Updating your wardrobe can be surprisingly expensive, yet many still purchase new clothes for every season. The number of fashion consumers is expected to grow to over 1.2 billion by 2020. However, if you find yourself counting your cash before hitting the store, use some of these tips to save on your next shopping spree.
Make A List
Impulse buying can be the part of shopping that turns your affordable plans into uncontrolled spending. Make a list before you go out and start shopping to keep yourself on track. Avoid purchasing something you don’t need based on the look or color alone. 85% of shoppers cite color as a primary reason for why they buy a particular product.
Time Your Purchases
Prices of certain clothing items rise and fall throughout the year, and changing when you do your shopping can change how much you end up spending. Rather than waiting for summer to buy your shorts, for example, look for fall and winter clothing during the summer months. Many of these items are available on clearance this time of year. Also look to take advantage of holiday sales; many stores will have temporary sales around certain holidays that you can use to save a bit more.
Stay Realistic
It can be tempting to see the fancy item in the store and try to justify that purchase. However, how often will you really need to wear that nice jacket or fancy pair of shoes? Remember what clothes you’ll wear most frequently day-to-day, and try to shop for those items in particular. If you have to buy clothes for a specific event, try to pick out pieces you can also use in your daily wardrobe. You’ll get more use out of an expensive item, and you won’t need to buy as many other items for your daily wardrobe.
Look Online
Online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years, in fact about 79% of consumers in the U.S. said they shopped online in 2017 alone. However, there are still a few items people expect to have to buy in stores. Believe it or not, you can even buy prescription glasses online now, which can help a large percentage of people save on a necessary purchase. About 42% of Americans ages 12 to 54 are nearsighted, and online shopping for glasses can help save money. Just make sure you’ve got your prescription nearby when you’re shopping. You’ll need to provide your information so your glasses are right for you.
Don’t Skip Thrift
Looking for extra discounts when you’re shopping? Visit your local thrift store. Buying clothes second-hand is a great way to save money on quality clothes while also helping the environment. Shopping at thrift stores keeps clothing out of landfills and money in your pocket. Additionally, some consignment stores will buy your old clothing, giving you even more to shop with.
Shopping trips don’t necessarily have to be super expensive. There are plenty of ways for you to shop without spending a fortune on your new wardrobe. What tricks do you use to keep your clothing shopping affordable?