It’s time to get creative about how you shop. Whether you’re looking to curb your fashion spending habits or refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank, a little creativity will ensure that you aren’t left feeling flat just because you’re trying to save a few dollars. It isn’t always easy to find new tips and tricks — especially if you are a creature of habit— so we’ve compiled five new ways to save on clothes.
5 New Ways to Save on Clothes
If you’re working on getting rid of debt, it can be difficult to spend extra money on things like clothes. Here are a few budget-friendly ways to freshen up your wardrobe and save on clothes.
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Sell clothes online to make room (and cash) for your new closet.
If you have clothes sitting in your closet that you haven’t worn in the past year, they are just taking up space. Unless an item has sentimental value, you should consider selling it to bring some extra cash back into your wardrobe budget. There are plenty of new online consignment sites out there that take care of photographing and listing your clothing for you, which is especially useful if you don’t have a lot of extra time.
Make a little deal with yourself. For every item you sell, put a percentage of the profits into savings and the rest toward something new for your wardrobe. This keeps your experience fun but also saves you from overspending, and is a great lesson in money management. You can use your new earnings to purchase something more versatile and useful for your lifestyle.
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Shop consignment, thrift and vintage stores online.
Secondhand shops aren’t a new idea by any stretch of the imagination, but the way we access them has changed dramatically. The next time you need new clothes, try browsing an online consignment or thrift store. The same sites where you can sell clothes online are great for finding high-quality clothes at a considerable discount. Many of these shops offer inventory that’s new with tags and has never been worn.
You don’t have to forfeit the joy of finding a fantastic buy just because you’re purchasing something secondhand. You can save money, give clothes a new life and have a unique shopping experience all at the same time.
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Use cash-back sites and deal apps.
There’s no need to cut coupons anymore. It’s a waste of paper— everything is already at your fingertips on your smartphone. If you know the right apps to use and sites to visit, you can save on nearly every purchase you make. In some cases, you can even stack your savings. Using these apps is a really easy way to save on clothes.
Some of the most popular cash back sites include Ebates and ShopSavvy. With the sheer amount of retailers involved with these programs, it’s likely your favorite store is on board. Here’s how it works: You shop through the cash-back site (or in the app) and—depending on the retailer—you receive a percentage of cash back on every single purchase. If that retailer is also offering sales or discounts, you can use them all in conjunction. It’s not only saving you money, but it’s also quite fun to try to find the best deal possible.
Other apps, like Groupon and Target’s Cartwheel, also offer deals on clothing, accessories, and beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for the latest updates and new apps on the market.
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Turn your next ladies’ night into a clothing swap.
Clothing swaps aren’t just great for your wardrobe — they’re also a fun excuse to get together with friends! A clothing swap is a gathering where you and each of your guests bring an agreed-upon amount of unwanted (but wearable) clothing, shoes and accessories to the event. Every garment is fair game, so you can trade and barter with your friends while snagging some new-to-you clothes—all without spending any cash. Donate the extra items after the party is over, or consign them and split the earnings between your friends!
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Get crafty with what you have.
While repairing clothing isn’t exactly a new idea, it’s a surprisingly uncommon one these days. How many times have you tossed or donated an item just because it had a stain, rip or broken zipper? In today’s age of fast fashion, it seems easier to pick up a new t-shirt at the mall than mending the one you have. But don’t be fooled into thinking that way. If you learn how to repair rips, erase scuffs and replace buttons and zippers, you save yourself from needing to spend money on new clothes in the first place. These basic skills are easy to learn. Browse Youtube, Pinterest or your favorite blog to find different tips and tricks to save on clothes.
Finding the perfect equation of saving, selling and mending might be a bit tricky to navigate at first, but once you’ve seen what works for you, it will become second nature. Saving money doesn’t have to be hard. There’s no reason to feel like you are sacrificing the fun of shopping for something new!
Amanda Light is a blogger and a mom of two, so she knows how to be a savvy shopper. She writes for her own blog, Prim and Propah, as well as thredUP, an online (and offline) thrift store. Click here to see thredUP’s selection of secondhand women’s clothing.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
