Spring is in the air. And while we still may need the occasional coat or hooded sweatshirt, winter wardrobes are less and less necessary as warmer temperatures arrive. However, the majority of people don’t have spare cash to toss at an entire new spring wardrobe. Here are 11 Smart Shopping Strategies for a New Spring Wardrobe for Less Cash.
Let It Go
Before you begin buying anything, it’s time to make like Elsa and let it go. If you’re anything like me, your non-winter attire lurks in the bottom of dresser drawers and corners of the closet. So before you open the app for your favorite store or even hit the thrift shop, go “shopping” at home. It’s easy to forget what we already have when it’s been awhile since we’ve worn it. Plus, there may be items you need to purge from your collection this year. Be realistic about what fits and what you will actually wear. Donate items to local charities. You may even want to begin packing away your thick sweaters for the year. Check out these ideas for packing away winter clothes.
Create A Hit List (And a Quit List)
After you have a handle on what you already own, begin evaluating what pieces you want to add to your wardrobe this spring. You may also want to create a quit list, too. Want to know what’s on my quit list? T-shirts! I have more t-shirts than any person should own. I do not need to buy any more t-shirts this spring or maybe ever. But I could use a few dressier short sleeved tops this spring. Knowing what you need and what you don’t best helps guide your spending.
Focus on Interchangeable Pieces
You want to be sure whatever you buy can be swapped out and used in more than one outfit. Classic basics typically allow more versatility. For example, when purchasing workout gear, it’s smart to trend toward black bottoms both because you can interchange them with any number of tops and because they’re less likely to show sweat. The same line of thinking goes with tops and bottoms of a more formal variety (perhaps with less sweat).
Thrift It
Thrift shops can be a great way to find quality pieces for your wardrobe while spending less. Most of us automatically think of brick and mortar stores like Goodwill or the Salvation Army Thrift Store, but there are now many online thrift stores you can check out, too. ThredUp and Poshmark are probably the most well known. Both allow you to sell and buy gently used goods and are fairly easy to use. Of course, they feature spring fashions at this time of the year.
Wash It Up
Your former spring wardrobe may just need a little sprucing up. See above note being smashed under everything else for months at a time. For those pieces that you decide to keep, run them through the laundry. Or take items that require special care to the dry cleaners. Don’t forget to look for a coupon, though. You’ll be surprised at what a little TLC does to help your wardrobe bounce back. If you do end up purchasing new-to-you spring items, don’t forget to check out my ideas on laundry stripping when it comes to thrifted items.
Always Look for a Coupon
Last, but certainly not least, no matter where you’re shopping for clothes – even at a thrift store – it’s always smart to look for a coupon before you check out. You may even want to quickly ask a clerk if there’s a coupon available anywhere. Many stores now even keep their coupons on a special section of their website. A little simple search on your phone can yield big savings.
Maximize Filters
One of the best tools to help you stay on budget when it comes to shopping online, are those filters that help you specify sizes, colors, brands, and prices. Cut down on the clutter of your feed so you don’t spend too much money or time shopping. With more stores doing same day pick up, you can also elect to only view items you can pick up ASAP. Or, you can save on shipping by electing to only view items you can ship to the store and then pick up either inside or curbside. Opting for a view of prices from low to high can help you avoid even looking at items beyond your budget.
Read the Reviews
More than once, I’ve been enticed by online ads featuring adorable clothes at a low price just a little too good to be true. And after a quick search for reviews of the company or product, the majority of the time I discovered my gut reaction was correct. Reading reviews and when possible looking at photos of other consumers’ experiences will help you make a better decision when it comes to fit, quality, and durability so you can spend your money well.
Use a Cash Back App
If you’re shopping online, the first site you should hit is a cash back site like Rakuten to see if you can get a percentage of your purchase back in your bank account. Plus, you’ll be able to see if there are current coupon codes for your favorite stores, too. Simply clicking through the online portal can qualify you for extra savings.
Don’t Forget the Rewards Program
Whether you’re in the store or shopping online, be sure to take full advantage of store reward programs. Kohl’s, JCPenney, DSW, Target, Meijer, and more all have fantastic rewards programs where you have the opportunity to access special savings while accumulating points to get cash off coupons. As long as a program is free, you should sign up for rewards benefits. You often receive a perk for your birthday, too.
Plan Ahead
As a general rule, it’s smart to not leave clothing decisions up until the last minute. When possible, shop in advance for clothing items needed for you or your family for special spring events like Easter or spring programs. The majority of us make poor choices for both our budgets and wardrobes when we wait until the last minute. Rushed decision making leaves us settling for items that will make do instead of those clothing pieces that we truly love. After all, you don’t want to be tossing out these items next spring. You want to make them last for years to come.
Bring on the t-shirts and light jackets. I’m ready to feel the sunshine on my shoulders and the cool breeze blowing. Renewing your look this year may be more about what’s on the inside instead of what you wear anyway.
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This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
