Frugal Fashion Tips
The current inflation doesn’t allow anyone to
overspend. Nothing can be worse than buying something only to discover later
that you could have purchased it for much less elsewhere. Continue reading and
learn how to shop without overspending.
1. Request Discounts
While it is easy to key in discount codes on a
search engine, most of us often accept the listed prices without negotiating.
Most people feel that asking for discounts is wrong or impolite but there’s
nothing wrong with requesting for discounts. To get discounts, check online
whether the store you want to purchase from offers discounts. If you haven’t
checked and you’re about to make a purchase, ask whether the store offers any
discounts or if there are any promotions. Keep in mind that cash is always king
and you will be more likely to get discounts if you pay in cash.
2. Buy From New Brands
Although you may feel comfortable purchasing
from already established brands because their outfits will fit you perfectly,
their prices may be higher. However, startup businesses may offer quality
clothes that even exceed that of expensive brands for much less. Start-up
businesses know that they have to give discounts than well-established brands
to attract more customers.
3. Ask For Free Clothing
The best way to avoid overspending is not to
spend at all. Most people often throw away the clothes that they don’t want.
Start by speaking to your friends, colleagues, and family, and share with them
your plan and the outcome will surprise you.
4. Shop At A Thrift Store
Another way you can avoid overspending is by
visiting thrift stores. These are goldmines that most people overlook. Thrift
stores are often stocked with expensive goods that high-income earners don’t
need anymore, and you will most likely find quality products at a fraction of
the value. When visiting a new town, remember to check out the nearby thrift
stores and you may be surprised by what you find.
5. Buy Timeless And
Interchangeable Pieces
Fashion is always changing which explains why
you no longer see people wearing skinny jeans or flared trousers that used to
trend a few years ago. However, true style is everlasting and never goes out of
fashion. For instance, the suit hasn’t changed for the last 50 years. You can
comfortably wear a suit that was made in the 70s and still look great.
If you decide to purchase a classic suit
today, the initial cost may be higher but you will save more eventually because
your suit will still look great 10 to 30 years later. You should also consider
having an interchangeable wardrobe. This simply means purchasing items that
work together and complement each other.
6. Always Keep Receipts
You most likely have purchased something on
impulse. Perhaps the item looked good while in the store but after arriving
home it didn’t please you. Keeping your receipt safe will enable you to put the
clothes back into the bag and ship them back before the return window expires.
In case the return date has already expired, you can still take your clothes
back and ask to speak to the manager. While sometimes a refund may not be
possible, you might be allowed to change it for another item you like in the
store.
7. Get a “Hit-List” of Basic
Pieces
Every gentleman should have some specific
items in the wardrobe. A hit-list includes all the items that you may need in
order to build your main wardrobe and act as versatile layering pieces. To avoid
overspending, always stick to your hit-list. A hit-list will help you avoid the
temptation of walking into a store to purchase clothes that aren’t appropriate
for your wardrobe and that will most of the time sit in your wardrobe gathering
dust. Always remember that the most expensive clothes you own are those that you
don’t wear.
8. Work In A Retail Store
This doesn’t mean that you should quit your
current job for you to save more on clothes. However, working part-time in a
retail store will help you get access to discounts and deals within the
industry. If you love being well-dressed, you can consider your new part-time
job a paid hobby. Additionally, working in the industry will give you an
opportunity to learn how you can up your style further.
If you’re unable to work part-time, you can
create friends and build up contacts of people working in the industry. Develop
relationships with these people and they will always put the best things aside
for you and even alert you when sales come up.
Being smart will help you save big. Use the
above tips to set aside money for only the necessary wardrobe items or to make
a special purchase later on.