Some people tend to be under the impression that if you blog about fashion, you must constantly be buying clothes. I am here today to dispel those rumors. Fashion doesn’t have to be about having a constant stream of new outfits; it can also be about finding new ways to style your old items. Here are a few tips I use for styling outfits on a budget:

#1: Shop out of season

My absolute #1 tip for saving money on clothes is to shop out of season. I’ve been doing this for years now, and it has made it so much easier for me to afford to buy new items regularly. I purchase most of my t-shirts and tank tops in September and most of my sweaters and long-sleeve tees in March. While it can be hard to buy something cute knowing that I won’t be able to wear it for several months, the deals are far too good to pass up. Shopping out of season has allowed me to get my hands on pieces I otherwise would have never been able to have. The long cardigan I have on here, which was actually the inspiration behind this post, was picked up from a clearance rack in April a few years ago for a mere $7. I can’t remember exactly how much it was at full-price, but it’s from Free People, so I imagine it was at least $50 or $60. In my experience, the pros to shopping out of season by far outweigh the cons.

#2: Scour the clearance racks

Heading to the clearance rack probably seems like an obvious answer when it comes to saving money. But while you’re there, make sure to take your time. Clearance shopping isn’t a quick process. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that many of the items you find have broken zippers, makeup stains and rips. It’s important to be thorough when looking through a clearance section. Ask yourself if you’re more into the deal than you are into the actual item and evaluate pieces for issues before settling on them.

#3: Think through every purchase

Be a meticulous shopper! Impulse buying can be fun and all, but it usually happens with pieces you don’t end up wearing too often. Being particular about each individual item you purchase will prevent you from wasting money on things that ultimately won’t get you their money’s worth. It’s a good way to keep yourself in check.

#4: Check the back of your closet 

Before you head to the mall, take a moment to comb through your entire closet. You never know what pieces might be sitting in the back, waiting to be rediscovered. A long-forgotten sweater might look fantastic with a skirt you bought just a few months back or a scarf you thought to be missing might be buried beneath a pile of stuff. It’s an efficient way to make bring life to an old garment, and (best of all) it doesn’t cost you a single cent.

#5: Thrift

I am a huge thrifter as you probably know by now. Shopping at thrift stores and consignment shops helps keep clothes out of landfills and enables you to add fun, unique pieces to your closet. It also happens to be inexpensive. You can find stylish pieces in decent condition if you look hard enough. From skirts to blazers, thrift shops have clothing from all sorts of different styles.

#6: Resist short-term fads

Something I’ve learned the hard way is that not every trend is a good one. You may think you’ll always love a certain style, but after the initial hysteria dies down, you’ll find yourself asking, “what was I thinking?” Before you shell out your cash on the latest trend taking over the internet, take a minute to imagine how you’ll feel about it six months from now. If you find yourself having doubts, you might want to consider steering clear. It’s better to invest in styles that you know you’ll always enjoy than it is to spend your money on something that might not seem so chic in the not so distant future.

#7: Stick to the basics

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it once again: Basics are the best. You can never go wrong with a reliable pair of jeans or a simple tee. Dressy or casual, basics can styled in innumerable ways. You’ll never regret purchasing something that goes with absolutely everything.

Those are some tips I have for styling on a budget! Thanks so much for reading!

What are your best tips for saving money on clothes?

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