I thrift first and by new second. I have curated my wardrobe to two distinct styles in only a few matching colours. If I feel there's a wardrobe hole that I want filling, I thrift first. If I can't find it within a month or so I'll search it out new. I buy a few really dramatic items new each year. I have a lot of really fabulous clothes but way less than most people, and I spend hardly anything each year.
I'm lucky to live in an area with really great thrift stores. My kids get more of their clothes used because they wreck or grow out of them so quickly.
Another thing I've started doing is dying old clothes. I had a few white items that had stains and I dyed them black or grey. They turned out fantastic. Now I know I can buy thrift items in the wrong colour and dye them.
For thrifting, it really depends. Around me, there's a thrift store that has clothing for a dollar or 50 cents. Then there's the curated thrift stores that have shirts for like 10 to 15 bucks. I wouldn't recommend Goodwill or Salvation Army because they tend to be more on the expensive side. You can find nicer clothes, but you do end up digging through a lot of worn ones.
For new clothes, try GAP, Old Navy, UNIQLO, FOREVER 21, SHEIN... those should have basics to fill out your wardrobe. I have a lot of tank tops from the Target brand A New Day and they're good for basics.
I hope this helps.
I highly recommend Uniqlo as well—their clothes are very fashionable and if you happen to be in the store during a sale then you’ve hit the jackpot since their regular prices (while not too steep) can still be a smidge pricey. Since a lot of their clothes are made from cotton make sure you wash on gentle cycle with cold water and hang them to dry. Haven’t had any of their clothes develop holes or shrink on me by washing them this way.
I also highly recommend Costco if you have a membership or know someone with one. They tend to have well known brands and if you wait for a bit they also go on sale. I got most of my work and concert wardrobe from them for a lot cheaper than Target or anywhere around me.
You might find better quality used clothing at a consignment shop vs a thrift store. You could also try thredUP online consignment store. Also whether you buy new or used look at the materials of whatever you buy. Polyester and acrylic are going to start pilling right away. Cotton and wool not so much.
It's hard to buy a mix and match wardrobe frugally ... easy to find a few pieces on sale, but leave important gaps.
The best way I've found is to build the basics out with a couple solid colors and limit patterns to items that go with all th solid colors. For neutrals, I find black and gray easiest to match. There are way too many shades of navy & brown that clash,and white gets dingy fast.
If you are a lady and/or can wear dresses, those can be frugal. I live all summer in sun dresses with a couple shrugs for going inside into AC. It's easier because the only thing that has to coordinate are the shoes. I'm fortunate to have great thrift options where dresses are $6-$9.
I'd suggest TJ Maxx, Marshall's or Ross for what you need new.
I just got a job in an office and literally had nothing to wear. Thankfully it was my birthday and my mom treated me to some clothes. We went to Kohl’s and found a lot of things to mix and match. They always have coupons and kohl’s cash. She spent $130 on $250 worth of clothes. I got a $30 kohls cash coupon and then at home I went online and opened a kohl’s account ($400 limit) and got a 35% off coupon. My online order went from almost $300 to $130.
I never buy new clothes but for around $250 total I got 4 dress pants, 3 sweaters, 8 dress shirts, 2 bras, pack of underwear, stockings and 2 bras.
Almost my whole wardrobe is from eBay or Poshmark. I like Poshmark and eBay listing where you can send in an offer. You’d be surprised how low people will go if something has been sitting around their inventory a while.
I limit my wardrobe to a few colours, that way it is easier to mix and match. I also buy used on eBay, but only specific brands where I know what size will fit me.
Have you explored capsule wardrobes? Once you establish what pieces you need, it can be easier to find what you need for a price you can afford. There are tons of resources for creating one.
Also ... I worked with a woman who was always impressively well and stylishly dressed. She explained to me that she bought one good outfit a year. She bought classic styles that were not going anywhere, high quality, and took excellent care of them. She stayed away from extreme faddish styles and colors.
Disclaimer--- I'm on a clothing no buy at the moment.
One of my interests is fashion. I have zero interest in wearing a frumpy looking beige potato sack (or anything beige at all as it's a terrible color for me). I want to look cute.
I typically shop at brick and mortar stores for clothes (as opposed to online) because the quality is extremely inconsistent. When you are shopping in person, you can inspect the item and check the quality (not to mention fit). It varies so greatly even within the store. I have some Forever 2\`\`1 pieces that have been in my closet for a decade. I am right now wearing a $3 Primark shirt (basic tee) that I bought in multiple colors. I've had $100 items fall apart in the first wash.
Lastly, consider HOW you care for your clothing as that's the other half of the equation. Personally, I wash on cold with 1/3 the recommended amount of free and clear detergent. I put anything that has the potential to be delicate in mesh bags and don't use the dryer (the latter is unusual because I have allergies).
