8 Inexpenive Ways to Update Your Wardrobe

Updating your wardrobe can be an expensive endeavor, especially if you try to shop at a one-stop place like the local mall. $80 for a pair of jeans, $25 for a t-shirt, $150 for shoes - most budgets can't take those sorts of regular splurges.

But dressing professionally or stylishly doesn't have to be expensive as long as you are willing to do some planning, research, and comparison shopping.

Here are 8 easy ways for you to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank:

Use What You Have:

Take a look in your closet and see what you have now. You'd be surprised at what you'll find in the dark corners. Don't be afraid to be inventive - maybe you can take the black skirt off of one outfit and wear it with a nice blouse, giving you a new outfit for free.

Buy the Basics:

Buy good-quality basics, like jeans, shoes, and neutral-colored pants and skirts. These can be paired with a variety of blouses and accessories, allowing you to have an outfit available for any occasion.

Use Accessories Wisely:

Jewelry, scarves, and belts are inexpensive ways to dress up any outfit. Have a small selection of nice pieces for special occasions, like weddings and parties, and fill the rest with cute but inexpensive items you find at the local mall or department stores. You'd be surprised at what a few bangles and a pair of cute earrings can do to liven up jeans and a T-shirt.

Shop the Clearance Racks:

Don't be afraid to peruse the discount racks at your favorite stores. Most stores have a steady stream of new fashions coming in every week. So to make room, they place the older items on the clearance racks for 30 to even 80% off.

Find the Outlet Malls:

Outlet malls can be a girl's best friend when she's looking for inexpensive but stylish clothes. Think of these stores as the "clearance racks" for more expensive or upscale stores like Macy's, Sketchers, American Appeal, and Lane Bryant. Their prices can be as much as 30 to 80% off of the prices you'd find in their regular store.

Shop Around:

You'd be amazed at the different styles available at your local discount department stores like Walmart and Target. These are great places to buy basic T-shirts and jeans all for affordable prices. These simple basics can be paired with a fitted jacket or dazzling belt to give you a stylish "casual" look without the high price tag.

Shop Online:

Some of the best deals can be found online but be careful - some stores will inflate their shipping fees to make up for the discounts. Check first before you hit "buy".

If it's a store you've never dealt with before, make sure to read their store policies, especially about returns and exchanges. The last thing you want is to buy the wrong size and find out you can't return it. That's not saving you money!

While you're surfing clothing websites, keep an eye out for their "clearance rack", sometimes categorized as their "outlet" or "sales" section. These are just like the clearance racks at your favorite store, allowing the store to clear out their older fashions while giving a great discount to customers.

Many online stores accept coupon codes or promotional codes that will knock a percentage off of your total or give you free shipping. So, before you checkout, make sure you check coupon sites like retailmenot.com or currentcodes.com for codes that could save you even more money.

Auction Sites:

If you know exactly what you want and what size you need, eBay is a great place to shop, especially for high-scale items like formal dresses. But be warned: many sellers on eBay will not accept returns. So, make sure you read the description carefully to ensure you're getting exactly what you want.