The weight loss journey is not an easy one, but it does come with some rewards. One of the significant benefits is the opportunity to shop for new clothes that fit your body better!
If you are on a tight budget, this can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are ways to shop affordably! Here are some tips and tricks to help you build a wardrobe after losing weight without breaking the bank.
Borrow or Trade Clothes
This is a good tip for those on a strict budget and still want to dress fashionably. Chances are, you know someone in your social circle that may not have the same style as you but might be willing to trade clothes or lend them out without asking anything in return.
If this isn’t an option, you can also borrow clothes through a service like Rent the Runway or The Girl’s Closet. This is another option for those on a strict budget, but it may not be easy to find someone who will trade with you.
You could try looking up local organizations in your area that provide clothing services at no cost and see if they have anything available. There are also plenty of organizations that offer clothes to people in need and those who can’t afford them on their own.
Take Your Time
One of the most common mistakes people make when shopping for clothes is buying what they like and hoping it will fit. Usually, this leads to extended time in dressing rooms. The best way to avoid that problem is by taking your time before you shop. This includes looking at different stores and trying on clothing items as a general idea of your size and what styles may work for your body type.
If you have a limited budget, it’s better to buy cheaper items that fit well than expensive clothes in the wrong size – this way, if they don’t work out, you won’t feel as bad about getting rid of them or spending money on alterations. This approach will also allow you to see what sizes work best for your body type.
The time it takes before buying clothes will help avoid the cycle of bulking up and then cutting back down. Stick with budget-friendly items that are flattering on your body type, even if it means waiting a few months before shopping again.
Create a ‘Capsule Wardrobe’
A capsule wardrobe is a carefully curated selection of high-quality items that work well together. It’s an investment in quality and versatility. It means you’ll never have to worry about what to wear again. When done right, the number of pieces needed will range from 25 – 30 for women and 15 – 20 for men, though no rule says you have to stick with these numbers.
If you’re a newbie to the game of fashion, start with five pieces, including Shirts for women. When more funds are available, slowly build your wardrobe by buying one or two additional pieces each month until you have all of the basics covered.
Evaluate what still needs filling in and repeat this process for as long as necessary, usually about every six months. You can accomplish this by investing in versatile items such as a tailored suit for work and jeans on the weekends, though there are many other ways of building your wardrobe too.
Splurge on Classic Pieces
Splurge for a classic wardrobe staple, like skinny straight-leg jeans. The investment will be worth it in the long run because these styles are timeless and can work with both high-end or more casual looks.
If saving money is your goal, consider investing in basics such as black turtleneck sweaters, knitwear, plain white tees (great for layering), and black leggings. Many women find that they have great success with thrift store shopping because most of the time, you can get a good deal on pieces in style or fashionable classics.
Some people also use sites like eBay to buy clothing from their favorite stores as an affordable alternative to purchasing new ones. Shop at your favorite stores and use the discount codes or coupons that they offer to buy staples.
If you’re unsure what color or size clothes to get, go with a medium for most items like skirts, pants, shirts, and others. This way, if it doesn’t fit as well as you want, then you can always return it for a different size.
Download Shopping Apps for the Bargain Hunt
The first thing to do is research what you want or need in your wardrobe. Then, consider the price point and if it’s within your budget, consider these tools:
- ShopStyle – This app holds a vast selection of clothing, including designer brands that can help you find specific sizes and styles from designers like Valentino, Michael Kors, or Anne Klein. The app provides the prices of items, and you can keep track of your favorites, too!
- The Hunt – This is an excellent alternative to ShopStyle for finding designer brands at low prices. They have tons of sales every day on clothes already reduced in price from retailers like Nordstrom Rack or Tobi.
- The Outnet – Similar to The Hunt, this app has tons of designer clothes at discount prices. It’s a great way to stay in the loop on what is available when it comes to outlets and deals!
- Ssense – This app features some of the latest trends by famous designers like Saint Laurent or Balmain.
Download These Browser Extensions for Quick Discounts
PriceBlink: Get alerts when prices change, coupons and sales pop up on your favorite retailers’ sites, for Windows or Mac OS X browsers only. Priceblink is free for desktop users but charges $14/monthly – $49/yr (depending on the plan) for mobile app versions, offering alerts for price changes.
RetailMeNot: Get alerts on the latest discounts, promos, and deals from retailers you love delivered to your inbox or browser extension (available for Firefox, Chrome, and Safari). Retailmenot is free but does offer paid “premium” services.
Google Shopping Express: A personal shopping service from Google. Shop, get deliveries, and return all for free!
ShopSavvy: Get alerts on coupons as they happen via browser or mobile app (iOS only). The Chrome extension is a one-time $0.99 payment, while the iOS app requires an in-app purchase of pro features to be enabled, which are not necessary.
Check Out These Stores for Staples and Sales
Macy’s clearance section: They often run great deals at the end of the season, or you might find good deals on things that are out of style.
H&M: This is a good bet if you’re not sure what size to get and want cheaper clothes than the JCPenney outlet store. They often have sales too!
TJ Maxx for designer brands at discounted prices like BCBG, Ralph Lauren, and Express. They also have designer shoes for great prices. For budget-friendly brands like Old Navy or Gap: try outlet stores in the mall too!
Check out your local thrift store for some good finds on clothes that are trendy this season–you might be surprised with what you find! Always keep an eye out for coupons. If you want to splurge on something, try budget-friendly but gorgeous brands such as Madewell or Anthropologie.
Nordstrom Rack – designer apparel and accessories from contemporary labels at the lowest prices! Check back often for new deals every day because they cut discounts up to 70% off every day.
Nicole Miller Atelier – for affordable, high-quality designer clothing and accessories that stay on-trend. The best part is their customer service doesn’t skip a beat–you can call them or chat online with them about returns.
The advice given in this post will help break down the barriers preventing you from pursuing a wardrobe of your dreams. With these tips, your wardrobe and finances are not likely to impede long-term success regarding weight loss. Hope this has been helpful!
