Shopping is definitely a guilty pleasure for many, and while the ongoing sales help us save a few extra bucks, we need to learn how to cut back on retail therapy if we’re ever going to be financially responsible. With all the beautiful window displays we pass on a daily basis, it’s hard not taking a peek into boutiques and buying an item or three. But once you take a look at your bank account, it’ll be easier to resist the temptation.
The idea that you need to spend an excessive amount to update your wardrobe is not at all true; when the reality is that it’s completely possible giving your closet a makeover without cashing in your life savings (if you have any, at this point).
So, what are the cheap or free ways to revamp your wardrobe?
1) Go for vintage
Some will cringe at the idea of wearing someone’s hand-me-downs, but one should never judge a thrift store by its cover as you never know what treasure you’ll come across. The clothes are pretty much as good as new, and you may even find some designer clothing in there for amazingly low prices. Plus, whatever goods you’ll find in these shops will add a bit of uniqueness to your style, something that we all desperately need in this world that thrives on fast fashion and temporary trends. Check out this post for thrifting tips – and even learn how to make money while thrifting.
2) Catalog your clothes in an app
Too many times we have rummaged through our clothes and declared that we have nothing to wear, leading us to spend more on our weekend trip to the mall. You probably think you need new clothes because you can’t see every single item in your closet; however, if you catalog them all into a smartphone application, the app will generate various outfit combinations, and depending on which on you download, it can even sync outfits with your calendar so that you never repeat a look.
3) Try your hand at DIY
Spring cleaning is absolutely necessary in order to get rid of clutter, but before giving away anything in your wardrobe, see if you can upcycle your accessories or clothing. If you’ve got old t-shirts, with a pair of scissors, you can easily repurpose them into halters, crop tops, and others. If you do a quick search online, you’ll find that there are loads of tutorials on making your own footwear, such as espadrilles that are the perfect summer throw-on shoes, “whether you’re headed to the beach or off on another adventure.”
If you’ve got your own tried and true strategy to cut back on clothing expenses, feel free to share it with us!
Meet the author: Alyson Zia
As a woman interested in beauty and fashion, it was hard for Alyson to live on a certain budget that prevented her from spending her monthly paycheck on new clothes and makeup. But with willpower and money saving strategies, she founds ways to up her style game without breaking the bank.