Many people have the false impression that to dress well, they need deep pockets. They think that they must spend tons of cash on expensive clothes to look great. But that is not always the case. You don’t have to spend a fortune to dress exquisite. You can shop off-season, maximize promos, coupons, and discounts, and do a lot more to save money. By tweaking your buying style just a little, you could save hundreds of dollars each year. 

Read on and learn how to save money when shopping fashion online. 

Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash

You are already saving lots of cash by shopping online

No one can deny that malls are dying. But it’s not only due to the pandemic. Malls have been on a decline for a long time, and the reason is simple: internet shopping is a hit! Each passing day sees more people shop online and a steady decline in traffic in brick and mortar stores. There are many reasons to explain this shift in buying patterns. But the most obvious are better prices, convenience, and variety. 

For most fashion products, online prices are significantly lower than in-store prices. But the savings don’t stop there. As you check out what’s available at the comfort of your home, you save time and gas. You don’t have to keep moving from one outlet to another. 

That said, below are ways you can further save money online fashion shopping.

Time your shopping

Many people, and blogs, will advise you to shop off-season. It makes sense because you are likely to find items at significantly reduced prices when they are off-season. But there’s something that doesn’t sit right with that approach. The reason every seller has a promo is no one wants to buy that stuff. It doesn’t make sense to buy a warm cardigan when the temperatures are heading to triple digits. And if you buy, you will probably not wear it until it’s out of fashion. 

Instead of buying off-season, try timing your shopping. 

If you are planning to buy suits, consider waiting until January. By then, the holiday season is over, and sales are slow. If you are looking to boost your collection of sneakers, check what’s available in April. And if you want to buy a winter coat, get it in January. Sales will have begun dipping by then, and sellers will typically lower their prices to get you buying. When you do, consider timeless styles - outfits that will look good and last as long as they can fit. 

Join email lists

Knowledge is power, even when you want to save cash shopping online. But it’s hard and tedious to keep trawling the net for great deals on fashion items. Rather than get your eyes sore trawling the net, fill your email with information and alerts about promotions. 

Sign up to email lists and let your favorite online stores and brands alert you when they have a sale. Platforms like Gmail have made it so easy to customize your inbox so that you can separate the promo from other crucial stuff. So it's easier to track sales, coupon codes, or marketing campaigns the clothiers might be running.

Don’t buy fashion just because it’s on sale

Avoid buying stuff just because there is a sale or because the seller says "reduced prices." If you buy, you are not saving money. Instead, you become a sucker who spends more on stuff you do not need. 

Before you visit the website of your favorite online fashion store, make a list of stuff you need. Then buy what is on the list. It will help you avoid getting carried away by amazing offers. 

Go generic

Your undies must be of excellent quality and comfortable. But no one, apart from you, will see them or recognize the brand label you are wearing. If you plan on buying layering clothes, like undies and socks, consider purchasing a good quality generic piece. No one will see it. Besides, its purpose is not to make you look good. It is meant to keep sweat off your back and keep you comfortable. 

So, consider stocking up your wardrobes with high-quality generics and affordable fashion brands.  

Be coupon smart

Coupons are an excellent way to save cash when you are shopping for fashion online. The trick is not to shop because you have coupons but to incorporate coupons in your budgeting process. 

Fortunately, there are websites and apps that can help you search, track and include coupons in your budgeting process. Some of the apps are free to download, and they can help you search for coupons based on your criteria. This way, it is easier to find coupons and use them to save money buying fashion online. You can set up the apps to alert you when the sellers have special offers. 

Count one, two, three before you check out

Whether it’s a suit, a tie, or a pair of socks, the tips above will help you save money online shopping. But just as a precaution, before you check out with that new belt or pair of sneakers, list three different reasons why you want to buy it. Also, think of three other clothing items in your wardrobe that match with the new piece. If you can’t count to three, you probably don’t need it.