Do you need to save money on summer clothing? During quarantine, two in five American adults (myself included) put on some extra pounds. On average, those of us who gained weight added 29 pounds to our figures over the course of the pandemic, which is a difference of about two dress sizes.
If you recently pulled out your summer clothes from last year and realized they don’t fit, you’re probably going to need some new summer clothes. Or maybe just want to treat yourself to a new warm-weather wardrobe after the tough year we’ve had. No matter why you need new sundresses, here are some tips to help you save money at the mall so you don’t drain your bank account.
Wait for End-of-Season Sales
End-of-season sales for spring and summer merchandise usually happen in June and July. If you can wait until then to buy your summer dresses and bathing suits, you can score some major deals on summer clothing.
Shop at Discount Stores
If you need some warm weather clothing now and can’t wait for end-of-season sales, try shopping at discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, and Nordstrom Rack.
They offer great low prices year-round, especially if you shop the clearance rack. If you get lucky, you might even find heavily discounted designer items to add a touch of luxury to your summer outfits.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards
To save even more money at discount stores, you can buy gift cards on sale from websites like Raise.com. They sell gift cards for up to 30% less than their monetary value.
Right now they’re even offering a new member special that gives you an extra 10% off your gift card. Keep in mind that they’re capping the discount at $20. However, it’s still a great deal that you should take advantage of if you need a lot of new summer clothing.
Use a Cash Back Credit Card
If you don’t want to commit to shopping at a particular store by purchasing a gift card, you can pay with a cashback credit card instead to get a similar discount. The Citi Double Cash Card, for example, gives you a total of 2% back—1% when you make your purchase and 1% when you pay it off.
By stacking your credit card rewards with sales, coupons, and promo codes, you can save a pretty penny on your new summer wardrobe.
Take Advantage of Rebate Websites
If you don’t use rebate websites, you’re leaving money on the table. Companies like Rakuten, TopCashBack, and Swagbucks will give you cashback just for buying clothes at your favorite stores.
All you have to do is shop through the rebate site’s online portal or app. Once your purchase is verified, your cashback will be deposited into your account and can usually be redeemed for gift cards or a check.
Buy Secondhand
Shopping secondhand is better for both the planet and your wallet. Thrifting prevents clothes from being tossed into a landfill and enables you to find some great pieces to spice up your outfits on the cheap.
You can look for gently used clothing in person at consignment shops and thrift stores or shop online from the comfort of your own home. Resale websites like Poshmark, Mercari, and Thredup are great places to find trendy pre-loved summer dresses and skirts to complete your warm-weather wardrobe.
Organize a Clothing Swap
Organizing a clothing swap with your friends is a great way to save money. You’ll be able to get rid of last season’s summer clothes and pick up some new outfits without spending any money. If your friends have a different fashion sense than you, a swap will also give you the opportunity to switch up your look and experiment with new styles for free.
However, clothing and shoe swaps only work if your friends are roughly the same size as you. If they aren’t, you can always do an accessory swap instead to pick up some new jewelry, scarves, handbags, and hats for the summer season.
By taking advantage of sales, using discounted gift cards, and swapping clothes with friends, you’ll be able to fill up your closet with new clothes without breaking the bank.
What are your favorite ways to save money on clothes? Let us know in the comments section below.
Read More
Extend the Life of Your Clothing
How Stores Fake Sale and Discounts
Savings Tip: Make Your Clothing Last
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.
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