In 2024, looking stylish doesn't have to break the bank. With a little strategy and some smart choices, you can curate a fabulous wardrobe without burning a hole in your wallet; just like in previous years, spending on clothes will involve being mindful about what you buy. Let's go on a month-by-month journey to discover how you can save money on fashion throughout the year.
January: New Year, New Resolutions for Budget-Friendly Fashion
Start the year off right by setting a fashion budget. Take advantage of post-holiday sales to snag winter essentials at discounted prices. Look for clearance items and use any gift cards you received during the holidays to update your wardrobe without spending a dime. Make sure to look both online and in physical stores. Do this mindfully; you will not be saving anything if you buy only for the sale; make sure you are buying pieces you will wear for a long time that will timelessly fit into your wardrobe.
February: Fall in Love with Second-Hand Finds
February is the month of love, so why not extend that love to your budget? Explore thrift stores, charity shops and online second-hand platforms for unique treasures. You'll be amazed at the high-quality items you can find at a fraction of the cost. Finding pieces of quality that you love is much easier to find at a budget-friendly price when looking for secondhand and pre-loved items. Think of Pre-Loved Maths (the idea that something is less expensive at the same quality, which means you have more to spend on other essentials; it also will get more wear as a piece that you truly need, so basically, it's free).
March: Spring Sales and Clearance Events
As spring approaches, retailers make room for new inventory. Take advantage of sales and clearance events to score deals on winter clearance and transition pieces for later in the year. Subscribe to newsletters for exclusive discounts. But stay mindful of buying only things you need; make sure you keep a cohesive and useful wardrobe to ensure you are not only keeping sustainable but also not wasting money. We suggest perhaps keeping a notes list open on your phone throughout the year, which you can add to when you feel you need to buy something. Once the sales and deals come around, use this list to find the things that you will keep for a long time at a smaller price (you will not always like everything on your list after waiting; this is a good thing as you are sorting the trends from the timeless).
April: Embrace Sustainable Fashion for Earth Month
April is Earth Month, making it the perfect time to explore sustainable fashion options. While sustainable brands may seem pricey, investing in durable, eco-friendly pieces can save you money in the long run. Consider upcycling old clothing for a creative and budget-friendly twist. Or browse online secondhand stores and charity shops for some pre-loved staples. Not only does this give clothing a second life, but it also gives some sustainability to cheaper, unsustainable brands.
May: Master the Art of Thrifty DIY Fashion
Channel your inner designer in May by embracing do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Transform old or plain items into trendy, personalised fashion statements. Get creative with patches, embroidery, or fabric paint to breathe new life into your wardrobe. Not only is this a great way to get creative, but it also is a great way to invite friends and family for a DIY fashion party. Getting involved with creative design not only allows you to create pieces that are unique to you but also allows you to love your pieces so much more.
June: Swap and Trade with Fashion-forward Friends
Host a clothing swap event with friends or join a community swap. Trading clothes is cost-effective and a fun way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime. It's a win-win for everyone involved! Joining our own Secondhand Styling Swap Club is also a great way to get involved with swapping while gaining pieces you know will be of good quality while being styled for you in one of our styling sessions. If you are part of a business, we also provide corporate swap shops so that you and your colleagues can get involved.
July: Celebrate the Summer by Avoiding Impulse Buys
Get into the summer spirit by avoiding impulse purchases in July. Unsubscribe from emails tempting you to spend unnecessarily and irrationally. Instead, focus on enjoying the summer sales and investing in versatile pieces that can take you from beach days to evening dinners. Also, look for pieces that can be easily layered; this gives you beautiful pieces in the summer and allows you to wear them through the winter. Avoiding purchases specifically for one holiday or one summer will only lead to access waste. Only buy when you need it, and only buy pieces you know you will wear for a long time.
August: Back-to-School Deals for Fashion Grown-Ups
While back-to-school sales are typically geared towards students, savvy shoppers of all ages can take advantage of the discounts. Look for basics, accessories, and classic pieces that always stay in style. Pieces such as white and black t-shirts, socks, underwear, and even shoes can be on sale during this time. Look for good-quality pieces that fit you well and will last you a lifetime. These pieces should be an investment that makes you feel incredible every time you put them on. That way, you can feel beautiful daily, even in the most simple outfit. While you’re at it, why don’t you pick up some much-needed office supplies?
September: Fashion Forward with End-of-Season Sales
As summer bids farewell, retailers offer end-of-season sales. Seize this opportunity to snag discounted summer items for next year and transition pieces for the upcoming fall. Plan your purchases strategically for maximum savings. Only look for pieces you have previously been looking for; that way, you can buy minimally and mindfully while saving money through sales. Buying only what you need rather than what you want is a great way to approach sales effectively and sustainably. Not always will sales have everything you need, but usually they will have many good deals on things that you want at that moment, “it’s such a good deal” does not consider if you will wear it, so stay mindful of how you spend.
October: Halloween Thrills and Chills on a Budget
October is not just for costumes; it's also a great time to find spooky-good deals on fall fashion. Please keep an eye out for Halloween sales, and you can use this time to grab cosy sweaters, scarves, and boots at discounted prices. When it comes to Halloween, looking in your own wardrobe is a great place to start for costumes. Take inspiration from your own outfits to create a character and look in charity shops to find any added pieces; this will keep you as sustainable as possible next spooky season when it comes to dressing up.
Looking good during this time can also be daunting as the weather gets to the in-between phase of hot and cold. When this happens, look back upon your summer wardrobe and think of how to layer these items. This can allow you to get more wear out of your pieces while still being warm. Try tights under that dress, or perhaps a jumper and long boots with that skirt that you brought. Even a simple slip can be updated for the changing seasons by adding a mock neck long sleeve underneath. Accessorise this with jewellery and have fun playing around with texture and colour by matching both clothes for cold and warm weather.
November: Gratitude and Black Friday Bargains
Express gratitude for your budget in November by taking advantage of Black Friday deals. Plan your purchases in advance, and use this opportunity to score significant discounts on both seasonal and timeless pieces. If there are pieces that have felt impossible to catch on sale throughout the year, try black Friday and Cyber Week. This is a great time to grab those pieces you’ve been wanting all year while still being able to save. Remember to stay mindful as to how you buy, however, as black Friday is an easy way to get sucked into overconsuming.
December: Gift Yourself Budget-Friendly Fashion
'Tis the season for giving, but don't forget to treat yourself. Use holiday gift cards wisely, and take advantage of post-holiday sales to invest in pieces that will carry you into the new year with style. Use this time to think about what went wrong and right throughout the year with your spending. How do you think you could improve this for next year? What worked and what didn’t? How did you do overall? This is a great time to join in the festive cheer, knowing you have done well thinking mindfully about your spending.
Regarding gifts, do not feel obligated to give anything if this is not within your budget; your presence is a present enough. If you need to buy something, go for that thing you know will be used repeatedly or hand-make something from the heart; the thought is truly what counts. Re-gifting is also a great way to gift your loved one something you know they will enjoy that is within your budget.
Saving money on fashion in 2024 is about strategic planning and thoughtful choices. Following this month-by-month guide, you can build a fashionable wardrobe without compromising your budget. Happy saving!
