20 Shopping Tips To Help You Save Hundreds Each Year

I have saved hundreds on clothes. Now you can too!

Tip #1:

Take advantage of returning items. This is pretty straighforward. If you don't like something you bought, return it ASAP so you can get your money back and spend it on something you really want.

Tip #2:

Shop at the end of a season. I went shopping about three weeks ago for sweaters, all of the sweaters were about $30 and up, went shopping for sweaters today, some were only $10. Since spring is coming, stores are trying to get rid of winter clothes. You can save up to %75 if you wait just a few more weeks for that seasonal item. I got two sweaters for less than the price of one. Also, I still have more than a month to wear them!

Tip #3:

When I shop, I make a beeline to the clearance rack. Honestly, why would you even glance at the regular price section if you can get such good deals on similar items? Which brings me to my next tip...

Tip #4:

When I find something I like, I ask myself "Can I find something similar?." That's right, after I found a 50% off clearance sweater for $20, I didn't stop there. I kept the sweater with me, but kept looking for more that were similar in style. I found one that I liked better for $15. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE. I then found another sweater for only $13 that I loved! I just saved myself a ton of moola. And then I got a second $13 sweater with my extra money.

Tip #5:

Always try things on. You may find out that flowy fuschia blouse makes you look twenty pounds heavier and washes you out.

Tip #6:

Don't buy used clothes. I've gone to thrift stores before and I don't think it's worth it. Sure some items might be $3-5, but you can get new clothes for the same price! New clothes are going to last longer and it's easier to find things you really like at a retail store, since they have a large selection of updated styles.

Tip #7:

If you're a weird size, you're in luck! I'm an XS/SP so I can find all kinds of clearance items in my own size, there are also usually lots of XL and XXL on clearance.

Tip #8:

Check out the kid's section. I know it sounds wierd, but if you are a S or XS, there is a chance you can find clothes that fit you from the girl's department. I saved about 50% on striped long sleeve t-shirts by shopping in the kid's clothes. And XS or S is a 14/16. Look for more grown up/classic styles so no one will be the wiser. It'll be our little secret. ;)

Tip #9:

Purchase something versatile and practical. Ask yourself: "Can I use this in three different outfits?" It's a really good buy if you can use it in five. Make the majority of your wardrobe nuetral in color, since it will give you more matching options. I like creme, chocolate brown, charcoal grey, and black.

Tip #10:

Know what looks good on you. You know that one outfit that you like to wear all the time? What color is it? What style? How does it fit? Take note of things you like about your existing wardrobe so you can spot things at the store that will be your favorite.

Tip #11:

Do I really NEED this? Sometimes it's okay to get a little something extra, but if you already have ten pairs of jeans, I think you and your wallet can survive you not getting another. Ask yourself this every time you shop. Be honest and be ruthless. Take note of things you need to, not only when you know you are going shopping, but take notes whenever it comes to mind. I always kick myself later for never getting a greay sweater. Today I finally did. Focus on what you need.

Tip #12:

Accessories are your BFFs. The great part about your neutral wardrobe is the endless matching combinations, but it can get a little blah. Scarves, jewelry, hats, and any extras are usually cheap and can really "make" your outfit.

Tip #13:

Coupon like crazy. If you can get a discount, great. If you can get a discound on top of a discount, even better. Whenever I go to Kohl's, we ask for a coupon and automatically get %15 off our entire purchase.

Tip #14:

Shop wholesale. You might not always get THE best deals, but sometimes you can score. Check out the clothes section when you stop at Costco, you might find a gem.

Tip #15:

Take it for a test drive. Ok, I haven't done this yet, but I got this brilliant (probably not original) idea just the other day. You know how you go shopping, get something you like that fits, and then after a couple times of wearing it you realize for whatever reason you shouldn't have bought it? Yeah, it's terrible. When you get something, take off the little size sticker on the front, but just tuck the tag in. Wear it for a whole day, and if you find it has some issues, return it.

Tip #16:

Try a capsule wardrobe. It's a 30 piece wardrobe with the basics (not including sleep/workout wear.)

Tip #17:

Stick with the classics. It's the whole point behind the capsule wardrobe. Buy things that are beautiful and timeless. You can never go wrong with a v-neck t-shirt and pair of jeans. Your little black dress isn't going out of style anytime soon. A red cable knit sweater will never look dumb. Getting a few trendy pieces is good, but mainting a whole wardrobe with all trendy pieces is going to get costly, since styles change with the wind,

Tip #18:

One man's junk is another man's treasure. There are plenty of thrift stores and websites where you can get rid of you old stuff, so sell what you don't wear! Your wallet and closet will thank you.

Tip #19:

If I buy this, I need to throw out that. Say this to yourself if you already have too many clothes. Use tip #18 and sell an old item, then allow yourself to add a new piece.

Tip #20:

If you tend to overspend, avoid credit cards. Holding physical money and actually giving it to someone can make you want to spend less. If you're budget is $50, only bring a fifty dollar bill with so you can't spend more than that.

Hope you guys enjoyed this post! What ideas do you have to save money on clothes? I'd love if you shared them with me!

Lots of Love,

Kat