If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, but you don’t want to break the bank, there are several methods you could use. Often, fashion is incredibly expensive and overpriced – with magazines only showing designer outfits or ones that are far out of most people’s reach. So it’s good to know the tips and tricks of how you can achieve your dream wardrobe without it costing you the world.
To help guide you in the right direction, here are 8 techniques you can use no matter what your budget or the time of year:
Only Buy What You Actually Need
This might feel challenging, but it’s the first step you can take towards getting key pieces of clothing but not spending your entire monthly paycheck. Whether you are looking to get a new job and you need an outfit for that, you don’t have good vision and you need new glasses or you want a few staple items, you can do this if you’re sensible.
Sit down and consider whether you really need particular items of clothing. If, after thinking about it, you can wait to purchase them or you don’t actually need them, then you can save yourself some money.
Compare Different Shops
This might sound like the oldest trick in the book, but it’s surprising how many people still aren’t doing this. Most high street shops sell the same types of clothing – as well as tending to offer different variations of the same on-trend looks.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to compare different shops’ offerings before settling on the item of clothing you’re looking for. This way, you’ll get the best deal for your money and won’t have to compromise on what you choose.
Sell What You Don’t Wear
Yet again, this might sound obvious. But so many people still have a wardrobe full of clothes that they don’t wear (or that they wear once) – and yet they still purchase new items. So, to make some money and clear some space in your wardrobe, consider selling what you don’t wear online.
In the modern-day, there are so many sites that you can sell your items on – from eBay to Depop. Quick and easy to do, you can pocket some money that you can then put into your savings. Over time, if you then need any clothing, you can budget and spend money on it – without worrying as much about the cost.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should go over the top with this. But it can be a very effective way of updating your wardrobe without it going above your ideal budget.
Once you’ve cut down your wardrobe, you can stick to 10-15 key pieces of clothing – known as a capsule wardrobe. Ensuring you only have what you need, this capsule wardrobe idea might be just what you were looking for – especially if you’re already pushed for space in your wardrobe to start with.
Go Hunting in Charity Shops
If you’re looking to cut costs and don’t mind wearing second-hand clothing, then a charity shop will be your haven. The ultimate place to find clothing with small price tags attached to them, you can find some hidden treasures that are unique to the individual shop.
From vintage clothing to newer, modern styles, there’s something for every taste at charity shops – if you know where to look. Plus, there are thousands of them across the country – so you won’t be limited for choice no matter where you’re located.
Search for Online Vouchers
Nowadays, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to saving a few pounds here and there. And yet still people don’t tend to look online for vouchers when they want to buy a new item of clothing.
Luckily, there are tons of discounts and vouchers you can get – from free delivery to up to 50% off particular items. To find them, all you have to do is type in vouchers for – and then the name of the shop!
Take Advantage of Sales
As well as looking for online vouchers, you should also try and take advantage of any clothes sales that happen throughout the year. Certain shops, of course, are known for their sales (e.g NEXT) whereas others are less obvious and don’t advertise them as widely.
Therefore, it’s worth spending some time looking through various websites at what deals they have on before taking the leap and buying certain items. Some items that you’ve always wanted might also eventually go into the sales, if you have the patience to wait for them.
Utilise Accessories
If you want to cut down on buying clothes altogether, why not take some of the clothing that you already have and update it with accessories? You’d be surprised at the difference a simple necklace, belt or earrings can make to an outfit. Budget-friendly yet stylish, this tip is bound to impress.
Also, accessories (unless you purchase designer ones) can be very affordable – so if you don’t have certain pieces, you won’t have to worry about it going above a price that you’re comfortable with.
Avoid Trends and Look For Timeless Pieces
It’s easy to buy clothing just because it’s on-trend. But the moment that it’s no longer on-trend, chances are you won’t want to wear it as often as you did at the beginning. Therefore, instead of opting for the biggest next trend (which to be fair tends to be pieces that you wouldn’t wear otherwise), try and purchase timeless pieces that you know you’ll wear for years.
After you’ve made use of these staple pieces you can then consider swapping some out if need be – in a budget-friendly way like mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
So, there you go! Those are 8 simple yet effective ways of updating your wardrobe without it breaking the bank. Of course, the technique you use is up to you. But whichever ways that you can cut costs, the better your finances will be in the long term!
