Once the season changes and the mannequins don the new collection, many of us feel the urge to go through the wardrobe and evaluate whether it fits the latest trends. Usually, there is some room for improvement with a pair of shoes being too battered, trousers being too stretched, or a basic top missing. Sometimes, you might simply be bored with your style.
Unfortunately, your clothing haul might be quickly cut short by a limited budget. As you’re juggling necessary expenses, such as rent or food, you might have little spare money left. But even though you won’t be able to go on a shopping spree, you can still update your wardrobe. You’ll just have to get creative and look for smart solutions – coupons, thrifting, or reforming clothes. Additionally, you could buy clothes off-season or try to make some extra money by selling your old stuff.
Need a wardrobe change on a budget? Here are some tips to make the most out of your wardrobe and update it at a low cost.
Coupons
One of the easiest ways to update your wardrobe on a budget is to use coupons. Stores and manufacturers are offering them all the time, so don’t be afraid to ask the cashier. You can also find all kinds of coupons in newspapers and magazines, but the best ones are often online.
Look up special coupon websites as they gather information about the promos from various stores. You can easily browse pages like ZifUp coupons until you find something of interest to you, be it clothes, makeup, or gadgets – and you will find something for sure. And if you have favorite brands, make sure to sign up for their newsletter.
Thrifting
When it comes to wardrobe updates on a budget, thrifting is a proven method. You’ll find a lot of great deals at thrift stores and often, the clothes are in amazing condition. When buying secondhand clothes, you have a huge selection of merchandise – not only can you find vintage clothes but also stylish and unique pieces that fit your style and body. On top of that, thrifting is an eco-friendly option, giving a new life to old things instead of generating more waste.
However, thrifting does have its drawbacks as it might require some time and effort. After all, you’ll have to search through racks of clothes and dig deep into the shelves until you find something you like and is in good enough condition. Sometimes you can go through multiple stores without finding what you want, or find a cute piece that is too big or small without the possibility of getting it in different sizes.
Reforming Clothes
If you’re feeling creative, you can try to reform your clothes into something new. This is a great way to update your wardrobe, save some money, and do something sustainable. By cutting off sleeves or stitching parts together, you can create a new piece to add to your collection.
Maybe you have an old pair of trousers with an accidental hole on the knee. You could add a few additional holes, so they fit the “cool girl” aesthetic. Or you can cut the legs and embroider flowers so you have cute shorts for the summer. The possibilities are endless, and you’re only limited by your imagination.
If you aren’t sure how to make an alternation or need inspiration, you can easily find numerous tutorials on YouTube. There are tons of dedicated channels where you’ll find everything you need – lessons on stitches, solutions to problems, or information about affordable reforming materials. Who knows, maybe with time, you’ll sew something completely new for yourself.
Offseason Shopping
As seasons change, you can try shopping off-season. Although this is a time-consuming method, it is one of the most effective ways to update your wardrobe on a budget. If you can wait for a few months, you’ll be able to find something that you really want and at a bargain price.
For example, if you’re going to buy a coat, look for it in spring. That way, you’ll save some money as the coat will most likely be cheaper, and you’ll have a new piece for the next winter. Similarly, you could look for swimwear in winter since demand isn’t as high as it will be during summer.
However, there are some drawbacks to off-season shopping as well. One of them is that the stores have fewer items. There will be a limited selection of products so you’ll have less choice. But if you’re patient enough and wait before the new collection arrives, you might save plenty of money.
Repairing Your Old Stuff
Sometimes, you might think that your clothes are worn out, but you don’t have to throw them away. Instead, you could take them to a tailor or repair shop and have them fixed. You can also fix some of the clothes yourself by watching video tutorials or reading online how-to guides.
For example, you can refresh a sweater and remove the pills with a de-fuzzing comb or fabric shaver. Or if you’ve forgotten to check washing instructions and your wool sweater is now a third of its size, you can unshrink it with the right method. That’s why before you throw a piece of clothing away, make sure it really is unsalvageable.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are numerous ways to update your wardrobe on a budget. Of course, the best way to do it is to wait for sales and discounts. However, if you want to change your style faster or need a quick fix, you can use other methods. You can either find coupons, thrift your way through, or reform your clothes.
You can also shop off-season. This method requires some patience, especially if you’re after a specific item. But if you’re willing to wait until the new collection comes out, you can score great deals and low prices. Lastly, there is repairing your old stuff. Even if you don’t have a sewing machine, you can still fix basic damage or add some DIY details to your clothes.
Now that you know how to update your wardrobe on a budget, it’s time to put that knowledge into action. Have fun!