Be Wise and Save

Some items continue to decrease in cost, especially electronics. Clothes, though, seem to just keep going up. To keep the shirt on your back without breaking the bank, there are a number of things you can do.

First, be reasonable about what you need. Most people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time, which means you really don’t need that much. You might want more, but you probably don’t need a lot.

Another helpful idea is to calculate just how much each item you want to purchase costs in relation to your hourly wage. For instance, if you make $15 an hour, that snazzy new shirt that retails for $75 will be the equivalent of your working five hours. Seen in this light, is it really worth it? By using this quick calculator, you’ll be amazed at what you suddenly don’t need to buy.

Be aware of the stores that consistently carry styles and brands that work well for you. Then, watch for sales and coupons. If you do see an item that is more expensive, go ahead and purchase it, and then build multiple outfits around it with more inexpensive items. Multiple coordinating items are key to a clothing budget, no matter what any one piece costs.

It’s also good to understand that more expensive, quality items can sometimes save you money. If good shoes cost $90 but will last many years, they’re the better deal over the $30 bargain shoes that last one year. But, stay away from expensive items that are overly trendy. If you could wear those shoes five years but only want to wear them one year, the whole concept goes out the window.

Another good tool is to comparative shop online. If you know exactly what you need, you can shop before hitting the stores and know exactly where to find the best deal. Web sites like MySimon.com show a specific item at various stores, along with the price each store is currently charging.

Also, don’t be shy to use thrift stores and consignment stores. Most communities offer at least one good consignment store, and the popular Plato’s Closet, which sells lightly used designer clothing, is popping up around the country. Also, online discount stores like ChristaBellesCloset.com, which is a consignment store, and Bluefly.com, which sells designer duds at a discount, are sometimes worth a look. Just be wary when shopping online that some items need to be tried on to know if it’s really for you. You can always send online items back, but you usually have to pay the shipping, which can mount up if you send almost everything back.

Probably the main tip in clothing shopping is to be wise. Always ask the important questions: Do I need it? Will I wear it enough to make the price worth it? If I buy it, what do I already own that can be worn with it? By continually asking these key questions no matter who in your family you’re shopping for, you’ll help keep your clothing budget in line.