Fighting Unemployment: Clothing Yourself Cheaply

In part one and two of this series, we discussed various ways to obtain food and shelter on a minimal budget. In this third part, we will explore the final part of your needs: clothes. Clothes can be a drain on the family budget. There are several ways around this problem. A large part of cutting your clothing costs depends on being discerning between clothes you need and clothes you want. Usually need relates to holes in your underwear and socks. While this discernment problem is usually more difficult for women than men, it is still a attainable goal with some determination. Here are some ways other than discernment that can help with your clothes budget.

1. Digging through the closet - Fashion is an interesting thing and styles always seem to cycle. So when if you appear run out of new variety in your current wardrobe, it's time to dig through the depths of your closet for some old clothes to bring back into the rotation without paying anything. Hopefully you still fit in those clothes, if not, then this gives you a good excuse to start excercising.

2. Thrift Store - Many look at thrift stores with disdain. However, in light of the current econcomy, being prideful and prejudiced is no way to live. Thrift stores might actually surprise shoppers with brand names, quality clothes, and even brand new items at a very discounted price. The discount range from 50-90% in many cases. The clothing at the thrift store more often than not are in better condition than clothes you can find at garage sales. Finally, many thrift stores are linked to charities, so not only are you getting new clothes at an amazing price, you are also helping out those in need.

3. Find your friends - While this is not a good option for guys, it is a great option for girls. An inventive way to get new clothes into your wardrobe without spending money is to trade clothes with your similar sized friends. Both you and your friends might have unwanted clothes that the other person wants. Not only will you be able to cut your costs spent on clothes, you will also get a chance to catch up with your friends and have some quality time to bond.

4. Online shopping - Many online clothing stores offer unique clothing at low prices, however, unless it's a t-shirt, purchasing clothes online might not be a great idea. However, online is a great place for accessories. Earrings, nceklaces, purses are all great items to purchase online at a discounted price. Check places like eBay for a even better deal.

5. Store closings - The sad thing in this type of economy is that many stores are becoming bankrupt and maybe closing their stores. However, store closings are great for shoppers. However, please be sure that you are not buying an item simply because it is on sale. Only buy on sale items that you really need. Items that you know you'll need in the future is also great to buy during store closings.

Clothing is a necessity no matter what your employment status or what the economy might be like. The best thing is just being smart about what you are buying and never buying beyond your means. Unemployment also gives you a great time to be creative with your clothing and how to obtain them. Have fun!