Making Your Wardrobe Upgrade More Affordable

*This is a collaborative post

Every now and then we want to update our wardrobes. This is understandable. Clothes can get well worn. They can go out of fashion. Your tastes and preferences might change and you might want to broaden your options or encompass a new style. But sometimes, upgrading and updating your wardrobe can seem really costly. As you total up all of the different new items you’re considering buying, it can quickly outstrip your budget. Of course, it’s worth investing in the odd statement piece every now and then. If you really love something you’ve seen and will get a lot of wear out of it, it’s generally worth paying a higher price for. Alternatively, you can practice patience and buy a new piece as and when you are able to. But there are also ways to give your wardrobe an overhaul without forking out a fortune. Here are a few suggestions that will help you to achieve this.

Compare Prices and Find Deals

If you’re going to buy brand new, it’s important to compare prices in different stockists and stores to find the best deal. Sure, if you’re looking at items in a boutique store, chances are you’ll only be able to buy that item directly from that store. But if you’re buying from a big name brand – Calvin Klein glasses, Gucci boots, Ray-Ban sunglasses – chances are there will be a number of official suppliers out there. Suppliers tend to choose their own pricing and may cost up items differently in order to outsell their competition. So, never buy from the first place that is presented to you. Instead, find out the specific item’s name, look around and see where you can buy it for the best price!

Wait for Sales

All shops hold sales at some point or another. Most stores will have sales at set periods throughout the year – during Black Friday, after Christmas, between seasons (such as spring/summer and autumn/winter collections). This is so that they can clear their stock rooms and make way for new product lines. If you have the patience, you can greatly benefit from these lower prices. Sure, buying swimwear in the lead up to winter may not seem very useful. But you’ll have the swimwear ready for next summer and can get it at a much lower price than you’d pay for it next summer!

Use Discount Codes

Discount codes aren’t always available. But it’s always worth searching for some before making any purchase. This could cut the cost of your purchase and make things much more affordable. If you’re shopping online, many companies will give you some sort of discount or free shipping on your first purchase if you sign up to their mailing list. You may be able to source discount codes from influencers promoting the product. You may be able to find odd codes online.

Buy Second Hand Online

If you’ve seen something that you like, but you’re not willing to pay full price for it, you might want to search around to see whether anyone’s selling theirs secondhand online. Many people will wear something once and sell it once it’s appeared on their Instagram feed. Many people will grow out of things or lose weight and no longer fit into their clothes. Some people simply buy something only to realise they don’t like it or it doesn’t suit them. There are all sorts of reasons for people selling their clothes online and, often, they’re in great condition! So, search around. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller any questions that you have. Check that there aren’t any faults and that there isn’t any damage or excessive wear to the item. Always pay in-app when using sites like eBay, Etsy, and Depop. This will protect your purchase. Also, request tracked postage so you can be sure that it’s been posted to you.

Shop Charity Stores

Another great place to shop second-hand clothes is to head to charity stores. Sure, many stores will be filled with items you’re not interested in, or you may find something that you’re interested in that, unfortunately, isn’t in your size. But every so often you can find a real gem with an outrageously low price tag. It’s always worth having a look around!

Sure, you’re going to have to pay something towards a wardrobe upgrade. But some of the above advice should help to make this process a whole lot more affordable!