1. Staple pieces
Stock up on staple pieces. If you have a few neutral, staple pieces, it is easy to just change out your shoes or top and make a totally different looking outfit with the same core pieces. Find yourself a good pair of jeans or jean shorts that you can pair with any top for any style. When you have your staple items, you will have to spend less to create a complete cute outfit.
2. Thrift shop
The best part about fashion is it repeats itself. I love going to a thrift store and finding a super cute, super “in," vintage piece. Not only is it more wallet-friendly, but it also is more eco-friendly to buy used clothes.
Another thing I love about thrift store finds is no one else is going to have the same thing. My favorite way to thrift-shop is to have a couple outfits in mind that I am wanting to create, that way I know what to look for while I’m shopping.
Make a Pinterest board with outfit ideas to get inspiration! It can get overwhelming in some thrift shops because there is so much stuff, having an idea of a style or color you're looking for will help you stay focused and organized.
Keep an open mind about the alterations that you can make to the clothes while you're shopping. Although fashion repeats itself, you may still want something a little shorter or may need something taken up. When you’re getting these pieces for thrift store prices, you may be able to pay a little extra for some alterations. Or you can alter them yourself.
Make sure to check your local thrift stores for sale days. The Goodwill I like to shop at has a "50% off all clothing" day once a month, and I always go and see what I can find. I normally leave with a bag full of things I got for a couple bucks a piece!
3. Clothing swap party
Get a group of friends together and bring all the clothes in your closet you don’t want anymore. You know what they say, “one man's trash is another man's treasure." You can take your clothes and make trades with your friends.
This way, you are getting “new” clothes for free and cleaning out your closet at the same time! This is also a more environmentally friendly way of shopping for new outfits.
4. Sales, sales, sales!
This is the least eco-friendly way, but unfortunately, it cannot always be avoided.
Shopping the sale rack at affordable clothing stores like Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe can be a real penny-saver. Some of these shops' stuff gets marked down to just a couple dollars!
You will be able to find more trendy pieces at stores like these and can save a few bucks.
I like to look at the sale racks in stores, but I also like to look online. There is generally more to chose from online, and you can find coupon codes for free shipping or a percentage off that will help you save a few bucks!