Ideal for those seeking a fresh start and fresher wardrobe in 2021.

What a year it’s been. We could all do with a fresh start, a different approach, a makeover or a new look to signal a turning point as 2020 draws to a close. Wouldn’t it be nice to simply click our fingers and a new outfit appeared? Perhaps throw in a winning lottery ticket and immortality and we’re set…

Perhaps that wardrobe makeover you’re after isn’t quite so far fetched. In fact, you might not even need that winning lottery ticket to make it happen. Fortunately, there are platforms and places, and tips and tricks you can employ to bag a whole new style on the cheap. Here’s how; our 5 ways to save money on buying new clothes, IDEAL for those seeking a fresh start and fresher wardrobe in 2021.

CUSTOM DESIGNS

‘New’ needn’t mean the latest (see: most expensive) catwalk designs and trends. Instead, why shouldn’t ‘new’ simply translate as unique, fresh and exciting?

Instead of spending the extra cash on t-shirts and tank tops with the latest trending designs, you could simply buy plain items and repurpose that additional money on printing your very own prints and slogans. And what could be more unique than having your own, truly one-of-a-kind piece of clothing?

Fortunately, there are plenty of companies out there ready to help with the more functional aspects of realising your vision. You just focus on your wardrobe’s artistic direction. The experts at Teejunction.com.au suggest you should prioritise companies who specialise in digital rather than screen printing, the former being a more modern, efficient way of doing things. 

They say that ‘’digital printing offers no minimums or setup fees. Soft water-based inks let you print full-colour art onto most apparel’’. Unless you’re planning on mass producing a whole new look for the nation, single items done via digital printing are your best bet.

CHARITY SHOPS

You’d be amazed at what gems you can find in the charity shop. But it does pay to go thrift store shopping with focus. There are so many charity shops out there brimming with designer clothes – if that’s your thing – particularly in affluent areas like Clapham Junction and Kensington High Street in London. When you have fickle citizens and rapidly changing styles, stuff gets thrown out with regularity, and charity shops reap the benefit. Go figure.

Vintage outlets are also a treasure trove, selling carefully curated second-hand garments that don’t cost the earth. There are huge, multi-floored affairs in Brighton, Bristol and beyond where you can unearth some incredible finds.

For those who want to go on a cheap shopping spree for unique items, there is no better place to head than a kilo sale. You can usually buy your weight in vintage clobber at these retro shopping fairs and pay as little as £15 for 1kg of clothes – bargain.

ONLINE BARGAINS

Thrift shopping in affluent locations is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding designer clothing at a reduced price. As well as looking for pre-loved clothes and accessories on charity shop shelves, save yourself a bit of rummaging by browsing online with retailers like Zalando, TheOutnet and Deuxieme. Zalando offer deep discounts that can’t be matched by even the cheapest discount stores, TheOutnet offer up to 75% off new designer clothing, while Deuxieme slashes prices on gently worn goods from high fashion brands. Wow.

OUTLET ME AT ‘EM

If those are still feeling a bit too pricey – because let’s face it, designer brands don’t ever come dirt cheap – research your nearest factory shops and outlet stores. Stores that sell sample clothing and shop seconds will take anything up to 70% off of the original price, and while you might be buying things that are from a past season, you’ll still be able to rep big name brands without eating into your holiday funds.

If you want to find current trends at brick-and-mortar stores and save money at the same time, you should set your sights on stores like TK Maxx (or TJ Maxx depending on where you live) or department stores, such as Macy’s in the States, or supermart own brands, like George at Asda. Their prices are often much lower than the regular retail price, and you can often get the same things as you would at regular stores.

USE AN APP

The rise of the internet has opened up more ways to save money on clothes than ever before. If you’re not a fan of going to thrift shops and dealing with crowds jumping on all of the latest clothing deliveries, you might want to consider using an app such as Vinted or OpenBazaar instead. 

These programs serve to connect buyers directly with sellers who want to get rid of items like clothes or other things quickly and without any intermediaries. Apps are usually the best money-saving opportunities when it comes to getting high-quality clothing – you should give them a try if chasing after the best deals is your thing!

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whilst we’d all love to splurge and spend without a care in the world for our bank balances, we hope we’ve reassured you that you can still kit out your wardrobe on the cheap. Good luck!