Fashion is a consumerist industry, and I guess you wouldn’t be surprised to discover that its biggest consumers are fashion professionals. Working in this sector gives us advantages such as sample sales* and discounts. We buy thinking we are getting a good deal when we probably spend more than people paying full price. Why? Because our brain is geared to think that as soon as there are sample sales or we have a discount we are getting a good deal. As a fashion insider myself, it is a concept I have never understood. Isn’t it weird that the day you get paid is the day you’re giving back the money you hardly earn as soon as it arrives on your bank account to the very same company for which you work? Though it is true, we get good prices compared to fashion outsiders, checking your finances won’t hurt.
Giada and I talked about our shopping habits on the podcast already, but I wanted to create a post giving you some tips on how to get a great wardrobe without breaking the bank – primarily if you are working in fashion. So here is a list of things you can do to look and feel good about your money!
*wondering what a sample sale is? It is when a fashion company sells you its excess merchandise, items that were produced but didn’t make it to the stores or merchandise from past seasons.
Set a clothing budget
Though not a serial shopper, I understand the importance of setting a budget when shopping. It helps leverage your expenses and not going beyond what you can’t afford. Depending on how much you spend on clothing monthly set an allowance to this effect. If you know you spend between £100 to £200 monthly on clothing, then put this amount on a prepaid card each month, when shopping take it,  and let your debit card home to avoid any temptation to go beyond your limit. Some banks offer the opportunity to get a prepaid card but if they don’t go for apps like Monzo, a banking system helping you monitoring your expenses through a prepaid card and a recap of how you spent your money monthly. Since I have been using this app, I have seen a decrease in my expenses in general because each month I put what I need to spend on shopping, drinks and any other outflow of money. I only go out with that card, and when I don’t have money, well I don’t have anymore. But if you behave well you might realise at the end of the month you didn’t spend your entire allowance on that card, meaning you have some coins left for your guilty pleasure.
Some companies do sample sales without giving any notice which makes planning your money difficult, nonetheless still set a budget. Often, the email notifying you about the sample sales will indicate which type of products or brands are available, set your budget according to it. If it is your first time participating in one and you haven’t set a budget, remember the prices for each type of item so that next time you come prepared. Sample sales are my favourite because the prices are really affordable. Say a coat costs £150 in store, on a sample sale because it doesn’t have products from the new season but from many seasons ago, you could have it for £15. Another reason, I prefer sample sales is because this is the best place to find a piece of clothing no one but you will have. Some of the products are items that didn’t make it to the production stage which will make them unique and precious pieces of your wardrobe.
Discounts are nice if you have seen something new you want. Nonetheless, I find it hard to plan a budget with a discount because prices aren’t set in stone like for sample sales. Also, not all fashion companies offer great discounts. In that case, when a new collection drops, I would advise you to make a list of things you like and use your discount on the total price for many items rather than picking one piece of clothing at a time and then use your discount as you’ll lose more money that way.
Buy only what you need
It is my mantra. Each time I am on the verge of buying something compulsively I always ask myself if it is a piece of clothing I really need. And by need, I don’t mean want, but I am talking about clothes covering my body for a specific reason. For example, when I arrived in London, I didn’t have many clothes because I gave most of them to charities before leaving Germany. I came to the UK during a notably non-existent summer, and I didn’t have any clothes preparing me for such weather hence why I needed new clothing.
If a move isn’t a reason to shop, think about your clothing need looking at what you don’t have or is too old in your wardrobe. Maybe you need a new pair of boots because yours are worn out, and even a stop at the cobbler won’t help, or some clothes you had are now too small or large for you. We don’t realise it but there are many situations where we need to buy clothing, shoes or accessories, it is a just a matter of pausing for a moment and thinking first about what we need rather than what we want. I promise doing so will have an impact on how much you spend your money. The more strategic you are with your shopping, the more you are careful about your expenses.
Lastly, buying what you need doesn’t exempt you from enjoying shopping and finding beautiful things :D.
Outlets are your best friends
I love outlets because they are often cheaper than sales and you can find great things there regardless of the season. I enjoy going there for a specific reason. Say you need to go on a trip to enjoy the sun, but it is winter. Going to an outlet, you will still be able to find those sandals or shorts you need for your vacation. On top of costing less because they have clothes from past seasons, outlets are an even better deal on sales period so I wouldn’t pass the occasion to visit them during this time.
Not every fashion companies have the best outlets, so I would make a list of shops that have great ones and have a reason to go there when shopping. There is nothing worse than going to an outlet and buy plenty of things because prices are competitive and go back home with the most significant hole in your bank account so find a realistic reason to buy and set a budget before going.
I hope these tips and tricks will help you shop consciously while finding the most stylish deals. If you have any other advice on how to shop on a budget, please let us know in the comments below.
