Small wardrobe tweaks can save you hundreds. These five shopping habits help you build better outfits while spending less on clothes that actually work.
January, the time of resolutions and refreshes! There’s something about taking the Christmas tree down that makes me ready to hard-launch spring. I want to redecorate the house, wear summer dresses, and plan a tropical vacation! But…it’s just barely winter. And my bank account isn’t exactly house renovation-ready. Same for the tropical vacation. :)
I can, however, start playing around with my closet and pulling out some spring-y shades to start incorporating into my outfits. And, I can take full advantage of the clearance section when I shop! Which led me to think, what are some ways to actually save more on what I wear this year? There are actually quite a few things I do that help, and they might help you too!
These are definitely not extreme minimalist tactics or complicated capsule wardrobe rules. These are more practical shopping habits that will help stop the cycle of buying new clothes that sit in your closet unworn, so you have more room (and money!) for the things that you love-and wear!
5 Style Habits that Will Save You Money this Year
Practical tips that are easy to incorporate, with a big impact on your wallet!
1. Stop buying “almost right” items
The “almost right” purchase might be the biggest budget killer you (and I) use. You know how it goes: you find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly in the waist, but they’re the wrong length. The sweater has the neckline that is so flattering on you but the color is just not the right shade. The skirt is adorable but just a little too snug when you sit down. So, you buy the item, take it home, and then it sits in your closet with the tags still on. Maybe you convince yourself you’ll take it to the tailor. Maybe you think if you just had some other magical item, it would make it all work. The reality is, you probably aren’t going to wear it.
Items that aren’t quite right never get worn, which means you spent money on something that holds zero value to your wardrobe. The fit is uncomfortable, the color makes you feel washed out, the style isn’t what you envisioned, etc., etc., etc.
Buying something almost right, just means that you’ll be back soon to find the right version of that item. So now, you’ve paid for the same item twice! Your closet fills up while your bank account empties.
Does waiting for the *right* item take patience? Yes. But you can do it! Your outfits and your checking account will thank you!
Unless it’s something actually fixable, like something a tailor can fix, AND you’ll actually take it to get fixed, just let the item go. It’s not meant to be. :)
2. Build outfits before buying new pieces
You saw the cutest (fill in the blank) online and you’re just ITCHING to click buy. Hold on just a moment, friend, and ask yourself a few questions.
Walk to your closet or dresser and look at the pieces you already own that you’d wear with that potential new purchase. This one little habit can reveal whether you’re about to make a smart investment or create another lonely item that doesn’t go with anything else you own.
The gorgeous plaid sweater is great, until you realize you have no pants or skirt that match. Now that sweater purchase means you’re looking at buying something else just to make it wearable.
This little closet consult also works in reverse and may reveal you don’t actually need that new item at all. You might discover the white button-down you’re about to buy is nearly identical to the two other white button-downs you forgot you owned. (Haven’t we all found our own clothes similar to the new ones we just had to have? Or is that just me?) Or you’ll realize that the skirt you just knew would work with the new red sweater you had your eye on has a big hole in it and isn’t wearable at all.
The savviest of shoppers (which is what you’re going to be!) ask themselves some questions before committing to a new article of clothing:
1) Do I have at least one way (or more!) to wear this piece with items I already own? If not, think about how much money you’re willing to commit to this specific item. The more different ways you can style something, the better!
2) Will you realistically wear this item? Or is it a “if I were someone else I’d wear this” type of purchase? Buying a sequined skirt can be fun, but if you spend 100% of your time in yoga pants, you really need to take a pause and see if it’s a wise investment. :) No special occasion? No special occasion purchases.
3) Shoes! Do you own shoes that will work with this item? Needing new footwear to make an outfit work can double or triple the real cost.
3. Shop for complete outfits, not individual items
First, let me be clear, this is not how I shop. BUT, I, well, shop for a living. I love and live fashion, I know my closet, I know what works for me and my own personal style. If this describes you, skip #3.
Most people reading my blog, however, are here because shopping is not your strong suit and you don’t feel confident in your outfit-building skills, which is totally fine! (You’ve got other strengths, I know!) I’m talking to you here. :)
Shopping for individual pieces because they’re pretty or on sale can lead to a closet full of items that don’t work together or well for you. Shopping for a whole new outfit makes sure everything has a purpose and partner(s).
This shopping approach can completely change how you move through a store. Instead of grabbing items that catch your eye, you shop with specific outfit formulas in mind. Maybe you need a casual weekend outfit for running errands or kids’ sports-watching. You’re looking for a top, bottom, and shoe combination that all works together. You don’t buy the top unless the bottom and shoes also make the cut. Maybe you already OWN the bottom and shoes, but since you utilize tip #2, you already know this!
The Outfit Formula Strategy
Start by identifying situations in your life that need outfit solutions. Maybe you could use a couple of casual weekend looks, one dressier option for dinners out, and then three professional work outfits. Write down the specific components of each outfit. Now, you’re not tempted buy the random loungewear set or flouncy skirt because that’s not what you’re shopping for. If it doesn’t fit one of the planned outfit formulas, it stays on the rack.
This approach also helps you know when to stop shopping. Once your outfits are complete, you’re done! Your wardrobe has what it needs to function in your actual life, which is super savvy of you!
