Four Tips For Buying Designer On A Budget

Let’s face it: not everyone can afford to shop designer brands all the time. But there are some serious upsides to designer clothing. They’re often well-made, and made to last. This summer, use these tips to find the designer brands you want without breaking the bank.

Search Online Classifieds

You can get deals on designer brands, but it often takes some work, and online classifieds like Craigslist, Backpage and Kijiji can come in handy. Many people buy their clothing online if it’s a cheaper option, which means there’s no chance to try something on. And for certain items, especially sale items, there are no returns. So keep an eye on the online classifieds in your area, as people are often selling unused clothing, footwear and accessories for less than the original price.

Buy “Staples”

There are certain items of clothing that have remained essential through the years. Think the little black dress, or that perfect pair of jeans. If you’re on a budget, why buy something designer if you’re only going to wear it once or twice a year? Instead, start paying attention to the clothes you wear every day, and find out what’s essential to your wardrobe. These are the things you should be spending money on, because not only are designer brands well-made, you won’t feel like you wasted the money. A designer dress that spends almost all of its time in the closet isn’t going to impress anybody. Don’t spend designer money on the sandal that’s “in” this summer if it’s something that’ll be “out” within a month. Go for the classics.

Try Thrift Stores

In the last few years, thrift stores have really come into their own. Rather than being embarrassed to be seen at a discount store, thrifting has become something women do in their leisure time, to find great clothing for less. It’s a good idea to do some research and make some decisions before you go thrift store shopping. First, decide what you really want to buy. If it’s not an item you need, it will end up sitting in your closet unworn, no matter how much it’s worth. Second, go with an eye for designer labels. If you’re not up to date on fashions and brands, it’s easy to make mistakes. If you’re going to start thrift store shopping, make an effort to go often. This way, you won’t be tempted to buy too much each visit, and you’ll start to notice what sells and what doesn’t.

Don’t Rush It!

There’s always going to be that pair of heels you see and you just can’t live another day without. But when you’re buying designer, try to hold off on making a spontaneous decision. It’s always better to spend money on something you’re going to use than something you won’t wear in six months. Think before you buy. Also, really new clothing is expensive, and waiting for that amazing sale may save you lots of money in the long run.

So there you have it – four things to think about when you’re looking for designer brands on a budget! It’s not so hard if you know where to look for deals, and you’re honest with yourself about what your closet really needs. Remember: the only person who can dictate how much money flows out of your wallet is you… so shop smart!


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Author Profile: Consumer Expert Meriel Anderson

Meriel Anderson is a freelance author and blogger that writes on shopping, travel and women's health on a number of different sites across the web.

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