You don't need a big budget to dress well. You need a few habits: buy secondhand first, never pay full price for anything new, and take care of what you already own.
That's really the whole trick.
Trends come back around, stores mark things down to make room for new stock, and the designer piece somebody paid full price for last year ends up on a thrift store rack. Here are the frugal clothing tips that save the most money, starting with the easiest one.
How to Save Money on Clothing
Keep your style up to date without breaking the bank. These frugal clothing tips work whether you're replacing one pair of jeans or redoing your whole closet.
Shop your own closet first
It's a common misconception that you need expensive branded items to look stylish. Sometimes all you need is to up your pairing game and use the pieces you already own.
So before you buy anything, pull everything out and try a few combinations you haven't worn. You'll probably find an outfit or two you forgot about, and you'll see what's really missing. That list is usually shorter than you think.
Use coupons and cash back
If you're buying new, don't pay the sticker price.
Check coupon sites and the clearance section of your favorite retailer before you check out. You can also use coupon codes to cut down the price of new items.
Then stack cash back on top. A cash back site like Rakuten pays you back a slice of what you spend when you start your order through it. There are other cash back apps like Rakuten if you want to compare.
It takes a minute or two per order. Not bad for money you were going to spend anyway.
Go thrift shopping
Thrift shopping is the best frugal clothing option there is if you want to look good while saving money.
Trends keep repeating. High-waisted jeans and striped T-shirts from the '80s and '90s came right back, which means the original pieces are sitting in thrift stores and consignment shops at a fraction of the price.
From high-end brands to vintage finds, there's something for everyone in these stores. This is also how you buy designer brands on a budget. A coat or a bag that was expensive new costs far less the second time around, and good pieces hold up.
Whether you want a fleece coat for winter or a summer dress, check the secondhand racks first. Look at the seams, zippers and underarms before you buy, and skip anything that needs a repair you can't do yourself.
There's one more reason to do it. Clothes that get worn again stay out of landfills.
Start from the back of the store
When you walk into a store, head straight to the back. That's where the marked-down items usually are.
Retailers put new releases up front because those carry the highest prices, and the layout is built to keep you there. Last season's stock gets tucked away on racks in the back.
Don't hesitate to ask a sales associate where the sale items are. A lot of the time, perfectly good pieces are on sale just to make room for new inventory.
Learn to sew
You don't have to make your own clothes. Basic sewing is enough to save real money.
With the most basic skills you can fix a loose seam on a dress that's been sitting in your closet for years, hem pants that are too long, or renew an old coat by replacing its buttons. There are plenty of free online tutorials that teach you how.
It also makes thrift shopping better, because a piece that almost fits is suddenly worth buying.
Brush off old accessories or buy used
The right accessories can add life to even the most basic outfit. Before you buy new ones, dig out the jewelry you haven't worn in years.
If you're into vintage jewelry, head to thrift stores. You'll find good pieces at prices that help you save money.
Shoes work the same way. If you're going to spend on a new pair, do your research first and look for one that carries you through every season and occasion. Thrift stores also sell classic shoes at a fraction of the original price.
Frugal Clothing
Everyone needs clothing, and there's a huge range in what you can spend on it. Shop your closet, buy secondhand, and never pay full price for the rest. Want to cut other bills too? Here are more ways to cut your spending.
What are some frugal clothing tips that you've come across? Feel free to share them in the comment section below.
