8 Simple Ways to Get Great Deals on New Clothes

 

As many of you know,  I have no problem buying clothes second hand.  I buy the majority of the children’s clothes from consignment stores or seasonal consignment sales, and I’ve started doing the same for myself and Kev.  I love looking at thrift stores and yard sales too, although I don’t get to do it nearly as often as I’d like.  For some reason, the thought of dragging the kids with me while I plow through thrift stores doesn’t always sound so enjoyable.  🙂

But, if I’m totally honest with you, I’d much rather buy my clothes brand new.  I get a total thrill out of clipping the tags off myself and knowing I am the first person to wear the item.  While I love the idea of buying all my clothes brand new, these days I can’t spend $50 for a shirt and $100 for a pair of jeans.  Maybe I just have expensive taste!  🙂

Here’s the thing.  It might take more effort and planning, but I’ve finally realized that it is totally possible to score some great deals on brand new clothes.  If you start implementing a few of the ideas below, I can almost guarantee you will find that new clothes don’t always have to cost you an arm and a leg.

1.  Buy ahead

Clothing stores are always looking ahead.  While we are in the heat of summer, they are about to unveil their new Autumn line and when there is still snow outside on the ground, they are revealing their Spring lines.  That’s just the way it is.  What that means for you and I is that we can take advantage of some great sale prices by buying clothing ahead {for next year} at the end of the seasons.

This article explains it well.  It explains why now {July} is a great time for me to be buying summer clothes for next year and you can usually get coats for a great price in January!

2.  Be patient

Sometimes you see something super cute at the mall and you just HAVE TO HAVE IT.  I totally get that and I’ve been there many times.  But, being patient can oftentimes score you a better deal than if you just picked it up and bought it right then and there.  Instant gratification is what stores are hoping for {and how they make the most money}, but stalking an item for a little while could land you a better price at the checkout.

3.  Check the sale rack first

I always head straight to the sale rack when I enter a store.  It’s easy to get drawn in to the beautifully merchandised outfits at the front, but I beeline it to the sale rack before I can even get sucked in.  I may not find anything, but at least I know I’ve scanned those discounted items first.

4.  Open a credit card

I’m not an advocate for credit cards and I hate debt with a vengeance.  But, if you can use them responsibly and pay them off each month, then I think there are times when opening up a store credit card can be a great way to save money.  If you are in debt already and the temptation to overspend would be too great, then I would not encourage this one {but, that’s just my opinion}.

I have one store credit card and I decided to open it up because of the perks that came along with being a cardholder.  I often get extra discounts by using it {even on sale items} and I accumulate cash reward coupons when I have spent a certain amount.  I sometimes put car repair bills on my card so I can get cash reward coupons that I can use on clothes.

5.  Sign up for store email lists

My email box fills up quickly, so I can see why people are hesitant to get on any more email lists.  But, I often find out about great sales that stores are running by checking my emails.  I only sign up for email lists at my very favorite stores and though I delete the vast majority of the emails, sometimes I find they are helpful to know when the really great sales are happening {like the Old Navy $1 flip flop sale that happened recently}.

6.  Don’t forget designer discount stores

Sometimes these stores can be overwhelming because you have to do a lot of “digging,” but you can find some great brand name items for a portion of the regular retail price at a department store.  Don’t forget places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross when you are thinking about adding pieces to your closet!  And stores like Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s have some really cute and affordable options too.

7.  Use a coupon or coupon code whenever possible

I get coupons in the mail all the time for clothing stores.  If I haven’t received any in the mail, I will check some of my favorite coupon blogs to make sure I’m not missing out on a coupon that is floating around.  Sometimes, the discounts aren’t that great, but sometimes they can help me get a great deal when combined with other sale prices.  And if I’m shopping online, I always look up online coupon codes {from sites like RetailMeNot} before checkout.

8.  Always be looking

I think this last idea is one of the most important things you can do to find great deals on new clothes.  I used to only look for clothes when I needed something and I’m pretty sure that I always ended up spending more because of it.  I can find much better deals if I shop all year round, rather than when I am in desperate need.  I try to keep a mental list of items I could use and keep my eyes open when I’m out and about.  You never know when you will stumble upon a great deal.

A word of caution:

– Budget for clothing each and every month, whether you think you will need to spend it.
If you stumble upon a great deal, then the money is there and you don’t feel guilty or end up tempted to charge it.  And if you don’t find anything one month, you can just let the money accumulate for when you may need it later.

– Cut it off at some point
Know when enough is enough.  You may see a great deal on a new shirt, but if you have tons of shirts already, then pass.  This is where using cash really helps to keep me in check.  Once the money in my cash envelope is gone for the month, then it’s gone and clothes shopping stops too.

How do you find great deals on brand new clothes?