Fashion and shopping for clothes can be exciting and potentially expensive. If you have a passion for your attire and style but need to save money (especially if you have to pay off debt), you may feel stuck and hopeless. Or maybe you don’t like shopping and want an easier way to manage it all. Streamline your wardrobe with these simple steps to save time and money.
Streamline your wardrobe to avoid debt.
Streamline Your Wardrobe to See Savings in Your Budget
Establishing a more streamlined and simplified wardrobe has many benefits. You will spend less, value your clothing more and you might be able to earn some money in the process. Learn how to clear the clutter and get out of debt with these tips.
Get Rid of Clothes You Don’t Wear
Is your closet cluttered? Do you have a few bins of extra clothes in the attic or under the bed somewhere? These clothing items aren’t adding any value to your wardrobe. The first step to streamline your wardrobe is to declutter your closet. Most people get rid of clothes they haven’t worn for a year (you can certainly use a shorter paradigm). They also ditch the items that don’t fit properly or just don’t “speak” to them any longer. Try selling your unused clothing to make some money.
Avoid Buying Trends
Sometimes I make purchases that are a little bolder or just outside my usual picks. I end up wearing these items a few items but don’t gravitate to them like other things in my closet. Avoiding these purchases would save me a lot of money and room in my closet. This money would be better spent on debt management. Stick to what you love on a regular basis.
Buy Clothes You Can Wear All Year
Buying clothes you can wear all year in different combinations is an easy way to streamline your wardrobe. You can wear all your favorites all year! Add tights and a jean jacket to make a dress work for spring or fall weather. Short sleeve shirts can easily work all year. Many people work and live in climate controlled spaces; use this to your advantage. Not everything needs to be this versatile but certainly keep it in mind as you shop.
Buy Basics You Can Mix & Match to Streamline Your Wardrobe
There is a reason everyone says to own a little black dress, a trench coat, neutral colors, etc. You can maximize combinations using a fluid palette that works well together in a variety of ways. Allow accessories and shoes to diversify your looks. You will always have something you love to wear when you streamline your wardrobe.
Borrow Special Occasion Clothes
For most people, you probably aren’t going to a gala every other week or even every year. These special occasion dresses or outfits can hopefully be borrowed from a friend or relative. You could even borrow a dress to attend a wedding or more formal get together. Rather than spending money, enjoy a new dress without it costing you anything. It’s so tempting to buy these beautiful and fancy items. However, you may just be adding to your consumer debt. Think through each purchase and how critical it is within the scope of your budget and its wearability.
Feel Confident in Your Size, Shape & Style
The bottom line is a streamlined wardrobe will allow you to be confident in your style and clothing. You won’t be afraid to wear certain items from your closet. Everything will fit well and make you feel like you!
Additionally, spending less time and money on clothing allows you to focus on other things. You can find that you are more productive, able to accomplish those pesky chores quicker or saves you hundreds- maybe thousands- of dollars a year. With a stable wardrobe, you probably won’t feel the need to buy clothing as much since you already have just what you need.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
