How to Build a Wardrobe on a Budget

Shay Thomas
Feb 10, 2017
3 min read

I took a leap of faith and left my 9-5 to pursue a career in fashion, because I can't stand debts I decided to take the Fashion Merchandising program at a local community college instead of FIDM. It was a good decision because I saved myself about $25,000 and I can say that's when I became addicted to stretching a dollar. I always dreamed of having a fashion blog, but my old work wardrobe was not stylish enough and I couldn't afford all those big designer brands. I literally doubted myself for years, but I am here today to be the voice for the girls who don't have it yet, but will soon.

Leaving the corporate world I was able to broaden my horizons and be more bold with my style, but I had to get creative on how I was going to afford it all. Before I would buy all the new releases, but now I had to check out the sales items lol. Soon I learned that most new releases make it to that sales rack if I just wait it out. We call it Fashion Roulette, when you see something you like, you don't purchase it right then and there you wait it out to see if it goes on sale, if it does SCORE, if it doesn't and sells out POW! You're a goner lol.

I remember when I used to love to rock something expensive to show off, because we all know it screamed status. Now I love bragging how great of a deal I got on something and how I saved my coins for something more meaningful like an exotic vacation or saving for a rainy day. I have literally built a stylish wardrobe off of great finds from the sales and clearance racks. I can't stand running to the mall to find an outfit to wear for the party tonight like ugh I end up with some random outfit that I keep second guessing but, my friend says its cute, while I'm hoping someone else isn't rocking it because it was on the mannequin. Finding deals and bargains isn't for everyone, but if its for you then here are some tips to get you started:

*Plan your outfits .....think of all your events coming up and what style you're going for

*Think of key styles that you would like to add to your wardrobe that you don't have or need to replace

*Last season is next seasons come up so don't be afraid to buy it now for later

*Sign up for all your favorite stores loyalty/rewards programs (they often send the best coupons)

*Shop on weekdays and if you have a late starting time at work, shop in the mornings

Now hit all the clearance/sales racks of every store at least once a week and start collecting good finds. My favorites are Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Target, Old Navy and Forever 21, but if you can't physically go try the clearance section online. You can even wait it out if you see something that's not super popular it will get marked down again. That's how I scored my Lifeproof Iphone case for $29 and it retails for $99, Forever 21 does buy one get one free or 50% off clearance, which I love because i walk away with the best deals . My most prized find was a pair of Old Navy jeans for .60 cents, I have yet to top it but who knows what deals are waiting for me and you in the future lol Good Luck!

The shirt I have on in the photo above I purchased from Ross for $1.49, and I loved the quality!