Whether you’re shopping for an occasion or simply bulking up your wardrobe, here are some great ways to get more out of your clothes budget:
- Go online
Not only is it possible to bag yourself a better deal when buying from some online retailers, but it’s also becoming more and more popular for well known brands to have outlet stores on ebay. Some items are made available at buy-it-now prices and others are sold via the auction system. Either way, you can save yourself some money if you’re prepared to shop virtually.
Did you know that when you buy online you have a legal automatic seven working days ‘cooling off’ period which starts from the day after you receive your items? This means that you can change your mind within this time and return the items for a refund (note this doesn’t apply to things like CD’s, DVD’s, perishable or tailor made items). While most high street stores do have a returns policy, it is not a legal requirement for them to do so which may prove a costly exercise if you change your mind after leaving the store.
- Savvy sales shopping
Buying on a sale is only a bargain if you were going to buy the item anyway. Most of us can hold up our hands and pick out at least one item from our wardrobe which we bought on a sale but have never worn. If you want to avoid this trap, take a list of the items you need before you go shopping and even resort to leaving your cards at home, just taking your clothes budget in cash instead.
- Swop instead of shop
Swishing parties are becoming more and more trendy these days and they’re kind on the environment too. You can either host your own swishing party, where you trade your unwanted items for someone else’s, or check out www.swishing.com for your closest party.
- Borrow instead of buy
For the ladies – if you’ve got a smart ‘do’ coming up and don’t want to splurge on a dress, consider hiring a designer dress from www.girlmeetsdress.com or www.mycelebritydress.com. This will cost you a fraction of the price of buying a similar dress.
- Vouchers, discount stores and outlets
I took a wild chance the other day when shopping for something online. I found what I wanted, then proceeded to look on www.myvouchercodes.co.uk and found a voucher for the online store giving me a 5% discount! You can get vouchers for practically anything these days. Check out www.hotukdeals.com and www.vouchercodes.co.uk as well.
And you’re bound to pick up a bargain if you’ve got the patience for discount stores such as TK Maxx. It may take some rummaging and staking your territory, but perseverance usually wins the day.
- Discounted designer clothes and accessories
If designer clothes tickle your fancy, there are some great websites where you can grab yourself a bargain. Check out www.theoutnet.com and members-only shopping sites such as www.secretsales.com and www.cocosa.com.
- TLC
You can get more mileage out of your clothes if you show them some tender loving care. This means following the manufacturers instructions on how best to wash them. Teaching yourself some basic repair methods can help you salvage clothes before they become unwearable (if you’re clueless where to start, someone will surely have done a video to help you on www.youtube.com). You can also spruce up an outfit by changing the buttons, adding a bow or a flower or using a pretty neck scarf.
- Retro is back
This is not only a budget friendly way to shop but it’s eco friendly too. Charity shops can be a surprisingly good place to find amazing bargains. Again, those with patience and perseverance win the day.
