If you have established a monthly budget, and I hope you have, you may be surprised at how quickly your clothing budget runs out. There are several ways to reduce the amount that you spend on those clothes and get more for your money. Here are some good ideas you can use.
Figure Out What You Really Need
Most people only actively wear about 10 percent of the clothes that they own! That means that we are buying way to many clothes. Even if you have a closet the size of a small house (and, hey, I envy you), the reality is that you only need a very small portion of it.
Figure out your favorites by either always putting them at the front of the closet (they may naturally be there already) or in a certain section of your drawers. Replace only those items that you do use and only when they wear out.
Look for Solid Construction
While more expensive clothing items can have better construction, this isn’t always the case. Some reasonably or inexpensively priced items can often outlast pricer pieces. Look for pants that are lined, fabric that is thick (can you see through it?), tight stitching along the seams and reinforced areas.
Used is Not a Dirty Word
One of my very favorite pairs of jeans are designer, fit me perfectly, look brand new even after several washings and cost me only $5.50 at the Goodwill store. Compare that the average cost of $45-$100 for a decent pair of “non-mommy” jeans.
Yard sales, consignment stores and other places where gently worn items can find new life in your closet are great sources. You may have to a little digging, but that can be part of the fun. And, believe it or not, most thrift stores do allow returns in case you get hit with buyers remorse.
Department Store Clearance Shopping Tips