Do you find it difficult to create fashionable looks on a budget? If so, you aren’t alone. A lot of people have a hard time putting together trendy outfits without spending a small fortune on each piece and accessory. However, while putting together an amazing look on a budget might be a bit more difficult, it certainly isn’t impossible. Check out these shopping tips to learn how you can always rock a fashionable look without breaking the bank.
Shop During the Off Seasons
Clothing and accessories change on a seasonal basis, and like everything else, it’s always cheaper to buy in the off-season. However, there are some items you can find good deals on at pretty much any time. For example, it’s fairly easy to find affordable designer glasses for women any time of the year, but you might only be able to find an amazing deal on jackets in spring — after the peak jacket shopping season. As long as you aren’t buying pieces of clothing or accessories that will go out of style quickly, shopping in the off-season can save you quite a bit of money. Typically, stores and websites put up clearance sections as soon as products for the next season hit the shelves, so be on the lookout for product display changes in your favorite stores so you know when to hit the clearance racks.
Know Which Items to Splurge On
Sometimes it’s important to splurge a bit on a piece of clothing or an accessory, but before you splurge, it’s important to know which items you should be splurging on and which items you should purchase on the cheap. For example, if you’re hard on handbags, it might make more sense to splurge a bit on a designer handbag that will last you for a few years, than it is to purchase a $30-$40 handbag every other month — in the long run, you save money.
When choosing your splurge items, it’s important to remember, you should only splurge on staple pieces. Clothing and accessories go through trends so quickly, it doesn’t make sense to spend a fortune on something that will be out of style in a month. For example, that brightly colored designer handbag might be the perfect summertime accessory, but will you actually use it when the color isn’t on trend? Probably not. Splurge on a designer handbag in a nice neutral shade and opt for a brightly colored handbag from your nearest big box store. Use the same strategy when purchasing pieces of clothing, accessories, and jewelry — splurge on items you can use for years and look for a deal on statement pieces and trendy items.
Consider the Quantity
Do you often find yourself purchasing the same shirt in 10 different colors because you found such a great deal on it? If so, you should definitely take a minute to consider the amount of clothing and accessory items you’re purchasing on a regular basis. If you’re purchasing 10 shirts that are $10 each, you’re still spending $100, so before you buy all the shirts, consider if that $100 would be put to better by purchasing two or three really nice, name brand shirts instead.
Consider Your Need
Before you purchase any items of clothing or accessory, take few minutes to consider whether or not you really need it. Don’t purchase an item just because it’s on sale. If you don’t need the item, it’s just a waste of money. Saving money on clothes and accessories isn’t a spur-of-the-moment thing, it requires planning and budgeting. Every dollar you spend “because it’s on sale” is a dollar that you don’t have to put towards the more expensive items you need to pull your perfect look together.
Pulling off the perfect look all the time isn’t easy — especially if you have a tight budget. It takes planning, You need to know how to find deals on the items you need, when to splurge on staple if possible, and how to shop for stuff in the off-season to stay fashionable on a tight budget.