So, you’re planning on switching up your look and revamping your wardrobe for the summer. But you want to do it without breaking the bank while also being environmentally conscious. Sometimes shopping can end up being unproductive if you don’t have a budget in place or an organized method of picking what you need and what you don’t need to buy. Luckily, we’ve compiled a couple of tips to make shopping less stressful and more sustainable, and affordable.
1.Always make sure you get a discount code!!
When you’re shopping online, there's almost always a discount code for every single online store out there, all you need to do is look hard enough. Most online stores offer a 10% to 30% discount code when you sign up to their emailing list.
You can unsubscribe anytime if you no longer want to get updates from the store. If you’re not looking to subscribe to any online store and don’t have the time to surf the internet looking for coupons or discount codes, consider downloading apps or browser extensions like Karma{formally known as shoptagr} or Honey.
Both of these browser extensions do all the work for you by scouring the internet looking for the best discount codes that work and save you the most money. Not only that, they also offer you cashback points that equate to actual cash that you could later use to shop on different websites in the future. Karma also has a feature that allows you to save your favorite wishlist items and keep track of any price changes or discounts on the item.
2.Do you need it?
It’s so easy to get caught up shopping when you’re looking at these super trendy, flashy items, whether you’re shopping online or at a physical store. At first glance, you might be thinking to yourself: I want everything! But don’t get carried away just yet.
Think carefully about all the items that you might already have in your closet that are similar to what you see in the store. Maybe it’s the same color or the same cut as something you already own. Do you see yourself wearing this more than thrice?
Or is it something that isn’t high quality or doesn’t mesh well with everything else in your wardrobe? It may look good on the rack, it might even look great on you, but it’s important to know how to shop smart if you’re going to save money AND be sustainable at the same time. Buy items that you see yourself wearing long-term.
There’s so much pressure to wear the latest styles and look super trendy, but it’s not conducive in the long term. It’s better to think about your current wardrobe and figure out what is lacking and what complements it best than go shopping. If you have a problem with organizing your wardrobe, read how to make your wardrobe as functional and minimalistic as possible to help you make your wardrobe more functional so that it’s easier to shop.
3. Buy Second Hand
If you’re running low on cash, you could consider thrifting. After all, it's an environment-friendly way of switching things up in your closet without breaking the bank. Websites like Depop and thredup offer thousands of second-hand clothes and accessories that are high quality. You might even get lucky and find a high-end designer bag at a discount price! My personal favorite is Depop. Depop allows you to wear your favorite influencer’s pieces at an affordable price. A lot of influencers sell their clothes and accessories, so if you’re looking to hop onto popular trends without spending a wad of cash, then Depop might be for you.
4. make a list
Now, this may seem insignificant, but it makes a huge difference to how organized your shopping will be. Writing down what exactly you’re looking for helps you narrow down your focus and not get swayed by everything else you see in the store. It also helps you keep track of your spending by properly enforcing your budget. If it's pants for brunch or a special occasion, identifying what exactly you’re looking for and for what purpose helps you look more effectively and narrows down your options better.
