If you’ve been out shopping lately, you’ll notice that in the world of retail, it’s fall already. Whether you’re already excited about shopping for cute and cozy fall outfits or dreading it, here are some tips for maximizing your budget and getting the most fabulous fashion bang for your frugal buck.
Let’s dive in and talk about how you can get a fall budget or wardrobe without breaking the bank!
Photo: Deposit Photos
Tips for fall fashion on a budget
I’m all about getting new clothes once the seasons change. Maybe I like shopping a lot – but that doesn’t mean that I also don’t want a deal.
Why spend more for clothes when you don’t have to?
Shop your closet
Before you hit the mall to buy new outfits for fall, take inventory — an actual inventory — of what you already have. See what pieces are still in great condition, or what you would love to wear if only you had something to go with it. Then go shopping with a list in hand and a purpose in mind.
Don’t say goodbye to summer
If you are still loving your summer dresses or capri pants, there’s no rule that says you have to put them away with your swimwear. Short dresses pair well with leggings, while long dresses go great with a cardigan or blazer. If you plan to wear tall boots anyway, no one will know if you have on ankle-length pants.
This is also a great way to stretch your wardrobe and budget so that you can save money!
Splurge on neutral staples
Photo: Deposit Photos
Invest in things like a crisp white shirt, a solid color dress, a couple of cardigans, a good pair of jeans, khaki pants and pencil skirts. All of these items can be dressed up or down with the right accessories, and will last season after season. You can find great bargains on scarves, chunky jewelry, handbags and ballet flats in discount stores like Target, Old Navy or Walmart (which has some cute fall styles here), or even department stores like Kohl’s or JCPenney.
As for trendy pieces, treat yourself to one or two, but don’t invest too many of your hard-earned dollars on these fashion flavors of the month.
Don’t fall for fall
As with any seasonal shopping, it may pay to wait until new items go on clearance. Especially if you can get a few more weeks out of your summer clothes, waiting until the end of September and beginning of October, when stores begin to make way for winter gear, can save you tons.
If you can score a coupon or promo code during fall clothing sales, use it toward your “splurge” items that will be good in the fall and year-round.
Make sure that you also take the time to look for discount codes online. There are ALWAYS coupon codes or ways to score an extra discount or two. Even just asking the person checking out if there is any sales going on or coupon codes that you’re unaware of is great!
Find some fashion friends
Many people are in the same situation of trying to spend less and save more. Ask if any of your friends or family members (who may be of similar size) would be open to a clothes swap.
Make sure you love everything you buy
We’re all guilty of picking up a piece that we thought had potential, would fit better once we lost five pounds, or simply because the price was too good to pass up. Ultimately, those items end up hanging in our closets with the tags on them.
To avoid that, be sure to try each item on and be happy with how it looks right then. If you order online, don’t be lazy about returning things you don’t like.
But don’t buy everything you love
Set a budget (we have a sample) for yourself and stick to it. Follow your favorite retailers on social media to score coupons and use an app to find coupons when you’re out shopping.
Keep your receipts
Many stores will credit you for the difference if an item you bought within a certain time frame drops in price. Check out our story on how to save with price matching policies. Along those lines, it’s good to ask about store policies regarding sales, returns and coupons so you can make wise shopping decisions.
Take your time
Last but not least, remember to take your time. If you just want the shopping to get done quickly and be over with it, you’re going to buy something that you might regret.
I like to do a bit of research before arriving to the store, and then that way, I have an idea of what I’m hoping to purchase. This slows me down, makes me more mindful of what I want to buy and spend, and gives me time to really think about the clothing purchase beforehand.
If you liked this article, you may also like:
