Whether you’re on a budget because you’re a student or you’re just trying to cut back on your discretionary spending so you can save up for something big, there are a lot of ways that you can work within your budget and not have to totally sacrifice looking in step with the latest trends.
Here are just a few ideas for cutting down on your personal care and clothing budgets without having to ever look “uncool.”
1. Buy quality, not quantity.
More often than not, investing in clothing and shoes that are of a higher quality is actually a better investment even though it requires more capital up front. The items will last longer, can be repaired as they get older, and will long outlive those bargain duds.
2. Get versatile.
You can help stretch your fashion budget further by purchasing items that can be worn with a variety of things and in a variety of settings. For instance, a jacket that can go from daytime casual to business appropriate is a much better investment than getting one for each occasion.
3. Try consignment shops.
Even if you loathe to buy used clothes consignment shops can have something to offer. The vast majority of items may be only lightly worn and some may even have the tags still on, delivering brand new clothes to you at a significant discount.
4. Sale watch.
There is very little reason to ever pay retail price for clothing if you’re smart about sales. Buy clothes on the cusp of seasons, or just wait a few weeks. Generally pieces will be marked down and you can snag a bargain.
5. Repair instead of replace.
If you’ve got a great pair of boots but the zipper is broken don’t just cast them aside. Chances are pretty good that you can get them repaired for much less than the cost of a whole new pair.
6. Check out beauty schools.
Haircuts aren’t cheap if you’re going to a fancy salon, not to mention if you throw in highlights and chemical treatments. Try seeing if there are any beauty schools in your area. You may be able to still get a great haircut at a fraction of the cost.
7. Use the web.
The web is a great place to search for bargains. Look on eBay, get coupons from online sites, and comparison shop so you know you’re getting the best deal.
8. Wear good shoes.
Many people would be amazed at what a high quality pair of shoes can do for an outfit. Invest in a nice, versatile pair and everything you wear will look that much nicer in relation.
9. Shop your closet.
If you’re like most people, you probably already have some great stuff in your closet that you’ve forgotten about. Dig into those corners and see what you can find that can be repurposed for this season.
10. Do it yourself.
Whether it’s a manicure, a blow out, or a simple hem in your pants, learning how to do it yourself at home can save you a bundle.
Additional Tips?
Do any of our more shopper savvy readers have a few more tips up their sleeves to share?
I'm MLR. After graduating from college debt free, I decided to write a blog encouraging people to adapt responsible and sensible personal finance rules.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:35 am |
I like #2, be versatile. There are many shirts or pants that can work with multiple outfits. Can wear more often and still have good style with it. It will help you save when not having to buy more clothes. Granted as a guy it’s easier to save on clothes, I just don’t buy them.
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MyLifeROI Reply:
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:54 am |
@Craig,
Haha, you and me both. I can’t remember the last time I’ve bought non-work clothes. Seriously. Maybe 2 years ago?
I bought a pair of sneakers like a year ago.
Being a guy is so much easier :)
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September 24th, 2009 at 12:23 pm |
Good points, using used clothing stores is great as well as going to student/beauty school hair styling shops sometimes. Don’t buy the top brand name, get the second best “name” which looks the same. And definitely just plan your outfits so you can mix and match easily.
MoneyEnergy´s last blog ..Reasons You Should Get Started Investing While Still A Graduate Student
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September 24th, 2009 at 3:34 pm |
Swap with friends! Find a friend that is your size and raid their closet! This works especially well for stuff like expensive gowns that you won’t wear many times.
meinmillions´s last blog ..Cars are stupid.
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September 25th, 2009 at 12:52 am |
While I don’t agree with you that consignment shops offer quality clothes that can be used outside the house, you are right about doing certain things yourself. I save myself arpound $150 a month my giving myself a manicure.
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September 28th, 2009 at 12:53 am |
Great post, shopping your closet and using the web is the perfect way to cut down on clothes costs.
Alex Fernandes´s last blog ..Best Books You Could Read This Fall
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October 1st, 2009 at 11:38 am |
Great article. Money, you are clearly not shopping at the right consignment shops. I rarely purchase anything new and I am constantly getting compliments on my clothing. (And I’m not a tall, skinny person who can look good in anything.) My favorite consignment shop is very, very picky about quality and cleanliness of the clothes they consign and they often have very upscale clothes with the tags still on. It is a little time-consuming to shop that way, but so worth it. If you haven’t found a good consignment shop, keep looking and check in the wealthier areas around you.
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October 2nd, 2009 at 2:03 pm |
I agree with the shoes one – for guys, when you buy nice dress shoes and replace the soles, you can keep a pair for 30 years…
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February 11th, 2010 at 9:16 am |
Your tip about getting items that are versatile is key. I found a great book that explains the basics of what every woman should have in her wardrobe…a black pant suit, three neutral colored pants (black, grey, brown), and three skirts (neutral colored). Then, you can spend money on the less expensive items such as a accesories and tops to jazz the outfit up. These can be interechangeable and last a long time in your wardrobe!
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May 10th, 2010 at 9:33 pm |
My favorite consignment shop is very, very picky about quality and cleanliness of the clothes they consign and they often have very upscale clothes with the tags still on. It is a little time-consuming to shop that way, but so worth it.Thank your for sharing.
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