How to Afford an Awesome New Wardrobe

A trip to the clothing store or mall may be a daunting chore for anyone who can't budget very much money for clothing. Shopping itself has become a lot easier since it is so very simple to do shopping on the Internet now, but it still may come down to prices that are too high to help a wardrobe that is screaming for attention.

If you find yourself in this situation, there are definitely things to do to help you afford a fabulous wardrobe for a fraction of the cost that it may have been otherwise. A great first tip is to look for online discounts and coupons. There are countless coupon code web sites that offer anything from free shipping to 10, 20, even up to 40% off of some items that don't happen to be in season.

My own best online bargain was from a clothing store that generally has rather high prices. I'd looked at those high-end stores but never bought anything. Before last Christmas I received a 40% off coupon in my email. It was only for certain items so I assumed it would be the ugly things that no one wanted to buy.

I gave it a quick look anyhow and was surprised to find that a black lace duster / sweater I wanted to give as a gift was not the usual $40 but was on the 40% off "rack" because they were going to start carrying a new line of those sweaters. I put it into the cart very quickly and it was a much appreciated Christmas gift.

Another thing I always do when shopping online is to check at those same coupon places for a discount code. I usually don't remember until the last minute when I'm asked for a code at checkout but I take the time to open another browser to see if there's a coupon for that particular store. I have found some great bargains that way and even if it's just free shipping, it makes a big difference.

When you are ready to start building your wardrobe, first check what you already have that may be able to be salvaged. There are a few items that every wardrobe should have, so you may not have to buy as much as you feared. When you are checking what you already have, get rid of or donate clothing that you will not be wearing again for whatever reason. If something is badly stained or torn beyond repair, put into a pitch pile. No one else will want it either.

You should also have a pile for the clothes you wish to donate. If you prefer it to donation, try your hand at a yard sale for some of those old clothes. You may find that by doing so, you have made enough to easily afford a few pieces for your wardrobe that you thought you wouldn't be able to have.

Next decide which basic items you want to have in your wardrobe. If you are replenishing your entire wardrobe, this should include things for all seasons. If not, just concentrate on the closest season. If you wear skirts, decide what would be an asset to what you already have. The same goes for pants and sweaters.

Remember that part of your wardrobe will be things that won't be seen when you're out in public, but you'll need them anyhow. If you are also buying new under garments, plan it into your budget. Will your shopping need to include sleeping clothes, accessories, or shoes? Exercise clothing? Make a list so that you know exactly where you stand.

Some people enjoy shopping at an online auction for clothing lots but others don't want used clothing. If you don't mind this, entire lots of sweaters or button shirts sometimes come up for only a few dollars. Even if there's just one top or shirt that will fit you, it often turns out to be a bargain. Be sure to check the shipping costs, though, because they are getting rather out of hand at some of the auction sites.

When you are buying a particular piece of clothing, try to buy things that are classic and will still be in style next season and the following. A basic dark dress that you can dress either up or down with accessories is one example of this. Dark pants or a good pair of jeans is another example.

Think about which basic pieces can go with other things. In my own experience, a pretty but very plain emerald green t-shirt has worked for not only a jeans topper, but also as a great holiday shirt worn with a long black skirt and black jacket. All it needed was a gold necklace.

One last thought is to be sure to have a good assortment of accessories. Certain things can change the whole look of an outfit and that's always a good thing when expanding the wardrobe! Belts worn on the outside and scarves used as belts are very versatile.