Fall Wardrobe Tricks that SAVE You Money

By Michelle P. Sharrow, MBA

Fall is the perfect time to switch up your wardrobe and get ready for the cooler weather. However, buying new clothes for the season can quickly add up and put a dent in your wallet. If you're looking for ways to update your fall wardrobe without spending a fortune, you're in luck. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for saving money on your autumn outfits.

Shop Off-Season

One of the best ways to save money on fall clothing is to shop off-season. Retailers often offer discounts on seasonal items once the season is over to make room for new inventory. This means you can find great deals on fall clothing in the spring and summer. Keep an eye out for sales and clearances, and you may be able to snag some stylish pieces for a fraction of the original price.

Look for Secondhand Options

Another way to save money on your fall wardrobe is to buy secondhand. You can find gently used clothing at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces for a fraction of the cost of new items. Plus, buying secondhand is a more sustainable option since you're giving new life to items that might otherwise end up in a landfill.

Invest in Versatile Pieces

When shopping for your fall wardrobe, look for versatile pieces that can be worn in different ways. For example, a classic blazer can be dressed up or down, worn with jeans or dress pants, and layered over a variety of tops. By investing in versatile pieces, you'll get more wear out of each item and won't have to spend as much money on new clothes each season.

Stick to a Budget

It's easy to get carried away when shopping for new clothes, but it's important to stick to a budget. Before you start shopping, determine how much money you're willing to spend on your fall wardrobe and try to stick to that amount. You can also prioritize the pieces you need most, such as a new coat or boots, and allocate more of your budget towards those items.

Take Care of Your Clothes

Finally, taking care of your clothes can help you save money in the long run. Properly caring for your fall wardrobe, such as washing items according to the care instructions and storing them correctly, can extend their lifespan and reduce the need for replacement items. This means you won't have to spend as much money on new clothes next fall.

Updating your fall wardrobe doesn't have to break the bank. By shopping off-season, looking for secondhand options, investing in versatile pieces, sticking to a budget, and taking care of your clothes, you can save money on your autumn outfits and still look stylish all season long.

For Women's Fall Wardrobe

If you have sleeveless dresses, don't put them away just yet. Instead, pair them with long sleeve shirts to create a new look. You can wear the shirt underneath the dress or over it to make the dress appear as a skirt. This option works best with a button-up shirt that is tapered at the waist. The paired shirt and dress look is not only professional but also helps you get more wear out of your existing wardrobe.

Tights and leggings are also great additions to any fall wardrobe. You can wear them with the same dress and shirt combos for a trendy look that will keep you warm as the temperature drops. Pair your footless leggings with boots to take it up a notch. Light-weight leather jackets are also good items for pairing with sleeveless dresses and heavy weight cotton tops.

If you're looking for reasonably priced tights, check out warehouse shopping clubs like BJs and Sam's Club, or stores like Walmart and Kmart. You can purchase a pair per week to gradually increase the amount that you own, so you can extend the life of the ones you have by not wearing the same few pairs throughout the season. Additionally, removing them as soon as you get home, keeping your toenails trimmed, and hand washing them with a mild detergent will all go a long way in keeping them in pristine condition.

For the Kids Fall Wardrobe

Just like women, kids' spring and summer clothes can be paired with other clothing items to extend the wearing time. This is especially helpful since children outgrow their clothes so quickly anyway. You can pair jean dresses with long sleeve tops, or jean skirts with leggings and boots for an edgy and cute fall/winter look.

For both boys and girls, you can pair short sleeve shirts with long sleeve shirts of a different color for a unique look that will keep your children warm and fashionable. You can also repurpose summer dresses with long sleeve shirts or sweaters to create a new look for the fall.

One additional tip to save you in the long run when it comes to your wardrobe is to purchase colors that can go from season to season with little effort. While bright yellows and pinks are excellent colors, building a wardrobe of black, brown, blue, grey, and even tan will ensure that you can keep wearing your favorite items all year round. All you'll have to do is add long sleeves, a cardigan, or a lightweight jacket to make it work. Lastly, adding seasonal accessories - chunkier ones for fall and winter, and light-weight ones for spring and summer - will make you look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine.

Michelle P. Sharrow, MBA

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