10 Ways to Save Money on Clothes

A few weeks ago I did a post on how to save money while traveling, and it was so well received that I want to introduce money saving tips more often! These are my favorite tips for saving money on clothing. Some may surprise you I think!

Add to your cart and wait

If you’re anything like me, you’ve got dozens of items just sitting in shopping carts all over the internet. Sometimes it’s because I can’t decide if I like something (or want it) but mostly it’s because I really do want it and I can’t justify the price. Here’s the thing, prices almost always drop. Sit tight and wait for stuff to go on sale. Also, some retailers will email you a discount code for the item in your cart (and it’s like wait, are they watching me?) They track when you have an item in your cart (and they know you want it!) and send you a discount code to seal the deal. I have seen Target do this multiple times.

Swap clothes with friends

Back in high school and college, my friends and I would wear each other’s clothes all the time. I would borrow a top from my roommate to go out to “the bars” on a regular basis (oh, 21-year-old Alissa). Trading clothes as an adult is a little more difficult (although not impossible). If you have a special occasion coming up (wedding, event, etc.) I would encourage you to borrow a friend’s dress. Over the last few years, my friends and I have loaned each other white dresses for those bridal moments, and dresses for other special occasions too. You see this a lot with bloggers too if you pay attention. A lot of bloggers are friends and will trade clothes, take photos, and you will see the same thing on both on Instagram.

Re-wear items styled differently

It’s easy to get sick of clothes. Trust me, I get it. But remember that a great pair of jeans or shoes or something can be styled so many ways and literally no one will notice. When I need some inspiration for an item I am sick of, I go on Pinterest. Let’s say you have a pink purse and you are just over it. On Pinterest search ‘pink purse outfit’ and look at how others have styled a pink purse. You might see a pink purse with a red dress and you’ve never thought to style it that way. Suddenly something you weren’t into (or wanted to replace) feels new and exciting. This will save you from purchasing a different purse (or whatever) when you’re out shopping next time.

Sell items on Poshmark or locally

There is a sale in Minneapolis called the Collective Market where anyone can sell their clothes in a pop-up type environment. This is the second time I have done the sale and have made good money both times. This puts more money in your pocket to get some new things. I have also heard great things about selling on Poshmark or Ebay, although I have never done this. It seems like a pretty easy process and pretty lucrative too. Going along with this one, buy things on Poshmark, or Ebay. You can score some good deals if you spend the time to really look!

Follow fashion bloggers whose style you like

This might seem counter-intuitive, but hear me out. When lots of bloggers are raving about the same thing, it really is that good. For example, literally so many bloggers have these jeans and so do I (you can see them here, here, and here!) We all wear them and post about them because they are that good. I promise. If you buy a few pieces each season from a blogger whose style you really like, you will wear them all the time. That’s what we’re here to do! This is better (in my opinion) than going to the mall and buying a dozen things that you’re unsure about and then never wearing them.

Price matching

Nordstrom will price match anything. They will typically show on the website when they have price matched something. For example, if Topshop is selling these jeans for a lower price, Nordstrom will price match the jeans to what the Topshop website has. Or, if you are able to find the item cheaper somewhere yourself (and Nordstrom doesn’t show that on their site), just call them. They will give you the cheaper price.

Buy knock-offs

Sometimes you really want the Gucci. I get it. Gucci is not in the budget. Fret not, because retailers like Target, Amazon, and Shein are selling knock-off designer items all the time. You compromise on quality (of course) but when it’s the trendy item of the season, who really cares? I do ‘save or splurge’ posts on the blog occasionally where I feature a dupe of a designer item at a fraction of the price (I actually did one on a Gucci belt and Gucci shoes!) You can find all those posts by clicking here.

Always (always) use the discount codes

Some retailers will not automatically give the discount code when you add items to your cart. You usually must add it yourself. Never leave these coupon codes on the table. Some retailers use coupon codes on a weekly (or even daily basis). Two that stick out to me are Loft and Old Navy. Never pay full price at these stores because they run so many codes that if you wait even a day you will get the item cheaper.

Don’t pay for shipping

Shipping costs add up, avoid them. Nordstrom always ships for free, which is one of the reasons why I’m such a loyal customer. Other sites (Asos, H&M, Forever 21, etc.) have minimums to get free shipping. I add an item to the order (even if I don’t want it) just to reach the minimum and then I return it to the mall later. Keep in mind that if they charge for shipping, they probably charge for return shipping too, so you’ll want to be able to return it in person. Getting to the mall is convenient for me, but I understand that it’s not for others. So, make sure you look at the fine print, and if you can’t return to the mall this tip maybe isn’t for you.

Check Nordstrom Rack or Marshall’s before paying full price

A lot of items I buy regularly are sold at either Nordstrom Rack or Marshall’s. For example, I buy dry shampoo every few weeks (let’s be honest) and the brands that I like are sold for a few dollars cheaper at Marshall’s. Paying $5 versus $7 adds when you are doing this twice a month. Nordstrom Rack carries a lot of the same items as Nordstrom (obviously). I bought a dress from Nordstrom Rack in the red when it was being sold at Nordstrom in navy. Always check those sites before paying full price somewhere else.

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