Is budget shopping impossible? No, but it sure feels like it. In a world inundated with street style snaps and swipe up links, discovering brands and shopping for clothes has never been easier. With access to any brand large or small at your fingertips, updating your wardrobe should be simple. Unfortunately instead of streamlining budget shopping, this level of convenience has left the world with more choices than ever and yet none seem to be in budget.
Fashion and lifestyle bloggers fill Instagram feeds with perfectly filtered images of ripped jeans and tops so cropped the price tag must be paying for all the inevitable cutting involved rather than the actual material. When their swipe up links consistently take you to $500+ tops (don’t even get me started on the accessories). Unique style has never felt more out of reach. What is a girl with an entry level salary, absurd rent, and expensive taste to do?
While it is much easier to dress yourself when your wallet is packed with hundred dollar bills or an American Express with no credit limit, real style comes when you are forced to be a little creative, do a little digging, and find treasures in unexpected places. Welcome to budget shopping!
Goodwill (or your local thrift store)
Frugal Fashionista Rating: $
Yes, I am sure that you have heard this advice a thousand times, but thrift stores are the perfect place to let your creativity come to life. We all have heard stories of some girl’s cousin’s friend who found a Chanel bag at her local Salvation Army. Those moments can be few and far between depending on the type of thrift store you frequent. However, that doesn’t mean that thrift stores don’t contain hidden gems.
KC Insider Tip: When shopping at a thrift store it is best not to go if with a specific item in mind, rather different styles you would like to experiment with. Sometimes, you may come up short, but other times, you will find some of your favorite pieces. Take my word for it.
Target
Frugal Fashionista Rating: $
When it comes to this season’s latest trends, Target may not be the first place that springs to mind, and true, if you are looking for a piece directly off the runway you won’t find it there. However, in recent years Target has focused its energy on clothing collaborations with higher end brands like Victoria Beckham, WhoWhatWear, and Hunter. These collaborations combine high design with low level prices, making theses pieces accessible to everyone.
Zara
Frugal Fashionista Rating: $$
Zara, the mecca of fast fashion, is located right at the intersection of style and frugality, so it is only fitting they made the list. Their pieces haven’t been touched by the hands of Lagerfeld or De la Renta, but strutting down the street in one of their printed tops almost guarantees heads turning. Not only are their pieces on fashion’s cutting edge, but they are also very reasonably priced.
Though a few items in store may seem a little surprisingly expensive, the store has specific collections (check out clothing labeled TRF) guaranteed to fit your budget. KC Insider tip: Zara never does % off. Instead, it has a few sales a year, and these are serious. Usually it happens right before the change of a season, and the discounts are REAL.
H&M
Frugal Fashionista Rating: $$
Like Zara, H&M marries the idea of trendy pieces inspired by the runway and prices inspired by the everyday woman. H&M offers a slightly less intimidating shopping experience. By pairing cotton t-shirts next to pleated midi skirts, the store has something to offer no matter you shopping needs.
The store also features a professional wear collection. Though this collection airs on the basic side, it offers reasonably priced work appropriate clothing.
J.Crew
Frugal Fashionista Rating: $$
My ski-instructor Americana style – as one of my coworkers put it – loves a preppy edge. This inclusion might be surprising to some, but J.Crew is one of my favorite budget shopping havens. Don’t let your first glance at the price tag fool you. Whether you are shopping online or in-store, J.Crew usually has some type of percentage off (like now if you use code GOFORIT for 30% off).
On top of that, the company has gone through some major changes over the past year, and it doesn’t look like the changes are quite over. The brand’s recent availability on Amazon and slashed prices on basics have also improved your budget shopping experience. KC Insider tip: if you are leaving the website without a discount, you are doing something wrong.
Lulus
Frugal Fashionista Rating: $$$
When I get complimented on my clothes, most of time I am wearing something from Lulus. The online only retailer is a conglomerate of trendy brands from C/MEO Collective to BlankNYC. Unfortunately, not everything on the website is super affordable.
With a large array of items available, it is possible to find affordable items that you love. KC Insider tip: the Lulus brand available in the site is usually pretty budget friendly – check there first.
T.J. Maxx
Frugal Fashionista Rating: $-$$
Calling all Maxxinistas. I know what you are thinking “I hate sifting through all the racks at T.J. Maxx. I don’t have the patience.” If you want to save money, you are going to need to get some patience.
Yes finding a Kate Spade in the rough can take a little effort, but when you see the discount, all the work is worth it. KC Insider tip: Don’t go in with any expectations. Rather come to the store when you are going back to school shopping or updating your wardrobe for fall. That way you won’t be disappointed in not finding something exact.
Nordstrom Rack
Frugal Fashionista Rating: $-$$
If you are looking for a deal, put Nordstrom Rack on your list. Whether you need to shop for a formal event or you just need to update your athleisure, Nordstrom Rack has everything. Organized by brand, the store makes it super easy to find your favorite pieces, and the brand selection is perfect every time.
KC Insider Tip: Pay special attention the accessories department. The shoes deals are no joke.
Sample Sales or Outlet Malls
Frugal Fashionista Rating: $$-$$$
For all my label junkies, finding the right places to shop are ideal. If you walk into a regular mall, chances are prices are going to be a little too steep. Enter sample sales – your secret key into getting designer clothes on a budget. From my experience, samples sales only happen in big cities, so they may not be an option depending on where you livei.
Usually if you go to website of your favorite brand you can get on an email list of when the next sample sale is happening. Also if no sample sales are happening in your area, hit up your closest outlet mall. Most outlet malls have everything from fast fashion to luxury but at a major discount.
