Smart shopping: how to build up your wardrobe while being thrifty

I've wanted to write about shopping on a budget / thrifting for a long time, and now is the perfect time! It's late July, which means many students are getting ready to go back to school and probably want to update their wardrobe. But if you are in college, you might not have much money left for shopping after school expenses have been covered. So this is why I want to share my method for smart shopping - finding good quality, cute clothes while saving money.

This post is called smart shopping because it isn't exclusively thrift shopping or budgeting. It's about making wise decisions when you shop, and not necessarily buying the cheapest items. Smart shopping is the equivalent to meal prepping instead of regularly eating out: it takes more time and energy, but at the end of the process, you are getting the most value for your money. (I hope that made sense!)

I have practiced this method for a few years, but this summer I have been using it pretty frequently. For context, I am studying abroad in Singapore for a whole semester, and the weather there is hot and humid year-round. I love winter fashion and am basically a hermit, so I didn't own many summer pieces before. This method has worked really well for me, so please check out my tips below and I hope they will help you!

1. Be open to places you wouldn't normally shop

If you are an open-minded shopper, you will find so many gems at unexpected places. One of my favorite weird places to shop is Stein Mart. It's like a department store that is more geared towards people in their 30s and older, so I find a lot of nice and cute things for very cheap because nobody my age is shopping there. In the photo below, I got my top from Stein Mart for about $9. 

Headband: Walmart $1 | Shirt: Stein Mart ~$9 | Bag: Goodwill ~$4 |
Shorts: Charlotte Russe ~$15 | Shoes: Walmart $9
( also sorry the image quality is so terrible blogger kinda sucks)

2. Have your price limits in mind

I think one smart thing to do while shopping is knowing how much you intend to spend on certain items. For example, I really don't think it's worth it to spend more than $20 on shorts (specifically denim shorts). It's not a lot of material so I think in most cases it doesn't make sense to spend more than that amount. If you don't have a price range in mind, you might convince yourself that an item is worth spending extra even though it's way out of your price range. 

3. Be aware of sales

My favorite is the Goodwill 50% off day (the first Saturday of every month). Another smart method is to shop for clothes when they aren't in season. Stores are always a season ahead, so they put out fall clothes at the beginning of August, or sometimes earlier. At that point, you can shop for summer clothes that are on clearance. Conversely, spring is a good time to find winter clothes on sale. Also, most stores have a clearance section, and if you are a diligent shopper, you will find good things.

4. Try to avoid shopping online

I know that sounds weird to say, but I have solid reasoning. If your order something online that is on sale, in many cases, you can't return it. So if it doesn't fit you, or if you don't like it, you're out of luck. In general, I stick to trying things on in-store because sizing (especially women's) between retailers is inconsistent. Also, when you try on an item, you can feel the quality and comfort and determine if it will stand the test of time. 

Dress: Goodwill ~$3.50 (I went on 50% off day) | Duster: Charlotte
Russe ~$12 | Bag: Goodwill $2.25 | Shoes: Goodwill ~$4

5. Know that it's a process

I've been building up my summer wardrobe for the past 3 months, for a few reasons: I knew that if I waited to shop until a few weeks before I left, I would end up spending more and not loving everything I bought. Patience is an important aspect of smart shopping because that is how you get the best deals for quality pieces that you love. Honestly, I probably shop in the most frugal way possible. But my bank account and I are satisfied, so I think the process is rewarding.

Thank you for reading, and good luck on your shopping endeavors!