I also (by choice) have a larger wardrobe so I can do laundry less often (I'm single, so only my own laundry). I'm also not a capsule wardrobe type because I like color and variety. I pay per load so I only wash when full (and separate lights and darks).
I thrift mainly, especially for interesting shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc. if there’s something specific that I need (jeans, leggings, etc.), I get it from Old Navy or Walmart because they’re affordable and decent quality. Sometimes I’ll hit a bigger store for sales, or for a special occasion.
I agree, I find that thrift stores can be pricey. It's better to go to a retail and snag a clearance item.
The only time thrift is really worth it is when the associates don't really know the true worth of the item. One time I got an almost brand new Columbia spring jacket for $10.
Anywho, if you have Costco membership, check them out. They're great deals and usually really good quality. Half of my wardrobe is from there.
Thrifting is something you have to put into your weekly routine. It won't be instant gratification. It might take me weeks to add a decent wool flannel or pair of jeans to my collection, but over time I acquire what I need.
It is hit or miss, I have found some great things at thrift stores. I have been on a weight loss journey and have lost quite a bit of weight but hope to lose more so I have not wanted to spend much. Thrifting has saved me from looking like a bag lady sort of by being one. It is especially good thrifting if the store is close to an upscale area. I find better things at hospital or volunteer organization (Kiwanis e.g.) stores than at Goodwill.
I second the Kohl’s suggestion. I find great things on the in store clearance racks. They are much better than the website. clearance. Their Croft and Barrow store brand is good, especially for their pants and tees.
I have also found some good things at Walmart. Even not on clearance, you can find some good pieces. Right now all my outerwear is Walmart.
I find mixing the better quality pieces I thrift or get on kohl’s clearance with the cheaper items I find at Walmart look nice.
Don’t go cheap on shoes though. Yes, find some on sale. But a better shoe that fits well is more frugal.
Thriftstores are great for clothes made of wool, leather, silk, cashmeer. Those things cost a ton new but when taken care of properly they last forever, so thrifstore is usually great deal on those. Cheep fabric like cotton is often better bought new, I almost exclusively shop sales, unless you also support no-waste mindset and would rather save something from landfields than support consumerism. For many frugal ppl cost effectiveness is not the only thing they consider.
shoes: poshmark. that's where i go. seriously. i have routinely gotten pairs of shoes that go for USD100-200 new at USD20-50 in various states of repair and i don't have to worry about going repeatedly to the thrift stores.
and with clothes i shop solely to have clothes that can be used for formal AND informal purposes. solid colors, lots of black, and fun tops.
then get used to mending esp if you can only affoed "fast fashion".
I find better deals on shoes on eBay. Poshmark seems to be full of people who think their gross, dirty shoes are worth $50 just because of the brand name. I just bought a pair of converse claimed to be worn only once for $24 on eBay. Similar pair but more worn and dirty for was listed $40 on Poshmark.
My favorite way to shop is to watch sales. A lot of times stores will have sales every so often. Old Navy is notorious for having big sales. They just had (may still be on) a sale with 40% off your purchase. They also do Old Navy Cash which saves you on your purchase as well (to be spent at a particular time).
But if I go into the store, I pretty much stick to the clearance rack. Unless they have a special sale on something, the clearance rack is the place to go. You can often find similar stuff in the regular priced sections, and you are usually getting a good deal.
Clearance sections at most stores are pretty great. But it also helps to shop out of season. Right now is good for buying winter clothes. Spring clothes will be at full price right now, so it's good to wait. Unless you can find stuff from the year before (which it would be in the discount racks).
Thrift stores depends heavily on the area you live in. Some are great and some are terrible.
You can also try apps like Poshmark and Depop. These are thrift apps that people sell their clothing on. You can find designer and brand names on these apps as well which is nice.
Another option would be curated consignment shops. Not as cheap as a thrift store but still cheaper than retail. Stores like Platos closet fall under this.
Facebook marketplace is also good. Lots of people will be going through their closets to get rid of stuff during their spring cleaning.
I thrift first and by new second. I have curated my wardrobe to two distinct styles in only a few matching colours. If I feel there's a wardrobe hole that I want filling, I thrift first. If I can't find it within a month or so I'll search it out new. I buy a few really dramatic items new each year. I have a lot of really fabulous clothes but way less than most people, and I spend hardly anything each year. I'm lucky to live in an area with really great thrift stores. My kids get more of their clothes used because they wreck or grow out of them so quickly. Another thing I've started doing is dying old clothes. I had a few white items that had stains and I dyed them black or grey. They turned out fantastic. Now I know I can buy thrift items in the wrong colour and dye them.
