Buy a Wardrobe on a Budget
Clothing and money often compete for our interest when we're on a tight budget. We want a nice looking wardrobe, and sometimes need new clothes with the changing seasons. But saving money is also important. With a little planning you can do both.
Instructions
1. Budget your money. Before you buy anything, plan out your bills for the coming month and take out the money to pay them. Then set aside some extra money for emergencies, and decide how much of the left over money you want to save for clothes--say 40 percent.
2. Divide your money between areas of clothing. Plan to spend at least $100 on pants or shorts, $30 to $40 on a jacket or bathing suit, and $70 on T-shirts. The left over money will go to accessories, and if there is any extra, add some shoes, makeup, purses, or hair supplies to finish off your new look.
3. Buy the basics after you have about $300 saved. For the winter you'll want at least five pairs of pants, a warm jacket, a bigger coat for outdoors, and some basic T-shirts. For spring ditch the jacket for a swim suit and some tank tops, and the jeans for shorts. Goody's is a great place to find jeans on sale, while thrift stores such as Goodwill, or discount chains like Wal-Mart, Target, and Sears all feature inexpensive shirts and jackets. Try to catch them on sale.
4. Buy something special for yourself. It can be anything from treating yourself to an extra $20 outside of your budget for that jacket you've wanted, or buying a pair of shoes you won't wear very often but really like. Keep it to a $20 or $30 minimum. This piece will give you an extra self-esteem boost, and whenever you get the urge to buy fancier clothes, just remember this special item you have at home and put the expensive clothing back on the rack.
5. Buy accessories last. Start with jewelry to complete your look. Find pieces like rings and necklaces in neutral colors, such as silver and gold, that can go with almost any outfit in your wardrobe. Whatever money is left over after buying jewelry you can use on purses, shoes, and hair styling equipment, as listed above. Ponytail holders are a cheap way to quickly fix your hair. When it comes to shoes, find a comfortable pair of sneakers that should last you a year, and a few pairs of cheap flip-flops for warmer weather.
Tags: left over, left over money, over money, Wardrobe Budget, your look, your money
