Are you one of those people who love shopping for clothes but hate how much money it costs? If so, you’re not alone. The average person spends $1,700 on clothing every year, which is not a small amount of cash. Thankfully, there are several ways to save money when shopping for clothes. Keep reading to learn how you can stay stylish while easing the burden on your bank account.
Take advantage of coupons and discounts
There are a few ways that you can save money when shopping for clothes online. One is to look for coupons or discounts before you make your purchase. Many retailers offer one-time discounts when you sign up for their email list. Others, like Namshi, regularly have a variety of promo codes that shoppers can enter to save extra money at checkout. It’s easy: Just choose one of the many discounts currently available, make sure you have the relevant items in your online shopping cart, and enter the Namshi coupon code at checkout.
You can also save money by shopping at discount stores or buying used clothing. Another way to save money is to wait until the end of the season to buy clothing clearance items.
Shop for new clothes online
Shopping for clothes online isn’t just about convenience—it can also be beneficial for your bank account. Some retailers offer exclusive sales online, and shoppers who sign up for a loyalty or rewards program are often given early access to major sales. While shopping in person has its perks, many stores tend to have a larger assortment of styles and sizes available online. Several online stores also offer free or discounted shipping when you hit a certain spending minimum, giving you another reason to shop from your couch.
When you shop online, consider looking for clothes and accessories that are versatile and can be matched with a variety of other items in your existing wardrobe. It’s good to have a collection of basic staples (e.g., a little black dress, a basic white tee) that you can accessorize or dress up based on the season or event.
Try out store credit cards for extra savings
When you’re shopping for clothes, one of the best ways to save money is to use a store credit card. Many stores offer discounts and other incentives for customers who use their credit cards. For example, you may get 10 percent off your purchase or free shipping on orders over $50.
Even if you don’t have a store credit card, it’s worth asking the sales associate if the store offers any type of discount for using a credit card. If they do, ask what the requirements are (e.g., minimum purchase amount). If you have a credit card through your bank or another financial institution, see if they offer cash back or discounts when you use your card to shop at certain retailers.
If you already have a store credit card, make sure to review the terms and conditions before making any purchases. Some store credit cards have high interest rates and annual fees. Others may offer 0 percent financing for a certain period on large purchases.
Go thrifting
Another easy way to save money when shopping for clothes is to buy secondhand clothing. Thrift stores, garage and yard sales, and estate sales are all great places to discover hidden fashion treasures. It’s fairly common to find clothing items with the original price tags still attached, including relatively recent purchases that were never worn by the previous owner.
In addition to helping you save money, buying secondhand clothes is great for the environment because clothing is difficult to recycle. Some thrift stores work in collaboration with local nonprofits such as animal shelters so you can buy new clothing while also donating to a great cause.