7 Thrifty Ways To
Slash Your Fashion Budget
Looking for ways to smoothen dents in your budget has become an almost permanent part of the average person’s day.
Eating homemade meals, travelling less, and looking for cheaper entertainment are some of the first things that come to mind. Making changes to your wardrobe is a surprisingly effective way to go.
No, we're not advising you to stop spending money on Fashion. But we’d love it if you were smarter about it, and we’re sure you’ll love it too! Read on to find ways to reduce your fashion budget while not compromising on the spiciness of your style.
Make saving money on your wardrobe a priority this season, and start by cutting out the most unnecessary items from your closet. These seven smart ways to slash your wardrobe costs will help you save time, energy, and money in the process!
1. Thrift Stores & Op-Shops
If you go around the block regularly, chances are you would have seen quite a few second-hand clothing stores in your locale. If you feel up for exploring, now might be the time to give these stores a chance!
The internet also has several options for shopping for used cabinet items. With some luck, you could score big with thrifty wardrobe essentials and luxury goods for half the original price and it also helps in environmental sustainability.
2. Longer Lasting Clothes
Show the clothes you own their fair share of TLC (tender love and care) to boost longevity. Try to avoid washing them too frequently, and go for sun-drying rather than dry-cleaning.
These methods will help the fabric retain its original colour and silhouette for far longer than you might think. Mending and repairing old clothes helps you save money on fashion and eventually becomes a therapeutic hobby as you discover fun and creative methods.
3. Shop With Intention
Rationality is the number one foe of any marketing ploy. According to Elice Max, Co-Founder of EMUCoupon, “Brands compete only for one thing: a way past your guard and into your wallet”.
It takes some strength, but once you master avoiding shopping sprees and only buying high-quality items and that too, occasionally, you are likely to see a drop in net spending on fashion items over long periods. With the growing number of fast fashion brands popping up, it is also best for environmental sustainability and for the country that people stick to prudent garments and long-lasting articles of clothing.
The alarming results of one study showed that of all the textiles sold in Australia every year, about 85% make their way to landfills.
4. Look for Sales, Discounts & Coupons
Use social media and other internet resources to keep an eye on sales in online stores and shops near your location. But again, it is essential not to let yourself get carried away and make impulsive purchases.
Check out online coupon vendors to get bargains you can’t get otherwise. For instance, look for the lists of Australia's top online discount coupon stores. Soon enough, you’re bound to become known among friends for your bargains and thrifty clothes collection.
Coupons, vouchers, and discount codes are quickly becoming a staple that lets you money saving on shopping for clothes. Make it a rule not to shop unless you have a price cut at hand. This will keep you from buying too quickly and impulsively.
5. Support Local Businesses
Buying from local boutiques and fashion stores instead of sticking to name brands can also make a huge difference in your fashion budget.
If you know where to look for such stores, you can find some real treasures stashed in store shelves around town, safe from the grabby shoppers who haunt bigger brand outlets and chain stores. And of course, you’ll find the prices to be much more flexible when the salesperson you are dealing with is probably the store owner too.
6. Shop Out Of Season
Shopping out of season is yet another smart way to exploit market trends to your advantage. Get to a product before the price hike by looking for warm yet frugal winter wardrobe items in the summertime and keeping an eye out for summer wear in the frostier months of the year.
Also consider shopping deals from countries in a different season/hemisphere. For example, you can shop Winter sales deals from Europe in March/April from Australia as the European retail market is entering its Summer season.
7. Consider Vintage Styles
Even though pop culture has brought back retro fashion, too many of us ignore the full scope of possibilities. Back-in-time apparel will likely cost less than the latest hip and shiny products while being up to the mark in rich fashionability which promoted the concept of slow fashion.
Furthermore, fashion enthusiasts can go for a year-round aesthetic with vintage-themed and cost-effective summer wardrobe items and cosy throwback winter outfits. With smartly put-together outfits and enough confidence, you can pull off a vintage look that stands out.
Brands like Arlo & Olive are perfect for those who love vintage - they design sustainable resort wear and clothing inspired by the 70s!
Finishing Up
When it comes to fashion, we always want to look our best. But with prices for clothes going up and up every year, it can be tough to keep up with the trends without spending much money on clothes shopping. In this article, we've outlined seven ways to slash your budget when it comes to your wardrobe and still look great.
From using consignment stores to shopping at garage sales and coupons, there are plenty of options out there for those looking to save on their fashion expenses. So don't be afraid to try something new — after all, finding creative ways to save money on your wardrobe items is one of the secrets to staying stylish without breaking the bank.
By following these tips, you'll be able to save money on fashion without compromising the quality or the look you're going for. Start slashing your costs today!
And don't forget to shop Stride for all of your sustainable fashion + skincare needs in Australia! Discover leading local brands like Pinky & Kamal, Etiko, Ettitude, Cloth & Co and many more online today.
Article Credit - Evie Mason, guest contributor at Stride.
