Sometimes, it feels as though the only way to keep up with the latest fashion trends is to spend a lot of money. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of ways to stay stylish on a budget. Here are just a few:
Shop At Thrift Stores
Fashion-forward thrifting has become a massive trend recently and is showing no signs of slowing down. Not only is it a great way to find unique pieces, but you can also score some major deals. You might have to dig a little bit, but it’s definitely worth the hunt.
Most thrift stores get their clothes by donation, so if you live in a major city, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find designer pieces for a fraction of the price as well. This is especially true if you visit thrift stores in affluent neighborhoods.
Buy Clothing From Wholesalers
A great way to save money on clothing is to buy it from a wholesaler. You can find these types of businesses online or in person. Wholesalers sell their clothing at a lower price because they purchase them in bulk.
This option is perfect if you’re looking to buy multiple items or need to replenish your wardrobe quickly. We also love this method for replacing our basics. Typically, if you want to buy wholesale clothing, you will need a membership, but considering the savings, it is well worth the cost.
Check Out Sample Sales
Typically, designers host sample sales to get rid of their overstock or last season’s clothing. Since they need to make room for new inventory, the prices are often slashed.
In some cases, designers have been known to place clothing from collections that are years old on sale. If you live in a place like Southern California, San Francisco, or New York, sample sales are one of the best ways to support your favorite emerging designers (and maybe score something rare).
The downside to sample sales is that they require advance planning since they are usually announced a few days before they occur. They also have very limited sizes and products available since they are not commercially available.
Buy Online From Individual Sellers
There are many websites that allow individuals to sell their clothes online. This can be a great option if you’re looking for specific items or brands. It is also a good way to support individual artists who create and curate their own custom clothing.
Online marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari, and Depop are great places to start. Some artists sell clothes on their own Shopify stores as well. In some cases, the clothes may be expensive because of their rarity, design, materials, or condition. However, you can also find plenty of unique items for a fraction of the retail price.
Shop At Outlet Stores
When flagship stores and online repositories shift to new seasons, they often have sales to get rid of their old inventory. The remainder of these sales gets sent to outlet stores. When you shop at outlet stores, you are still wearing the same quality, just a season late (and at a fraction of the price). Shopping at outlet stores is a fantastic way to stay in-style while on a budget. However, it is important to note that outlet stores typically don’t carry the latest fashion.
Borrow From Friends or Family
Some of the best outfits are curated from other people’s closets. If you’re on a budget or just want to try something new, consider borrowing clothes from your friends or family members. You might be surprised at how many hidden gems you can find.
Shop Your Own Closet
Before going out and buying something new, try shopping your own closet. You might be surprised at how many clothes you already have that you can wear. It is common for people to forget about the clothes they already have. By taking the time to go through your closet, you might find some new combinations that you love. If you wanted to get really creative, you could even cut and sew old clothes to give them a new style completely.
Endnote
These are just a few of the many ways that you can shop on a budget and still look great. No matter what your style is, there is certainly a way to find a budget-friendly fashion that you will love.
(Photo Credit: Pixabay).
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at BlueFashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2013. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
