Clothes can be hard to come by if you don’t have a lot of money to spend. If you want to stay frugal here are a few ideas to take with you along with your money so you don't look like.... I'm sure you can think of a few.

1. Buy Quality - Not expensive clothes necessarily, but quality clothes. Many times quality items aren’t cheap, but their brand is know for it quality. If you are unsure, ask around.

2. Shop Sales - You will want to want to wait more toward the end of the season to buy the items you need for next year. If you are missing a season or two where you live. Keep track of the sales at the stores you regularly go to.

3. Buy Classics – A good white shirt, a classic black dress, Khaki pants, etc. those things never go out of style

4. Buy Second-hand - People gain and loose weight or get tired of an item that is quality. This is where you can pick up some good stuff for pennies on the dollar. Garage sales are also good to go to as well.

5. Buy Look-alikes – If you have to have a certain watch, check out other watches that have a face similar to the more expensive one you want. They may never know, but you will know that you have more money in the bank for it.

6. Swap clothes with others – Have some friends that are about the same size as you? Have a swap time once a month to switch up your wardrobes.

7. Budget your wardrobe – Plan ahead and you will come out ahead when it comes to saving money. Impulse shopping is NEVER a good idea.

8. Choose versatile pieces - Clothing that can be worn in several ways and to several occasions make more sense, practically and financially. A fine, black top can be worn night and day, with all colors and a multitude of textures. A satin, floral patterned kimono wrap — no matter how divine — cannot.

9. Less really is more - Fewer clothes with more style should be the aim of every frugal shopper. Better a small wardrobe of high-quality, timeless and versatile pieces, than a large one crammed full of eclectic, cheap and nasty items.

10. Be the master of accessories - Accessories are an inexpensive way to add interest and style to an outfit. Woman more so than men are able to pull this off, but consider second hand belts, ties, scarves, earrings, etc.

One additional item of creativity would be to see how long you can try to wear one piece of clothing for as long as possible in as many creativity ways as possible - like the Brown Dress Project

6 Comments

  1. na0 // Monday, December 08, 2008 10:40:00 PM  

    this is a great post!
    speaking of articles of clothing that are timeless, oprah had a show a while back that always has stuck with me.

    it was suggested that every woman own at least one of the following items:

    - trent coat in a bright color
    - turtle neck, black or white
    - black trouser
    - tunic
    - white and dark jeans
    - black dress
    - white or dark blue demin jacket
    - black skirt
    - cashmere sweater

    since i have lacked a lot of style, i have been trying to go by this list. and i have also set up a savings account for a new wardrobe budget. instead of buying clothes throughout the year, maybe just buying them once or twice a year would be better for my budget.

  2. FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com // Tuesday, December 09, 2008 6:42:00 AM  

    These are some really great tips!!!

  3. Anonymous // Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:37:00 PM  

    not related to this post but ...
    I was subscribed to the old RSS address and today it suddenly said that the addr changed and gave a replacement - a wrong one.
    So I came here and tried to resubscribe. Please note that the big red RSS button on top right gives articles headers without content, while the bottom link that says "subscribe to posts(atom)" gives feeds with some of the content of each. Just thought you should know.
    Love your blog.

  4. Dawn // Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:56:00 PM  

    Anon~
    Thanks for the info... I have corrected that.

  5. Anonymous // Wednesday, December 10, 2008 6:49:00 AM  

    Um... is my husband going to come out of this dressed like the guy with green suit/orange tie/shoes? I'm so not OK with that.
    Seriously, there are some really awesome thrift stores out there now like Plato's Closet, so I feel like I don't have to sacrifice style for budget!

  6. Anonymous // Thursday, September 06, 2012 4:43:00 AM  

    Learn what clothes and colors flatter you. If you want something fun (like animal print or a bright color) buy it in a purse or shoe. You will get much more use out of them. Go through your closet and consign or donate anything you have not worn for awhile and only replace them with things you love.
    Buy quality shoes- it is worth it. Less is more.
    Remember that just because it is on sale, does not make it a wise purchase.
    Simple, classic, and high quality jewelry is better than a bunch of garbage. Classic gold hoops are always beautiful.