If you’re anything like me, you’re poor. Not really poor, but I’m a college student with very little room to splurge. But sadly, that doesn’t stop me from pursuing online stores, gazing at fashion trends I can’t afford. Like a lot of women my age, fashion plays a huge part in my life. I spend more time picking out an outfit than doing my hair and makeup. I’d rather buy a new shirt than buy a meal for myself. Because of my love of clothes and my limited access to money, I have become quite savvy at saving cash while shopping. Here are some of the best ways that I’ve learned to look great on a low budget!
- Buy second hand
-
If you’re grossed out about thrifting, get over it. Seriously! This is by far the best way to save money while buying clothes. You can go to Urban Outfitters and buy a pair of Levi Jeans for $70 or you can go to GoodWill and get the same jeans for $7. There’s no question about it, thrifting saves money, is good for the environment and there’s nothing like the feeling of finding something trendy at a thrift store.
- Sign up for emails
-
They might be super annoying, but emails from your favorite brands always alert you to the best deals. I recommend only signing up for your absolute favorite stores and even making a separate email solely for store’s emails.
- Wait for sales
-
Another number one tip for all you cheapo’s is to never, NEVER buy full priced items. You can get just as cute clothes from the sale section. I promise! It’s all the style and none of the cost.
- Sell old clothes
-
Here’s a way to make some of your money back. Once you’ve had your time with your clothes, just sell them! Apps like Poshmark and Depop are a great way to make some extra cash on the clothes you don’t wear anymore. This just goes to show that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
- Shop other sections
-
It always seems like women’s clothes are so much more expensive than any other – which is so unfair. If you have the time and energy, definitely scroll through the men and kids sections of stores to get some good deals.
- Think before you buy
-
A lot of times, if I see something cheap online I buy it just on principle. This is obviously a terrible habit because most of the time I never even wear it. Just because something is inexpensive, doesn’t mean that it’s worth it. Before you buy anything, whether is $100 or $10, make sure that you really want it and that you can see yourself actually wearing it.
- Use coupons
-
The beauty of online shopping is the endless coupons that you can find on the internet. Before I check out at any store I always search for a coupon code just in case. Even if it’s just for 10% off, that will make your cart that much less expensive. I’d also recommend using the browser extension, Honey, because it automatically adds coupons to all of your orders!
- Take the surveys
-
You know when you buy things in store and the cashier gives you a receipt with a little questionnaire at the bottom? They usually will give you a discount code for the next time you shop there! The surveys are never that long and are totally worth the 10 minutes that it takes to complete them.