Clothes shopping can be fun and exciting, but it can also be expensive and frustrating if you don’t plan it well. To ensure that your next shopping trip isn’t one where you come home with nothing feeling disappointed, you need to learn what you can do to change this. Here are some tips to make your next shopping trip more enjoyable and successful.
Set a clothes budget
You should always set a budget before you go clothes shopping, or you risk spending much more than you expected. Set a realistic clothing budget and make sure that you stick with it. The budget planner by financial expert Pete Dunn recommends that you should spend no more than 5% of your monthly take-home salary on clothes.
Hunt in the sales
Most popular stores offer clothing sales and clearances throughout the year, especially around Black Friday and the holidays. Buying discounted clothes can save you huge amounts of money, so try to plan your next shopping trip around the sales. Check out this blog for tips to successfully shop a sales rack.
Going through clearance racks takes more time, but you can find some fantastic bargains, so it’s worth the extra effort. Sign up to receive newsletters from your favorite clothing stores. That way, you’ll be the first to know when sales and clearances are being released. Some stores also give their best customers exclusive access to sales and discounts.
Look for versatile pieces
You might be tempted to buy the trendiest pieces advertised in your local clothing store, but you should remember that high-trend items go out of fashion quickly. It is much more budget-friendly to invest in high-quality, versatile pieces that will give you years of wear.
Look for items that can be mixed and matched and worn in different seasons. For example, midi dresses can be worn during the summer and also in the colder months when paired with boots and a coat.
Have a cooling-off period
When you buy something, don’t take the labels off straight away just in case you change your mind. Try the item on again at home and pair it with some of your existing clothes to check how you feel about it.
If you decide that you no longer want the item, then you can usually return it to the store within 30 days of purchase, as long as you have a receipt and it’s in a resaleable condition. Remember that you should only spend money on new clothes that you love and will actually wear. If you’re unsure or have a change of heart, then it’s best to take it back.
Shop with a friend
Some people prefer to shop alone, but shopping with a friend can make your clothes shopping much more fun and enjoyable. It also means that you can get a second opinion on what clothes look the most flattering and stylish on you. Make a day of it and plan to go for a nice lunch or have a few cocktails with your friend once you’ve finished shopping.
These tips will help you save time, stay within budget, and find new clothing items that you love.
