How much should you spend on clothing? According to one financial planner, you should budget 5% of your income on clothing. When you shop for clothes, you can have a specific budget in mind so that you don’t overspend.
A spending budget of 5% may be more than you need, though. You can buy fashionable clothes and still practice budget shopping.
Keep reading to find out how you can be fashionable and trendy and not break the bank!
When Should You Shop for Clothes?
Don’t shop for clothes as a hobby. Emotional shopping may be tempting but it can also lead to a wardrobe so big that you don’t even wear most of your clothing. Instead, have specific times of the year for buying clothes.
Try only shopping for clothes by the season, twice a year. Shop for clothes once for spring and summer wear. Shop again for fall and winter wear.
The one other time you should shop for clothes is before a vacation. Traveling is exciting and you look forward to it. Part of the excitement of a vacation is shopping for fashionable clothes to wear.
If you minimize your shopping periods to two or three times a year, you are less likely to spend too much. You can prepare for budget shopping to give yourself more money to spend on experiences that you can have while traveling.
Know What You Have
At all times, you should know what clothing you have in your wardrobe. If you don’t have an inventory of clothing you own, you may end up buying items you don’t need.
Some people think that men don’t need as many clothes as women. These days that isn’t true. Men like to look good and they like to have clothing that is suitable for any event.
Different events require a certain type of clothing. This depends on your lifestyle.
Start by making a list of the activities that you do in your normal life. If you are planning a vacation, write down clothing items you will need that are specific to that trip.
Once you know what you need, go through your closet, item by item. Write down how many pants you have, shirts, and so on. If they have multiple purposes, write that down as well.
Prepare to replace worn-out clothing items.
If you know what you have and what you need, it is easier to decide what to purchase when you are buying clothes. Keep your current wardrobe in mind so when you find a good deal, you’ll know if you should buy it or not.
Classic Clothes, Trendy Accessories
There are two types of items that you will buy when you are budget shopping.
First, there are the classic pieces that you can wear year after year. Classic clothing never goes out of style. These are the pieces you should pay more for.
You can get great classic pieces when budget shopping if you keep an eye on the brand names. Look for companies that have been around for a long time. Even they have sales.
Some worry that buying only spending money on classic pieces, their wardrobe will be boring. This won’t be the case for you. Trendy items you buy at a deep discount will make classics stand out.
Trendy accessories will not be in fashion for a long time. These are the pieces you don’t want to spend a lot of money on. If you’re shopping on a budget and want to look fashionable, focus your budget shopping on items you can get at a very low price.
The quality of trendy clothing items does not need to be as high. You know that you’ll only wear them for a year or two. Spend less on these types of clothes.
Shop Online Sparingly
It’s true that when you are shopping on a budget you can save a lot of money by shopping online. The problem is, you can’t try clothing on before you buy. Some online stores will allow returns but many people end up just throwing the clothes at the back of the closet!
If you’re buying clothes online and they are classic items, make sure that you understand their sizes. If it is a brand you love and you’ve worn them before, you’ll be less likely to end up with something that doesn’t fit.
There is an exception to this rule. Shopping for trendy clothing online can be a great option.
Subscribing to an email list that specializes in deals can be a great way to find low-cost trendy items. You may like this tool to find great savings.
Control Your Clothing Budget
When you are budget shopping, it can be easy to get carried away. Remember the point is to spend less money on fashionable clothes, not more.
To control your budget, never go shopping with a credit card. This is a sure way to buy a lot of clothes that you didn’t plan on. Leave the credit cards and debit cards at home.
Instead, shop with cash. Only bring as much money as you want to spend. Consult with your shopping list as you go.
Learn to Read Labels
When you shop for clothes, you should read the labels. There are several good reasons to do this.
First, find out where the product was made. Clothing made in Italy or Portugal is going to have higher quality than those made in China.
You can also learn what the clothing is made from. Look for natural fibers like wool or cotton and avoid polyester. Fabric quality will affect how long the clothing lasts as well as how it fits you.
Finally, if you never remember to get your dry clean only clothes sent out to the dry cleaner, avoid them! You can look great in clothes that can be dressed in a washing machine. Just learn how to wash and dry your clothes properly!
Dress for Success on Less
Whether you are going to work, hanging out with friends, or planning a vacation, you can look fabulous. Shop for clothes on a budget and put the savings into living the life you look like you belong in.
If you like reading this article, learn more about budget shopping on our blog.
