I get it, even while on a tight budget some of us just can’t help but shop. So, if you’re going to shop no matter what, you might as well try to get as much as you can while spending as little as you can. Working in an office setting five days a week, it’s fun to change up your outfits every week and not wear the same boring stuff all the time. Here are my tips on How to Shop for Clothes on a Budget!

Stick to a budget

The most important thing to shop for clothes on a budget is creating a budget and sticking to it. Whether you have $50 a week, a month, etc. don’t break your budget.

Shop with cash

A great way to stick to your budget is by paying with cash. Paying with cash makes it easier than using a debit or credit card because you can see exactly how much you’re spending.

Plan what you need/ know what you have

If you are planning on going on a shopping trip, plan exactly what you need and know what you have. Go through your closet plan out what you can add to your collection and outfits you know you will wear it with. This is especially important if you want to shop a little bolder. Whether you want to buy bright red shoes or a bright purple blazer, try to find at least 3-5 outfits in your closet you can wear them with. Otherwise, you won’t get your money’s worth. It’s also important to know what you have, as well. If you already have a sweater at home the same color or style of another one you found, is it worth getting this one? It’s a nightmare going through your closet every so often and finding it cluttered with clothes that all look the same.

Start with the essentials/ staples

If you’re shopping on a budget, start with all the essentials and staples first. This way, you know everything you buy and have, you’re going to use. You can read my 11 Business Casual Wardrobe Essentials post to get an idea of what basics you may need.

Classics are better

A classic wardrobe is the best wardrobe for any girl on a budget. Certain styles and looks never go out of style.

Stick with brands/ stores you like

Stick with the brands and stores that you know and love. H&M is one of my favorite stores to shop for work clothes. I know how the clothes fit me, and I know the quality of their clothes. This also makes it easier to shop online in the sales tab with all of their clothing going on sale or clearance.

Dress versatile/ don’t dress seasonally

Try not to buy too many things seasonally. If you’re out shopping during summer, grab the cute polka dot or striped dress instead of the floral or banana leaf print so that it can be worn all year round. Just like in tip 3, only buy something that you can wear with a decent number of outfits that you will actually wear.

By starting with the essentials and shopping for versatile pieces, you essentially create a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a wardrobe full of essential and versatile items, so they can be worn throughout all seasons, that you can mix and match with different pieces to create a more substantial looking wardrobe essentially.

Always try things on before you buy

I hate trying things on in the store. I don’t know why I do, but I wanted to avoid it at all costs. This created a bad habit of me finding something I like, not trying it on, and just telling myself that if it doesn’t fit or I don’t like, I’ll return it. Let me tell you something, nine times out of 10; I don’t return it. If you can avoid cluttering your closet and wasting money on clothes you’ll never wear, why not just do it? Once I had to start shopping for work clothes, I tried to make a habit of trying on everything I buy, and guess what? I wear everything that’s in my closet!

Thrift

Thrifting clothes is probably the biggest money-saving tip when it comes to shopping. I love going to Goodwill and finding super cute clothes for super cheap. Thrifting clothes is also great for the environment, which is a nice bonus!

Shop during offseason

I like to advise against shopping sprees, but if that’s more of your shopping style, shopping during the offseason when everything is going on sale or clearance.

Honey/ iBotta

I swear by Honey and ibotta. Not just for clothes, but anything. I especially love to use ibotta for my grocery shopping.

If you’re anything like me, you’re going to find a way to shop and to keep adding pieces to your closet. I mean nothing makes an office (or just everyday life) more boring than wearing the same old outfits all the time.

I hope you enjoyed my How to Shop for Clothes on a Budget post. Let me know in the comments if any of these money-saving tricks worked for you. Happy shopping!