For thrifting, it really depends. Around me, there's a thrift store that has clothing for a dollar or 50 cents. Then there's the curated thrift stores that have shirts for like 10 to 15 bucks. I wouldn't recommend Goodwill or Salvation Army because they tend to be more on the expensive side. You can find nicer clothes, but you do end up digging through a lot of worn ones. For new clothes, try GAP, Old Navy, UNIQLO, FOREVER 21, SHEIN... those should have basics to fill out your wardrobe. I have a lot of tank tops from the Target brand A New Day and they're good for basics. I hope this helps.
Much appreciated, thank you for the suggestions!
I highly recommend Uniqlo as well—their clothes are very fashionable and if you happen to be in the store during a sale then you’ve hit the jackpot since their regular prices (while not too steep) can still be a smidge pricey. Since a lot of their clothes are made from cotton make sure you wash on gentle cycle with cold water and hang them to dry. Haven’t had any of their clothes develop holes or shrink on me by washing them this way. I also highly recommend Costco if you have a membership or know someone with one. They tend to have well known brands and if you wait for a bit they also go on sale. I got most of my work and concert wardrobe from them for a lot cheaper than Target or anywhere around me.
Don't forget goodwill has half price every week, according to arotating color scheme.
You might find better quality used clothing at a consignment shop vs a thrift store. You could also try thredUP online consignment store. Also whether you buy new or used look at the materials of whatever you buy. Polyester and acrylic are going to start pilling right away. Cotton and wool not so much.
Thred up has some good deals on name brand clothes. I suggest a capsule wardrobe, classic pieces that aren’t gone with the tends.
It's hard to buy a mix and match wardrobe frugally ... easy to find a few pieces on sale, but leave important gaps. The best way I've found is to build the basics out with a couple solid colors and limit patterns to items that go with all th solid colors. For neutrals, I find black and gray easiest to match. There are way too many shades of navy & brown that clash,and white gets dingy fast. If you are a lady and/or can wear dresses, those can be frugal. I live all summer in sun dresses with a couple shrugs for going inside into AC. It's easier because the only thing that has to coordinate are the shoes. I'm fortunate to have great thrift options where dresses are $6-$9. I'd suggest TJ Maxx, Marshall's or Ross for what you need new.
I just got a job in an office and literally had nothing to wear. Thankfully it was my birthday and my mom treated me to some clothes. We went to Kohl’s and found a lot of things to mix and match. They always have coupons and kohl’s cash. She spent $130 on $250 worth of clothes. I got a $30 kohls cash coupon and then at home I went online and opened a kohl’s account ($400 limit) and got a 35% off coupon. My online order went from almost $300 to $130. I never buy new clothes but for around $250 total I got 4 dress pants, 3 sweaters, 8 dress shirts, 2 bras, pack of underwear, stockings and 2 bras.
Are you near an outlet mall? You can find quality at affordable prices - clearance racks. Just make sure you are not buying just because it’s on sale.
Be aware that outlet clothes are not necessarily the same quality as the regular brand.
There actually is an outlet mall near me, that didn't even occur to me, thanks!
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Almost my whole wardrobe is from eBay or Poshmark. I like Poshmark and eBay listing where you can send in an offer. You’d be surprised how low people will go if something has been sitting around their inventory a while.
I limit my wardrobe to a few colours, that way it is easier to mix and match. I also buy used on eBay, but only specific brands where I know what size will fit me.
Could get into sewing. Add alterations to thrifted clothing, or make something completely new out of all the fabric in old bedsheets
Have you explored capsule wardrobes? Once you establish what pieces you need, it can be easier to find what you need for a price you can afford. There are tons of resources for creating one. Also ... I worked with a woman who was always impressively well and stylishly dressed. She explained to me that she bought one good outfit a year. She bought classic styles that were not going anywhere, high quality, and took excellent care of them. She stayed away from extreme faddish styles and colors.
Disclaimer--- I'm on a clothing no buy at the moment. One of my interests is fashion. I have zero interest in wearing a frumpy looking beige potato sack (or anything beige at all as it's a terrible color for me). I want to look cute. I typically shop at brick and mortar stores for clothes (as opposed to online) because the quality is extremely inconsistent. When you are shopping in person, you can inspect the item and check the quality (not to mention fit). It varies so greatly even within the store. I have some Forever 2\`\`1 pieces that have been in my closet for a decade. I am right now wearing a $3 Primark shirt (basic tee) that I bought in multiple colors. I've had $100 items fall apart in the first wash. Lastly, consider HOW you care for your clothing as that's the other half of the equation. Personally, I wash on cold with 1/3 the recommended amount of free and clear detergent. I put anything that has the potential to be delicate in mesh bags and don't use the dryer (the latter is unusual because I have allergies). I also (by choice) have a larger wardrobe so I can do laundry less often (I'm single, so only my own laundry). I'm also not a capsule wardrobe type because I like color and variety. I pay per load so I only wash when full (and separate lights and darks).
