Whats a penny-hoarding fashionista to do?
Here are 20 ideas to get you started.
When it comes to wardrobe staples, focus on looks that never go out of style.
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Not sure what to go with?
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you could easily return later.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Dont live in the future.
Plus, youll save money by not buying clothing you might never wear.
Choose Quality
Spend more on basics from good manufacturers.
Dont be worried about missing out on trends.
Did you know?
Buy on Sale
Sales are terrific ways to acquire wardrobe staples like neutral pants, skirts and shirts.
Study the sales cycles of top retailers and check out the discounts.
If You Love Something and Will Wear it Forever, Buy It!
It might go on sale, but if its that fantastic, you cant count on it.
One strategy to save extra cash?
Scout out the item in the store and then order it online usingcoupon codes for clothes.
Why pay for something thats only OK?
Take a long, hard look at the cost per wear of every item before purchasing it.
Do you love it enough to make the cost per wear worthwhile?
This also brings back point #3: pieces you will wear for years should be good quality.
Dont Spend a Lot on Trends
The fashion cycle is getting shorter all the time.
What used to last a season is now hot for only a few weeks!
Better to buytrendy stuffcheaply and share it with a friend.
You wont consistently strike gold, but visiting athrift storeis always a treasure hunt!
Always try on items before purchasing.
Sit, stand, walk and swing your arms to verify the fit is perfect.
If its almost perfect and you love the item, take it to a tailor and have it adjusted.
However, if it has an unpleasant odor or a deep-set stain, its probably best to move on.
Preserving Your Clothes
Once youve bought your clothing, how do you make the most of it?
Be Proactive
Give loose buttons an extra stitch.
Use iron-on patches on the insides of the knees of kids jeans.
Dont wear pants that are too long; your heels will wear out the bottoms.
Wear Undershirts
Layer a cotton tee or a camisole underneath shirts to protect them from sweat stains.
Hangers can stretch out the shoulders of knit clothing, so its best to fold these items instead.
Dont Keep Dry Cleaning in Plastic Bags
Thechemicals in the bagscan weaken and yellow fibers over time.
Instead, store business suits in canvas bags or cotton pillowcases cases with a hole cut at the top.
Clothes smashed together in a closet dont get much air circulation.
That makes them hold in moisture, causing mildew and other damage.
Dont Over-Launder
On the other hand, dont wash clothing too often.
Remember that washing is friction and friction causes wear, so make the most of your wears between washes.
Treat Stains Promptly
Dab stains right away with a travel-size stain spray or, if appropriate, plain water.
Launder Clothes Properly
Use a cold wash and dont overdo the suds.
The cold wash also helps prevent potential shrinkage.
Dry Clothes Gently
High dryer heat can damage many fabrics and elastics.
It also causes shrinkage, ruining the clothes you love.
Air dry your items, or minimize their time in the dryer and finish on a hanger.
This strategy cuts yourenergy billas well as giving your clothes longer life.
Which fabrics would be fine with at-home handwashing or delicate machine washing and air drying?
Polyester, cashmere, silk and wool, according to the articles experts.
How Will You Save Money on Clothing?
Adopt a strategy of buying fewer, better clothes and showing them tender, loving care.
Your clothes could last 15 years or longer, depending how often you wear them.
Youll lower your wardrobe budget andsave time getting ready to go out in the mornings.
Marie Hickman is a savings writer atValpak.com.
She lives the fun but frugal life with her son in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
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