On a tight budget?From understanding how the sales work, to frock swapping and hunting
for bargains online (as well as learning how to practise self-control),
follow our top tips on saving money while you shop and you'll never pay full price again.
1. Work the Sales
The number one rule for anyone who wants to shop on a
budget: always shop off-season, on weekdays and at sale-time. Your
winter bargains are best bought in March, April, and May; snap your
spring buys at a snip of the price in June, July and August; your
summerwear in September, October and November and your autumn
collection in November, December and January.
Weekdays (particularly Thursday evenings) are the best time to hit the shops. this is because shops have a much better selection on
weekdays. "On the weekend, you'll only get picked-over stuff because the
stores don't have time to restock," she adds. By Thursday, many of the
weekend sales have started but everything is available. Sale-wise, the
best time to buy an item you like is six to eight weeks after it
arrives in the shop - this is when it will have dropped to its lowest
price in its season-end clearance.
2. Know Where to Shop
Trendy clothes don't just belong in the top designer
shops, or even the popular high street shops. Keeping your mind open
and your peepers peeled really will allow you to unearth a multitude of
hidden fashion gems.
Move out of your shopping comfort zone and venture into
the unknown; be that the cheaper high-street shops you usually wouldn't
think to go in, vintage shops,
charity shops, flea markets - hell, even shops that are renowned as
being unfashionable! Though you may cringe at the thought, you never
know where you might dig out your greatest, cheapest fashion find, that
doesn't break the bank. Happy scouting!
3. Shop Online
Shopping online can be the best move to make if you're
looking to save the pennies. Below are just a few ways in which online
shopping could save you money. Most online shops offer discounts on multiple purchases
as well as in-store returns. Money-savvy shoppers can take advantage of
this by buying enough to qualify for the best discounts and free
delivery, and then cut costs on returns by taking unwanted items back
to the shop.
4. Fashion Freebies
If your budget is non-existent, don't rule out the
forgotten purchases at the back of your wardrobe. As fashion trends
constantly return, keep your old clothes and dig them out when you're
bored of your newer things. You'll be amazed at what you find, and
won't have to spend a penny to change your look.
5. Wear it Well
Varying the way you mix and match your clothes
is another way you can create a new look for free. Though you might be
fed up of your clothes, even the plainest items can look amazing when
put together well. The smallest alterations, such as the roll of a
cuff, or the turn-up of a collar, can also make a big difference to
your overall look.
6. Sell or Swap Unwanted Clothes
Now I know we just stressed the importance of hoarding,
but if you know you'll never wear that hideous dress again, you may as
well get something for it – be it money or material goods - rather than
just chucking it away. If you're after cash, then you can sell your
unwanted items either at a car-boot sale or online. You'll be surprised at how much others are willing to pay for
something you'd actually pay them to take off your hands! One girl's
fashion disaster really is another girl's treasure.
7. Buy the Basics
Though it may seem boring to spend your budget bucks on
basic clothing, it really will do your pocket a favour in the long run.
Neutral colours, staple items and decent fabrics, such as black or
grey trousers, white shirts and navy jeans will last you all year round
(and probably for the next 10 years too!) A simple cardigan or plain
pair of jeans will never go out of fashion, and can be worn anytime,
anywhere.
8. Use Accessories
Investing in good accessories is a great way to jazz up your wardrobe without spending a fortune.
They change an outfit immediately - you could wear the same pair of
jeans and plain T-shirt for a full week, but with different accessories,
and no one would know. Look out for statement pieces of jewellery -
such as oversized necklaces, unusual scarves, or eye-grabbing belts.
Anything that'll alter the appearance of an outfit and add that 'wow'
factor is what you’re after.
9. Quality Not Quantity
It's better to buy the best you can afford and wear it
for years and years, until it literally falls apart, than to buy a load
of really cheap clothes that won't last a week. When on a budget,
think quality, not quantity. For a little extra money, good fabrics
will last a lifetime, and won't lose their shape and colour like
cheaper alternatives quickly do. Spending just a little more really
will result in being more cost-effective in the long run.
10. Avoid Impulse-Buying
Impulse-buying is a bad habit that often results in the
regretful purchase of ill-fitting, ugly clothes we simply don't want.
