SET UP SHOPPING STRATEGIES
When you’re on a tight budget, you can’t just buy random items on impulse.  Here’s the plan I usually follow: twice a year (spring and fall), I read fashion magazines and browse in stores (without buying yet) to get an idea of what is in fashion, and how much it costs.  Then I check my closet at home to see what I already have, and identify a few key pieces that would update my wardrobe for the season, and also decide what colors I need.  I set a budget for these items. Then I wait…until the season is underway and there are some clearance sales.  That’s when I hit the shops or go online and search for what I need.

SALE, SALE, SALE
Okay, we all like sales.  But wait for the best ones.  20% off is not
enough.  Look for 50% off sales, and scour clearance racks which are
sometimes as much as 80% off regular price.  But don’t waste your
money on something that doesn’t suit you, no matter how little it
costs.  And by the way, pay cash.  Credit cards will tempt you to
overspend.

SMART AND SMARTER BARGAINS
Check out the Mr. Cheap Stuff coupons to save extra at Smart Bargains
and at Overstock.com.  Both sites are excellent places to find name
brand and designer clothes at low prices.  Remember to check these
sites fairly often because the product offerings and available sizes
always change.

Get Smart Bargains Coupons
Get Overstock.com Coupons

SAVE MORE WITH COUPON CODES
Before you buy online, see Mr. Cheap Stuff’s long list of coupon codes
to enter at checkout, and save.

Save With Mr. Cheap Stuff Coupons

SWAP MEET
Invite your friends to bring all the clothes they don’t want anymore.
Then have fun swapping clothes and accessories.  Whatever is left
over, donate to a thrift store and get a receipt to use for tax
deductions.

SECONDHAND
Thrift and consignment shops can yield amazing treasures.  Sometimes
you can find clothes that were never even worn, with the tags still
on!  Even if you cannot find clothes in your size, there are always
accessories.  A scarf or pair of earrings will cost only a couple of
bucks at a thrift shop, and will give your outfit a new look.

SEW OR MAKE IT YOURSELF
Sewing your own clothes is not much of a bargain anymore, thanks to
the proliferation of cheap imported clothing.  But you can still
employ your skill with a needle or sewing machine to liven up your
wardrobe.  You can shorten or narrow skirts and pants, or add
decorative buttons, ribbons or bows.

BRAND NAME OUTLETS
Many brand name designers have retail outlets that sell their products at fraction of the cost it would sell for in their regular stores.  Just don’t get carried away when shopping at outlet stores because everything is so cheap it’s easy to buy items that you will rarely ever use.   

BUY OUT OF SEASON
Retailers often greatly reduce the prices at the end of a buying season to make room for new merchandise.  To take advantage of these price reductions try to look for summer clothing in August, spring sportswear in June, and winter clothing in March, etc. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr