Spring is almost here, which also means vacation time! There are three to four big times to go shopping during the year; back to school (fall), between Black Friday and Christmas, and spring. To help prepare you, here is a list of five tips on how to improve your wardrobe and save money!
1. Clear Out Your Closet
The first step sounds quite simple but it is the hardest step! When you are going shopping, you want to make sure that you are buying clothes that you need and replacing clothes that no longer fit. Pro-tips: donate the clothes you don't want or take them to a high-end consignment store! Brands like Crossroads Trading and Scout will often give you some store credit for your clothes; it's like a fun clothes swap!
Remember to also keep track of the clothes you wear most and shop for similar styles! Those are your staple AND statement pieces.
2. CLICK SUBSCRIBE
If you're human, which I hope you are, then you probably get annoyed with all of the store emails clogging up your inbox.
My solution for you is to set up an email solely for shopping and storing those types of emails. Once you set up this email, you can subscribe to stores that give you discounts just for signing up! Remember to check it regularly for exclusive online discounts!
3. Know When To Shop
If you hate crowds and lines, I recommend shopping earlier in the week. The mall will be less crowded and stores will have different promotions to encourage you to come shop during their less busy hours. You'll feel like a queen when you find there is no line at ForeverXXI on a Tuesday!
4. Evaluate What You're Buying
Just look at this:
Remember to buy clothes that are of good quality, especially if they are your staple pieces. For example, jeans should not be something you are overly frugal about. You might think you are saving in the moment, but if the jeans are not of good quality material, you'll find yourself back at the mall sooner rather than later. Spend money on the right things rather than the wrong things.
Your clothes are an investment. If you want to buy something think about the return you'll get on the item. If your shirt costs $20, will you wear it twenty times?
5. Window Shop First
If you really want to save but are in dire need of clothes, set up some rules before shop. Go window shopping first and establish a three day rule.
If you see something you like but are questioning the price, leave it. Three days later, if you are still thinking about the piece, then you can go buy it!
Now get out there and save some money!