I love clothes and there’s no doubt about it. In my free time, you can probably catch me online shopping or tracking where my package is. However, my love for clothes clashes with my broke college student budget. It’s taken a while, but I can confidently say that I’ve learned the tricks of the trade to save money on clothes. 

Online thrifting

Whenever I’ve wanted a specific clothing item that I couldn’t find at a brick-and-mortar thrift store, I online thrift it. Online shopping platforms such as Depop, Mercari and Poshmark make it easy and fast to buy the piece of clothing you’ve been eyeing. Plus, many sellers are willing to negotiate prices, so there’s a chance you can get an item for way less than retail price. 

Learning to sew 

Sewing may seem intimidating at first, but it’s my go-to solution for repairing clothes or altering them. There’s no need to buy an expensive sewing machine or go to a tailor once you get down a few basic stitches. It’s also an affordable way to save your clothes, since you can find a sewing kit at the dollar store! 

Shopping during the off-season or the end of the season 

The best time to find the lowest prices on clothes is at the end of a season or during the off-season. Retailers mark down clothes significantly to make room for the new season’s items. If you stock up on clothes at the end of a season, you won’t find yourself paying the big bucks and competing with other shoppers when that season comes around again. 

DIY-ing old clothes

Doing it yourself isn’t everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to clothing, but it’s a great way to customize your closet and fill it with unique pieces. Whether it’s making a simple cut and cropping that tee or embroidering flowers on your shoes, DIY-ing your old clothes is a great way to turn them into something new that you’ll love. 

Checking for sales frequently

Don’t you hate it when you realize you missed out on a good sale? Checking my favorite brands’ websites and Instagram pages frequently has been a lifesaver when it comes to taking advantage of a sale. Sales are common around holidays, but sometimes happen at random times. If you’re lucky, some retailers will even give out special discount codes on their social media pages when they’re having a sale.

Shopping for clothes doesn’t have to break the bank. With these tips, your wardrobe will be filled with cute clothes and your bank account will be thanking you at the same time. That sounds like a win-win situation to me!