How To Shop Your Favourite Brands For Less

What we wear says a lot about who we are as a person. Whether we’re trying to make a good first impression or simply look more put together, our clothing can have a major impact on how others perceive us. Many financial planners recommend that we spend 5% of our monthly pay after tax on clothing. While it may seem difficult to shop for stylish pieces while staying within budget, here are a few helpful tips on how you can make the most out of your budget and shop your favorite brands for less.

Stick to your budget

As mentioned above, many financial planners recommend spending no more than 5% of your monthly income on clothing. To find the dollar amount, simply multiply your monthly take-home pay after tax by 0.05. So, if you’re bringing home $2,400 after taxes, your clothing budget should be $120/month. Whereas if you’re bringing home $4,500 a month, then you can bump your budget up to $225 a month. 

Once you determine your monthly clothing allotment, it’s important to stick to your budget. This will help make it easier for you to not overspend, which can be easy when you’re finding so many cute pieces. Keep in mind that everyone’s financial situation is unique and that you know and understand your situation better than anyone. Regardless of how much your budget is, it’s important to stick to it.

Shop at consignment stores

When people think of consignment stores they often picture old and outdated clothing. Believe it or not, many consignment shops actually carry designer or high-quality brands for super affordable prices. In fact, last year online thrift store thredUP put together a report revealing the top trending brands that were purchased secondhand from their store. You’d be surprised to see that well-known brands like Madewell made this list.

Next time you drive by your local Goodwill, take a look inside instead of just passing by. You may be surprised by what you can find! Store’s like Plato’s Closet are also a great option to find trendy, designer styles and everyday basics for up to 70% off mall retail prices.

Shop end of season sales

If you regularly shop at specific stores, you most likely know when they offer their best deals. Rather than paying full price for an item, wait till it goes on sale. One of the best times to get the most bang for your buck is to shop at the end of a season. Keep in mind that many retail stores are a few months ahead of the weather, so you could still pick up a cozy sweater at a low price during the colder winter months and get a month’s worth of wear before it’s time to break out your spring wardrobe.

For the most part, stores overhaul their merchandise in line with the New York Fashion Weeks in September and February, so keep an eye out. You can get amazing deals on summer fashion by shopping in September and snag winter fashion for cheap in February.

Earn and use rewards points

What better way to fuel your shopping habits than to be rewarded for doing so? If you’re a frequent shopper at a specific store, consider enrolling in their rewards system if they have one. This is a great way to earn points for your purchases, which in turn can give you discounts and other benefits including exclusive offers and even free shipping depending on the store’s guidelines. 

Clothing stores like Express offer a customer loyalty program where enrolled members can earn points and receive rewards that can be used towards future purchases. Be sure to check if your favorite stores offer a similar membership so you can earn points for shopping and save money on your favorite styles.