4. Embrace second-hand shopping without hesitation
Any stigma that exists around second-hand clothing disappears the second you find a pair of designer shoes for $10. (Says the girl with a pair of Ferragamo shoes I never ever would have bought otherwise.)
Thrift shops, consignment shops, and online resale platforms off the exact same brands and styles available in regular retail stores, just at a fraction of the price.
Better quality clothes and wardrobe staples that are built to last don’t deteriorate after one owner. A well-made wool coat, leather handbag, or cashmere sweater can serve multiple people across many years. And buying these items secondhand means you get great higher quality items at mid-range prices, which stretches your budget without buying lower quality new items that will need to be replaced quickly. I also don’t feel as guilty buying “fast fashion” pieces when I find them second-hand. Now I’m just saving something from a landfill.
Where to find the best secondhand pieces
- Local thrift stores. Best for basics like denim and casual tops, prices are low but you’ll have to sort and fight the teens who are also shopping. Pretty sure every time I see my teenage nephews they are dressed entirely in thrifted clothes!
- Consignment shops: Curated selection of higher-end pieces that have already been vetted for quality and condition. Prices are higher than thrift store but still well below retail.
- Online resale platforms: Places like Poshmark, Thredup, Mercari, etc. offer great selection with the ability to filter for sizes, brands, and style. Shipping costs add to the price but the convenience and inventory more than make up for it. Plus, online shopping means you can shop from bed! Want to take a stab? I’d say the best way to start is browsing Poshmark, you might be surprised at what you find!
- Estate sales: Great for vintage pieces and classic items. Prices can vary wildly so this is usually more of a fun activity that might end in finding something good.
- Social Media: Facebook marketplace, Facebook groups, Instagram accounts, etc. Tons of clothing swap/buy/sell groups exist and you can find great items! A few pieces I’ve purchased in the last few months from buy/sell groups include:
- gently used Tory Burch bag for less than a 1/4 of the original price
- gently used Trina Turk wool coat for less than 1/4 of the original price
- 5 pairs of ankle boots (brands included Kate Spade, Sam Edelman, Madewell, etc.) for $80 total.
- gorgeous Michael Kors sweater for $20
Shopping secondhand is great for the environment, great for your budget, and makes you appreciate special pieces you find and love! Always a good deal. :)
5. Calculate the cost per wear before checkout
Cost of clothes doesn’t equal the item cost. Let me explain. The price tag may tell you the price of an item, but it doesn’t actually tell you what an item costs. The real cost is the price divided by the number of times you’ll wear it.
A $200 full price pair of boots you wear three times a week for five years costs pennies per wear. A $40 trendy top you wear twice before it goes out of style costs you $20 a wear. The boots ended up being a better investment despite the price upfront.
Cheap prices and clearance items can feel like wins in the moment, but items that don’t last or don’t get worn are a waste of money, regardless of how little you paid! Price doesn’t always indicate the best deals! A simple way to fix this? Cost per wear!
How to project wear count
Estimating how many times you’ll actually wear something requires you to get honest about your habits and lifestyle. Consider how many times you’ve worn something similar that’s already in your closet. If you own three black dresses and rarely reach for any of them, buying a fourth black dress isn’t suddenly going to change your behavior. This is a great way to waste money!
Think about care requirements and whether you’ll actually follow through. Dry cleaning or hand-wash-only pieces get worn less frequently because of the follow-up care required.
Project the lifespan of the item. If you’re an elementary school teacher who is hard on jeans (finger paints, and all), investing in designer denim may not be your best bet! On the other hand, a $40 easy to wash cardigan that you can throw over everything you wear is an easy “yes”. A lot of wear means
The cost-per-wear calculator also reveals when it makes sense to buy higher-quality (and usually higher-priced) versions of items you wear frequently. Spending $150 on black dress pants for your office job that you’ll wear weekly for years, beats buying $40 pants that need replacing every few months. The expensive pants cost less in the long run (with years of use) – and look better the entire time you own them.
*The exception! If you need new work pants and have a tight budget, stick to your budget. A $20 pair of black pants for now is better than hundreds on credit cards you’ll have to deal with later. Hit your consignment stores, find your coupon codes, and get something that works for now, without putting you in the red!
These style habits work because they address the real reasons most clothing budgets spin out of control. Start with one or two changes that feel the most relevant to your current shopping patterns and see how they go. Maybe you’re a chronic “almost-right” buyer, or perhaps outfit planning is your biggest struggle. Pick your weak spot and focus there first. As these habits become more automatic, your closet will fill will pieces you actually wear and require less buying! The goal isn’t perfection from day one, just progress towards smarter buying decisions that serve both your style and budget.
Your wardrobe should make your life easier and your mornings simpler, not drain your budget while leaving you frustrated. These habits put you back in control of both your closet and your spending, and what a good idea for the start of a new year! Every time you walk away from an almost-right item or plan an outfit before buying, you’re investing in a wardrobe that actually works for you. Plus, what you save isn’t just dollars in your account, it’s time and freedom from the cycle of buying and regretting. You deserve a closet full of pieces you love and a bank account that supports your other goals and priorities.
And if you still need help building that wardrobe or figuring out the type of pieces that work specifically for your body type and lifestyle? Don’t hesitate to reach out! I’ve got decades of experience helping men and women build their closets, all while saving them a lot of money in the long run!
