Nice clothes can be pricey -- a huge portion of your budget -- but they also don't have to cost you much at all. I grew up in a home of 9 kids, so I wasn't just given clothes. From as young as I can remember, I've been finding creative ways to still look put together with coordinating and fashionable outfits through high school, college, and beyond. Here are some ideas on how to save money on clothes throughout the year.
#1: Get a sewing machine!!! SERIOUSLY. They may look expensive, bulky, ugly, and intimidating, but one of these babies will save you hundreds of dollars. Here's why/how:
Most obviously, you can sew your own clothes. Sewing is almost 100% trial and error, and it can definitely be a self-taught skill. There is a plethora of Pinterest tutorials on how to make almost anything, free patterns all over the web, and a basic $99 machine can handle everything you'll need for basic clothing construction.
With a machine and basic knowledge, you can repair split seams, hem pants, take in dresses, take out seams, stitch up holes, personalize hand-me-downs, and create an entirely new wardrobe that is unique, exactly your style, and custom--fitting.
So where are you going to get all this fabric? Hit up the thrift store. If the idea of purchasing used bed sheets doesn't make you squeamish, check out the linens. Where I shop, I can find full sheets (and usually in gorgeous colors, florals, and prints) for $2-3 each. You've got a huge square of sturdy cotton to work with, and that's well over the yardage you'll need for any dress/top/bag and more.
I repeat: visit your local thrift store! Once you get over the smell and the weirdies, you really can find treasures. If you're not hunting for full clothing articles, shop for the buttons, the lace, the zippers, and again, just for the fabric. Scalping for the notions will save you money and you'll find unique gems like vintage brass buttons, charming trims, and completely unique finds.
Have a swap meet. Tell your girlfriends to gather a box of clothes from their closet that they haven't worn in the last year and then throw a trading party. Walk home with an entirely new wardrobe and rid your closet of things you don't love and don't wear. My church does this 3-4 times a year, and I have literally been able to wear a different outfit to church every single week for the past year.
If you're not in the mood to trade, take your stuff to a consignment shop. Stores will pay for good condition, name brand clothing, but some are picky about when they will take seasonal items, as in, they won't except any winter clothing if its starting to get warm again.
Obviously, shop sales and shop out of season. The best time to get a swimsuit (in store and online) is just as the warm weather is coming to a close and stores want to get rid of their inventory. Likewise, a coat in the early Spring. If you live in an area that experiences all four seasons, you might not be able to find these seasonal items a full six months later, so make sure you ride the tail end of the season you're shopping for.
Evaluate how often you are washing your clothes. Of course, if something is dirty, wash it, but if it is an outer sweater that never really touched your skin, it might not have collected any skin oils at all. Most clothing has a general number of washes that it can withstand. Even waiting to wear something one more time before washing it can extend the life of your garment by twice as long.
Also, you might consider line drying your clothes if you're worried about the longevity of a favorite clothing item. If you aren't subjecting your clothing to a high-heat dry cycle, it can't lose as many textile fibers (less lint) and it will keep its full weight and structural integrity longer.
If name brands are important to you, check out eBay or other online marketplaces, where you can hunt by name brand for a smaller price.
Lastly, just reinvent what you have. If there's a dress you love, but don't wear because its too short, chop it shorter, hem it (with your new machine!) and wear it as a top. Alter pants to be shorts, add length to a mini to make it a maxi, or layer up your favorite elements to create outfits that are new to you.
Marcia Lee says
I like the tip of getting friends together to swap clothes items. I do go to swift shops and now I'm going to start looking for unique buttons, lace and fabrics. Thank you.
Camille says
Do it! It can be lots of fun!
ANN*H says
I know some of what you mean - 5 sibling ,me only girl so I got 3 dresses per year and I had to wear them all year. All brothers so no one to pass clothes down to me. I never could get the hang of making my own clothes tho I tried. Now I am a yard sale thrift shopper for my clothes I hardly ever buy new clothing. Thanks for all the tips you gave us
Amber Ludwig says
I wish I could sew!! Ugh!! I really just have no crafting type talent at all lol.... I do love to buy used though!! FB for sale sites have been amazing at that!!