We might be in the dog days of summer, but fall is just around the corner! This is a good time to stock your closet with new wardrobe pieces for autumn. If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to miss out on new clothes for the season — you just have to shop smart.
Consider these tips to get those Instagram-worthy outfits while keeping your wallet happy.
Use Cash Back Program
Waiting for sales can mean missing out on an item you really wanted for fall. But what if you simply can’t afford to pay full price? Try a cashback program like Rakuten. You can shop online or in-store, then submit your receipt for a percentage of your purchase price back in cash. Some stores offer up to 10% back, which is an amazing deal! With discounts from all types of stores, you can get new shoes, clothes, accessories, beauty products, home decor, and more for way less than full price.
Shop Vintage
Are you looking for unique pieces no one else will have? Check out some local vintage shops. Though it may take a bit of digging, you’re bound to find an outfit that suits your style perfectly that you can’t find anywhere else. Because the clothes are gently used, shopping vintage is easier on your bank account, too. Use those savings to get your pieces altered to look even more amazing for those fall outfit-of-the-day photos.
Consider a Personal Loan
If your wardrobe needs a total overhaul, consider taking out a personal loan from companies like SkyCap Financial and others. SkyCap Loans offer an easy application process and affordable payments so you can boost your fall clothing budget.
Sell Your Old Clothes
One helpful way to free up space in your closet and add a few more dollars to your shopping budget is to sell old clothes you don’t wear anymore. Go through pieces that don’t fit or you haven’t worn in a while and list them on platforms like Poshmark or Thredup. You could take anywhere from a few dollars for accessories to upwards of $100 for pieces from high-end brands. That’s a lot of money that’s just sitting in your closet!
Consider Cost per Wear
When you’re trying to decide if a piece is worth the price, calculate the cost per wear. To do it, think of how often you’d wear the item and divide the cost by that number. For instance, you may be hesitant to buy a black cashmere sweater because it has a high price tag. But because it’s cozy and neutral, you would wear it a lot and therefore, it would cost very little per year. On the other hand, a pair of brightly-colored floral print pumps might only be worn once or twice, so even if they’re cheaper outright, they may not be as economical a purchase.
As the cute fall clothes start to hit store windows, it may be hard to stick to a budget. However, using tools like reselling apps and cashback sites can help you keep both your wallet and your closet full.