How I Shop for Clothes

Being frugal isn't just about saving money. There are always going to be times when we have to spend money. Clothing is one of those times. And since I love to shop for clothes, it's really important that I follow these rules I've set for myself.

1. Quality over quantity
It is so important to get quality over quantity. Who needs cheap looking pieces that don't fit when a few great quality ones will do? This was one of the hardest things for me to do start doing, cause I used to buy cheap stuff. $48 for a shirt? No thanks! I can get five of those at a cheaper store. But quality shirts will last longer and look better. Even better is finding quality shirts on sale. Another thing this works for is shoes. Better to invest in something good for your feet than own too many pairs that hurt your feet, right?

2. Shop with a strategy
One of women's downfalls, I think, is that they go in to a store and will buy just about anything they like. The way to get around that is to know what you want. Kind of like how most pf bloggers will go grocery shopping with a list and stick to it, shopping for clothes should be the same way. I have a checklist of staples (i.e. dark wash jeans, wool coat, trench coat, fitted blazer) that I allow myself to buy when I see the perfect one.

3. Only shop where there's a good return policy
I find that there is a positive correlation between a store's quality of clothing and the length of their return policy. The cheaper the clothes, the more likely they'll say "no refunds. Exchange only on unworn clothing with original tags and receipt." Stay away from these stores! Not only do they go against rule #1, but you can't change your mind! Whenever I buy something, I take it home and don't cut the tags. I try it out with different things I own to see if it fits with my closet. I think it over for a few days. If it works with my other clothes, and I still like it, then I keep it. Otherwise, I return it.

4. Shop for outfits, not pieces
Another reason why women tend to have closets full of crap is because they shop for pieces, not outfits. What I mean is that women will usually fall in love with a top or pants that simply doesn't go with anything else in her wardrobe. When that happens, then it's highly unlikely that it'll ever get worn at all! The best way to shop for clothing is to know what else each piece goes with, and then go home and try it on to see that it looks nice. If not, then there's always the return policy. If I have a great pair of pants, then I'll bring it to the store with me. If the top doesn't go with it, then I don't buy it.

5. Sometimes, full price is better than the clearance racks
Here's a good trap. Sometimes it's hard to pass up a $10 shirt on the clearance rack because it seems like such a good deal. But lots of clearance pieces aren't available in every size, and they might come with a shorter return policy. Those pieces just aren't worth it. It's better to spend the money on something that will work for sure than it is to get something that was cheap.

6. Think about the cost per wear
Sometimes it's hard to justify a dress that costs $68 plus tax. But sometimes it's more worth it than an outfit at half the price. When I get an expensive everyday dress but wear it several times a month, then I've already gotten value out of my purchase. It's much better to spend the money on something that I know I'm going to wear a lot than it is to buy a cheaper outfit I won't wear nearly as much.

7. Implement the 24 hour rule
Whenever I see something I like, I tell myself to go home and think it over. This is a great strategy, especially because I can think about how much I really want it. I like to think that it's "meant to be" if I can leave it in the store, think about it, and come back two weeks later to see it on sale for half off.