We all need that perfect outfit for the party, lounging around the house on a Saturday morning, going to the school play, or working in the garden. Our kids need just as many, if not more, clothes than we do. The average family of 3 spends about $1800 on clothes every year. That is a lot. If you have more people in your family than that, it can really add up. Fortunately, it is very easy to lower your clothing expenses, if you know where and when to shop. You don’t have to sacrifice style or name-brand clothes either. Besides, bargain-hunting for clothing can be SO fun! I love finding that perfect piece for my wardrobe or that I know my daughter will just love. It’s an adventure. Here are some of my favorite places to score great clothes at rock-bottom prices.
1. Garage Sales
The best way to lower clothing costs is to frequent garage sales. You can score great deals here. Children’s clothes, especially, are always plentiful. If you buy the bulk of your clothes here, you can save hundreds. Look for quality clothing at great prices. If it isn’t the quality or the price you want to pay, move on. You will always find another item to consider. Only buy shoes at $1.00 a pair or less. Pants and shirts should go never go for more than $2.00. For $5.00 or less, you can get fancy dresses, suits, and nice jackets. If the sale offers clothes by the bag, you can really score a deal, because you should be able to get a bag of clothes for $5.00 – $7.00. If they aren’t offering a bag deal, ask for one.
2. Consignment Stores
Next to garage sales, the next best place to get inexpensive clothing is at consignment shops and thrift stores. Consignment shops generally carry name brand clothing at 50-75% off retail prices. The clothing is barely used and some pieces even have original price tags (NEVER been worn). To make it an even better deal, when your kids outgrow clothes or you have worn that shirt one-too-many times, you can bring it back to the shop for a store credit. Thrift stores can be tricky, but you can still score great deals. Look for stores in upscale neighborhoods and check the racks often. Also, keep your eyes open for sales. They frequently have sales on clothing, and when they do, you’ll want to go see if they have anything good.
3. Clearance
Clearance racks are an amazing treasure trove. Clothing goes on clearance all the time. You could buy almost all your clothing off the clearance racks and have plenty of clothes. Don’t forget online clearance! Also, it’s rare, but stores will allow you to use discounts or deals clearance clothes too, and this will SERIOUSLY cut your costs in half. If you can’t use coupons or other deals, you can usually still get around it by signing for a store credit card. With this contract, you first purchase (or maybe more) will be entitled to a 10-20% discount, regardless of whether they are on clearance. If you don’t want to worry about the card, simply go home and cancel it right away (after paying the bill)!
4. Store Sales
Never buy clothes when they aren’t on sale. Stores generally have huge sales around the holidays. Now, I’m not just talking about Black Friday and Christmas sales. Think 4th of July, Labor Day, Valentine’s Day, etc. Stores will often offer 20-40% off their entire stock during these holiday sales. Be sure and sign-up for emails from all your favorite stores. They will alert you to all their sales and even send you coupons. Sometimes, they have online only sales.
Clothes don’t have to be expensive. You can have a great wardrobe for you and your family on a budget. The less money you spend on clothing, the more you have for other things. Have fun hunting for clothes and be sure not to spend more than you need to!!! You can never have too many clothes. Your only problem will be washing, but that’s another topic…
Jennifer Folsom spends her free time writing, shopping & frequenting www.lifeinsurancequotes.org.
