsletters
People are more willing to accept marketing emails if they get added value. Adding deals and special offers to your newsletters can motivate casual subscribers to give your emails their full attention and even refer them to their friends.
Whether shopping at major department stores or local boutiques, stay updated on the latest fashion trends and sales by subscribing to store newsletters. These are typically sent out during lulls in the shopping calendar, like before or after holidays, and can help you save on clothes and accessories.
Buy Generic Brands
Name brands might come with a cachet and a logo that draws the eye, but there’s no denying that generic products are more than capable of meeting your needs. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, trading in well-known brands for store-brand items can shave up to 30 percent off your supermarket bill.
A little research is all it takes to determine if an item’s store-brand version is just as good as its more famous cousin. Many grocery stores will put the price per unit on their products so you can easily compare prices and choose the best option for your budget. Often, generic items are made by the national brands you’re familiar with. But because the manufacturers don’t have to shell out for expensive advertising, they can sell their products at a much lower cost.
