Since I began blogging, a good deal of the questions I get from readers are about fashion. The funny thing is, I can barely count the names of designers I’m familiar with on one hand!
While I may not exactly be a “fashionista,” I do have a personal sense of style that is constantly changing. Because of that, I’ve found that spending an arm and a leg on clothing just isn’t worth it to me. I also don’t care much when it comes to buying name brands, so I’ve kind of naturally evolved into a bargain-hunter. And, well, who doesn’t love a good bargain?
So here are my 10 ways to rock a fashionable wardrobe without breaking the bank.
10 Ways: Be a Bargainista
1. Begin at the hot spots.
99.9% of the time, the clothing you want can be found at the following stores: H&M, Forever 21, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Ross, and Target. START. THERE! Most of the time these stores are getting their cues directly from designers (especially H&M and Forever 21) so you literally could come away with the exact trend you’re looking for. If right now you’re thinking, “but I don’t want fake designer clothes,” well…then you’re listening to the wrong person 
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2. Thrift it.
I love love LOVE me a good thrift store. These days it’s almost more fashionable to say that something is “vintage,” so why not roll with it?! Thrift stores are getting better and better these days too. Stores like Buffalo Exchange and Plato’s Closet are pretty strict when it comes to letting stylish clothes get on their hangers, so you’ll most likely get lucky there. Also, if you’re good with sewing/etc., you could always take clothes you buy at thrift stores and alter them into entirely new pieces.
3. Know when to “indulge.”
There are always going to be a few items that are worth shelling out the full price for. Some of them include: the perfect LBD, a timeless pair of jeans, comfortable stilettos, and business attire that you’ll wear for at least a few years. Depending on your lifestyle and “obsessions,” that list might include a leather handbag or Chanel sunglasses. I get it. But when it comes to trends or clothes that you can easily find elsewhere for half the price, err on the inexpensive side.
4. Put money aside.
If you put aside $20 or so each week strictly for buying clothes, you can get at least a couple of items at the end of the month. And if you decide you do want to indulge in something, go the old-fashioned route and just save up! (because, if you’re going to take the leap and buy an expensive piece, at least avoid going in debt in the process). By having money set aside designated for clothes, going shopping won’t always feel like you’re doing something you shouldn’t be.
5. Pick versatile pieces.
This is one of my favorite points. Look for clothes that be worn in many different ways. For example, get a sundress that can be worn during the day, but with the addition of a belt, wedges, and a sweater can be transformed into an outfit perfect for a night out on the town. Or – a blazer that can be worn with dress pants to work but then over a sequin dress for an evening event. Versatile pieces allow you to get more bang for your buck out of your wardrobe.
6. When in doubt, don’t buy it.
To me, it’s really that simple. I’ve found that when I have to try to talk myself into buying something, I don’t really want it all that much anyway, and I sure as heck don’t need it.
7. Shop off-season.
This can be a tough one because trends are always changing, but shopping off-season is the best way to get some of your must-haves for a much lower price. For example, shop for a new trench coat at the end of winter, and grab next summer’s swimsuit at the end of August. Stores are always trying to get rid of the seasonal items, so you’re almost guaranteed to get a deal.
8. Bring a friend.
If you’re anything like me, it’s much easier to talk yourself into buying something when you’re by yourself. Having a friend around, though, allows you to talk it out. Do I really need this top? Am I ever going to actually wear it? If you have someone that can act as your voice of reason, you’ll be less likely to shell out your entire paycheck on that designer scarf.
9. Share with friends.
We all have those days where we look in our closet and say, “OMG I have like, NO clothes.” Instead of using that as an excuse to give yourself a shopping spree, ask a (fashionable) friend if you can raid her closet. If you can lay out some ground rules that you both agree on, you’ve got yourself quite a great, double-the-wardrobe resource going on.
10. Be unique.
Remember in high school when everyone HAD to have a Coach or Dooney & Bourke handbag? Or when everyone and their mother (literally) was/is wearing Uggs? I understand that there are going to be trends (trust me, I love a good trend), but why shell out hundred of dollars to look just like everyone else? Instead of trying to be noticed for how expensive your clothes/accessories are, focus on standing out because you have a unique, sassy sense of style!
Which of these tips do you agree with/follow the most?
What bargainista tip would you add to this list?
I'm the girl, Gracie Gordon. Here at GML you can follow my journey of dreaming, working, eating, loving, and blogging my way through life in NYC.
LOVE this post…and i love your clothes! these are great tips, especially the one about knowing when to spend. great jeans are WAY more worth it than a cheap crappy pair!
Really cute post Gracie! And all great points. I think I pretty much follow each of them to a degree. But yes, for business, my suits are in the $500 range because they are timeless and can be worn many ways. That being said, I’m wearing $20 Marshall’s shoes, $30 Alloy jeans, and a $15 Forever 21 top right now. I know when to buy cheap!
And for trendy stuff, I almost never buy expensive..even with skinny jeans cuz I still feel like they are a trend that could be on its way out.
I will also splurge more on great boots!
These are all really great!! I love #10 especially. My coach bag got stolen in HS and I haven’t given into a trend since, haha. It’s just not worth it!! My favorite places to shop are Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and thrift stores. They’re full of hidden gems.
I love all these ideas! You are one great bargainer. I need to start setting some money aside. Great idea.
Thanks for the great tips! I love your style. I am a HUGE bargain shopper too and won’t buy anything unless it is dirt cheap!
I think I like the set money aside tip the best.
I’m all about saving money and budgeting so this was right up my alley!
I love this post! I love getting things on sale and getting good bargains
Another thing I’ve found that works really well is to sign up for emails from your favorite stores… express is ALWAYS sending me coupons, so I only shop there when I have one to use!
Great tips! My fave is #6… if I don’t LOVE the cloths, I’m not going to buy it if it is a bit pricey!
You are freakin adorable!!! I usually splurge on more ‘classic’ pieces (non-print items, jeans, etc) that I’ll have for a long time. When a fad comes in (ex: super skinny jeans), I usually look for them first at places like H&M or Forever21. I think a good pair of jeans goes a long way and will usually let myself pick up a couple pairs of designer ones.
Also when debating in a store if something looks good or not, I say to myself “If you don’t LOVE it in the store you won’t LIKE it at home”
Have a fantastic day!!!!! XOXOXOXOX
This is such a great post! I definitely follow #5. I hate having something that is good for one purpose only! Great tips, Gracie! I also “sleep on” a big purchase. Even things that I have to have (suits for work) … if it’s a big expense, I’ll put it on hold and come back the next day after I’ve slept on it. I’d say half of the time, I don’t go back for it because it wasn’t that great!
Love this! I’m a bit fashion-challenged but I am ALL about the bargain. And I agree - having a friend (or even my fiance) with me helps with my indecision.
Love this!! Here are a few of my tips:
-If you want designer, go find an outlet mall. Seriously. After doing some digging at a Coach outlet, I once found a bag for under $50! I was very proud of myself, haha. And I still use it 3+ years later!
-Even though we’re not 12 anymore, Claire’s is still the best place to go for accessories!
Heck yes H&M and F21! I get so tired of clothes so quickly, it’s not worth breaking my bank and nobody knows the difference.
ohh man I am so happy I am not in middle or HS anymore! i totally ahve my own sense of style now and really don’t care what others wear. Something that lokos good on someone may not look on me! and I have learned to embrace my own style! i love your tips! in fact, I am going to target today!!
Great tips! I seriously only shop at Forever 21, H&M, and Mandees! I always ruin my clothes anyway so there is no point in buying anything expensive! I used to care about name brands but now I plan on selling some of my old labels on ebay!
Good tips, I like the one about sharing with your friends, makes for double to wardrobe! I always check out H&M and F21 and sales, too!
I love a good bargain! Another thing I always do is, wait a week. If I really want something, I’ll wait at least a week (or until a markdown). If the item is still there in my size when I go back, I feel like it’s meant to be!
I love shopping for trends at inexpensive stores, but it takes a lot of patience for me. You really have to hunt through messy piles and rifle through racks to get the good stuff. I go shopping when I’m in the mood to do that.
Great tips, Gracie!
Wow I love this post! I have found some of the best tops and sundresses at target and they become my go-tos! I definitely agree with the “if you have to talk yourself into you, then you don’t need it” thing — if I’m not crazy in love with it, then I will not buy it! I’ve become a lot better at learning to know when I should and shouldn’t purchase something!
I love this except I have to disagree with one thing, number 8 bring a friend!! ! My friends are such bad influences haha. I always spend more when they’re there!
I do love your sense of fashion! I like to stick with some good classic pieces and then throw in a few inexpensive/trendy items every season.
I love shopping at Forever 21 and H&M! I’d much rather walk out of those stores with bags full of clothes instead of spending the same amount of money on ONE item at a more expensive store.
My tip is to splurge on shoes! It’s usually worth it because they’ll last a lot longer and they’re so much more comfy than cheap, plastic shoes!
I like to buy cheap accessories or trendy clothes but there are certain things I’m willing to spend money on. For one, jeans. I know they’re expensive, but the good-quality ones I buy last forever. I’ve tried getting bargain dress pants, but they never wear well so I end up spending more for quality there, too. When it comes to tank tops and shirts, I go cheap.
I need you to come shopping with me!!! I will be honest I do not have the best since of style, since I work from home and in the kitchen I never really get dressed up much. I do not have much to chose from when I do, so hard to go out sometimes. But I love H&M!!
I love this post!! I definitely agree with number 7 I always shop out of season, you definitely get amazing bargains!
I am also going to try putting some money away each week so I have money for shopping!! 
x
you hit everything i do. I ALWAYS hit up forever 21 and tj maxx FIRST…I don’t even like shopping for clothes at target anymore cause a shirt can cost 17.99..HELLO I’M CHEAP. I want 8 bucks or less!
Love the blog Gracie! I especially love the term “bargainista”. Might have to quote you on that as a fellow bargianista myself!
[...] While we’re at it, check out my post with 10 (more) ways to be a bargainista. [...]
Wow, CLOTHES, not cloths.