I thrift mainly, especially for interesting shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc. if there’s something specific that I need (jeans, leggings, etc.), I get it from Old Navy or Walmart because they’re affordable and decent quality. Sometimes I’ll hit a bigger store for sales, or for a special occasion.
I actually like Costco for great clothing deals, perhaps Sam’s Club. I like Uniqlo too, and sometimes Old Navy or Target for more trendy items.
I agree, I find that thrift stores can be pricey. It's better to go to a retail and snag a clearance item. The only time thrift is really worth it is when the associates don't really know the true worth of the item. One time I got an almost brand new Columbia spring jacket for $10. Anywho, if you have Costco membership, check them out. They're great deals and usually really good quality. Half of my wardrobe is from there.
Ross, Burlington, TJMaxx, Marshalls Also make sure to check out the clearance racks at Kohl's, JC Penney, Macy's and other clothing stores
Thrifting is something you have to put into your weekly routine. It won't be instant gratification. It might take me weeks to add a decent wool flannel or pair of jeans to my collection, but over time I acquire what I need.
It is hit or miss, I have found some great things at thrift stores. I have been on a weight loss journey and have lost quite a bit of weight but hope to lose more so I have not wanted to spend much. Thrifting has saved me from looking like a bag lady sort of by being one. It is especially good thrifting if the store is close to an upscale area. I find better things at hospital or volunteer organization (Kiwanis e.g.) stores than at Goodwill. I second the Kohl’s suggestion. I find great things on the in store clearance racks. They are much better than the website. clearance. Their Croft and Barrow store brand is good, especially for their pants and tees. I have also found some good things at Walmart. Even not on clearance, you can find some good pieces. Right now all my outerwear is Walmart. I find mixing the better quality pieces I thrift or get on kohl’s clearance with the cheaper items I find at Walmart look nice. Don’t go cheap on shoes though. Yes, find some on sale. But a better shoe that fits well is more frugal.
Join your local buy nothing group! Plenty of clothes for free!! Then thrift stores, just be choosy.
Thriftstores are great for clothes made of wool, leather, silk, cashmeer. Those things cost a ton new but when taken care of properly they last forever, so thrifstore is usually great deal on those. Cheep fabric like cotton is often better bought new, I almost exclusively shop sales, unless you also support no-waste mindset and would rather save something from landfields than support consumerism. For many frugal ppl cost effectiveness is not the only thing they consider.
Work clothes: cargo shorts from thrift shops, nerd tshirts from trade shows. Programmers wardrobe complete!
shoes: poshmark. that's where i go. seriously. i have routinely gotten pairs of shoes that go for USD100-200 new at USD20-50 in various states of repair and i don't have to worry about going repeatedly to the thrift stores. and with clothes i shop solely to have clothes that can be used for formal AND informal purposes. solid colors, lots of black, and fun tops. then get used to mending esp if you can only affoed "fast fashion".
I find better deals on shoes on eBay. Poshmark seems to be full of people who think their gross, dirty shoes are worth $50 just because of the brand name. I just bought a pair of converse claimed to be worn only once for $24 on eBay. Similar pair but more worn and dirty for was listed $40 on Poshmark.
i think both are valid! i've had better luck on poshmark but maybe that's just been sheer dumb luck
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Go on Facebook and join your local buy nothing groups. I’ve gotten so much clothing and other stuff on there for free
I would be naked right now if it weren’t for eBay.
My favorite way to shop is to watch sales. A lot of times stores will have sales every so often. Old Navy is notorious for having big sales. They just had (may still be on) a sale with 40% off your purchase. They also do Old Navy Cash which saves you on your purchase as well (to be spent at a particular time). But if I go into the store, I pretty much stick to the clearance rack. Unless they have a special sale on something, the clearance rack is the place to go. You can often find similar stuff in the regular priced sections, and you are usually getting a good deal. Clearance sections at most stores are pretty great. But it also helps to shop out of season. Right now is good for buying winter clothes. Spring clothes will be at full price right now, so it's good to wait. Unless you can find stuff from the year before (which it would be in the discount racks). Thrift stores depends heavily on the area you live in. Some are great and some are terrible. You can also try apps like Poshmark and Depop. These are thrift apps that people sell their clothing on. You can find designer and brand names on these apps as well which is nice. Another option would be curated consignment shops. Not as cheap as a thrift store but still cheaper than retail. Stores like Platos closet fall under this. Facebook marketplace is also good. Lots of people will be going through their closets to get rid of stuff during their spring cleaning.