School is back in session! Excitement is in the air and college students will begin gathering dorm room furnishings and sorting through their back to school wardrobe. However, opening the drawer and coming across the same old styles from last year can be a drag. However, shopping on a budget can be tricky. How can you manage your back to school wardrobe on a budget? Following a few simple school shopping do’s and don’ts can get you well on your way to a trendy new style without breaking the bank.
Set a Budget
Many people just go out and purchase things they really don’t need. The cute pink top with slouching shoulders can go nicely with a pair of denim jeans but it can also go with any denim jeans you already have. Take an inventory of what you already have to see what doesn’t fit you any longer or that you aren’t going to wear in the future. Setting a budget helps you to maximize your purchases.
Sell Clothes to Get Clothes
Gently used clothes, in good condition, can be sold back to certain consignment shops. Shops often give cash or credit towards the purchase of fresh styles. Clothes have a higher market value when they are exchanged within the same season. For example, don’t try to sell your long sleeve shirts in the summer because shops know that consumers are not going to purchase it at that time. Be sure to trade summer clothes in the summer season and winter clothes in the winter.
Set a Budget
Blowing your budget is easy when you go back to school shopping. Therefore, set a budget you can afford and be sure to include the money needed for shoes and accessories. When you set out to shop, only bring cash with you so you won’t spend way too much with a credit card.
Thrifty Shopping
Thrift stores, Goodwill, Craigslist and garage sales are all great sources to find stylish back to school fashions. They might not be new but they can certainly provide you with a large selection of fresh fashions at a fraction of the cost. In addition, many of these stores have daily or weekly sales which can get you the items at a much lower cost. Although the items might be gently used, remember to check for stains and tears. Also check that any buttons and zippers are functional.
Overstock Stores for Name Brand Items
Check out overstock stores such as Marshalls, Ross and TJ Maxx for great deals on brand name clothing. Stores such as Nordstrom Rack and Off Fifth have a nice selection of fashionable clothing, shoes and accessories from their upscale sister stores. You can find great deals and get the name brands you love.
Head to the Back
Many stores place their clearance racks in the back of the store away from the impulse buyers. Items on the clearance racks are usually marked down so check out the racks in the back before spending any time in the rest of the store. You might be surprised at what you find and perhaps discover everything you need back there.