Best Ways to Shop on a Budget

I have never really been one to spend my money frivolously. Even if I’ve had a bit in savings, I’ve always been very responsible and tried to think logically about what I need vs. what I want. While that’s often easier said than done I have definitely had to learn to shop on a budget. And with that being said I decided to share with you some of my best tips on how to look great while not breaking the bank.

What do you REALLY want?

There are those people who if given $100 to spend on clothes would opt for 10 ten dollar tops from Target and those who would buy one bad ass sweater from Bloomingdales. So which person are you?

There really is no right or wrong answer here but I find that most of us really want the super nice expensive top but instead opt for the more inexpensive items because they feel less guilty about it. I mean, I won’t lie I’ve done it many many times. So often that I end up buying so much cheap stuff that it equals more than what I liked to begin with. In my opinion, avoid those impulse cheap buys and instead make a plan to buy the nicer things when you are out. You will be 10x happier you saved up for that favorite sweater rather than get a couple tops only to be giving them away a few months later because you are “over” them.

Go through what you already have…

If you are like the majority of the population then you accumulate and hold onto things that will really never be used. I used to be guilty of this and to an extent still am but have tried to not get too attached. As we get older the styles change, we change, body type changes and well, what you like just CHANGES. Think about what you want your wardrobe to look like and then take a good hard look at your closet. What fits your vision and what doesn’t? I literally go through my closet about once a month and try things on. If I don’t like it IMMEDIATELY and if I say to myself I haven’t worn it in 6 months, I put it in a pile. Stop with the “oh I might fit into this one day,” and “I might wear this on a day I do some gardening” and just making excuses and excuses.

Try not to be too emotionally attached to clothing. There will always be new styles and chances are you’ll love them 10x more. Plus, when you go through your closet you will more often times than not find pieces you absolutely love that you totally forgot you had hiding somewhere in there. It can help make you aware to what you actually do own!

Sell, Trade or Give Away

Take that pile you put aside and consider selling them. A few ways I’ve sold items are on Ebay, an app called Poshmark, Craigslist and even just Instagram! When there are items that I just don’t think will sell high enough for it to be worth it with shipping and fees, I put in a separate pile for Goodwill. One, you will feel good about giving items to those less fortunate and two, you get a tax write-off for it! If you are able to sell, then take that money that you made and turn it into items that are missing in that closet of yours!

Invest in Classic Pieces

Think of any clothing items that would make up your dream wardrobe. Maybe it’s a designer purse or just quality clothing. What I’ve learned through blogging is that a small closet full of quality clothes that actually fit will make you not only feel better, it will make you look so much better than a huge closet full of cheap items that are old and don’t fit well.

To me, classic items are a leather jacket, blazer, beautiful black dress, statement earrings and black/nude pumps.  However, this could depend completely on you. If you are more of a Jeans and tee gal, invest in your absolute favorite pair of denim jeans and that could very well be your best “classic” item. Gear this all towards you and your personal style.

Set a Limit

Think about realistically how much you are willing to spend a month on clothing. For example, if you decide $300 is your budget per month then take that money out of the bank and keep it on you. Only use that cash for the clothing you want to buy and nothing else. Truth be told, it is way harder to give someone your cash when you have it on you rather than you handing over your credit card. Having physical cash is more difficult because you will actually SEE your wallet shrinking rather than just having someone bill you essentially. So choose a limit whether it be $50 or $500 and stick to it.

Do You..

Realize that clothing is only a material thing. At the end of the day no one should judge you for not having the latest handbag or the most trendy new top. The final goal is to have financial freedom in life so you can buy what you want and do what you like. Always do you.

Shop the Look:

Jumpsuit: Free People // Bracelet: Mint by Noel // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff