As Americans return to the office, many will find themselves sorting through closets and drawers full of clothes that haven’t been updated since the pandemic. Need to revamp one’s wardrobe amidst record inflation is indeed frustrating, but it can be done without breaking the bank.
According to the online bargain hub, CouponBirds, “We are seeing a definite shift in shopping habits. Many people are finding ways to live without products they once thought they needed. Others are turning from the brands they used to buy in search of affordable alternatives. We’re all learning ways to cut corners and spend a little less. We want to provide shoppers our tips for repurposing items already in your closet, getting top dollar for garments you want to part with, and finding deals on new or secondhand work clothes.”
Repurposing clothes already in the closet
“Repurposing the clothes you already own may not get you as excited as purchasing new ones, but there is no better way to save money,” says CouponBirds. “The place to start is a thorough inventory of your wardrobe.”
Generally, if people don’t wear a particular piece of clothing on a regular basis, there’s a high probability they will forget they even own it. Many staple items are so functional that they fade to the back of the closet and go unnoticed for months or years. “Go through your entire closet and make a list of all the pieces you have,” advises CouponBirds. “You may discover you thought you desperately needed a pair of black heels, only to find you bought a pair last fall.”
Sometimes, people need to freshen up the apparel they have. CouponBirds remarks, “Often, a little ‘TLC’ can make clothes you were ambivalent about feel like new again.”
If a garment is faded, a bottle of fabric dye close to its original color can freshen it right up. White or light-colored clothes can be dyed entirely new shades. “For a trendy look, try tie-dyeing lighter garments and spot bleaching darker ones,” suggests CouponBirds. “Before dying clothing, make sure it is completely wet, and follow the directions on the bottle.”
Though some may not be up to taking on a full-blown sewing restoration, almost anyone can learn how to thread a needle and replace a missing button. While they’re at it, they can give a shirt an entirely new look by replacing all the buttons with a more decorative or visually interesting set.
Those tiny puff balls called pills turn favorite sweaters into tired tops that never leave the closet. These knotted up balls of fabric form thanks to everyday rubbing during normal wear. “A fabric comb or battery-operated pill and fuzz remover can shave them away and make your clothes look new again,” says CouponBirds. “If you don’t have these items, you can pull the fabric tight over a curved surface and carefully cut away the pills with scissors. Just use caution and make sure you are prepared to let the garment go if an accident happens.”
Once people have taken inventory and freshened up the items they plan to keep, it becomes time to find new inspiration. Trying out new combinations and arrangements for outfits and accessories can immediately breathe new life into a tired wardrobe. New clothes make everyone happy, but most are unaware they can get that feeling without spending a dime.
“We all love surfing through new looks online, but to save money, try getting inspired by a look you have in reach,” CouponBirds suggests. “Pin some Pinterest pics featuring fresh ideas for the items already in your closet. You can reimagine a wardrobe that feels entirely fresh. Once people make a point to notice the best features of the clothing they have, they won’t feel a need to continuously purchase new items. Novelty is exciting, but it doesn’t have to cost money.”
Reselling old apparel for top dollar
After a thorough inventory revitalization, people are bound to have a few garments they want to turn loose. Thankfully, reselling apparel today is incredibly easy.
“The resale process requires little more effort than donating,” CouponBirds explains. “But when all is said and done, you’ll be left with some spare change to purchase what you need.”
For example, people resell clothes in their local consignment shops such as Plato’s Closet every day, but can also do so entirely online. Some popular online stores to sell high-end clothing include:
Moreover, most of these online resale shops even provide packaging and prepaid shipping labels to make the process easy.
Finding bargains when shopping for new and secondhand work clothes
When the closet is inventoried, decluttered, and organized, people can purchase a few new items to make their work-wardrobe pop. “If you want to save money, making a plan before shopping is key,” says CouponBirds. “First, decide the work clothes you need and the brands that suit you. Then, visit our website to search for deals.”
Shopping for secondhand clothes to fill out a work wardrobe can be incredibly cost-effective. “Even though you’re shopping secondhand, you still need to be intentional,” CouponBirds warns. “Don’t take something off the rack on a whim. Visit online resale shops and select the garments you need, then search CouponBirds to find a discount code for that store.”
If people opt to search for deals at consignment shops, CouponBirds stresses to keep in mind that secondhand sellers don’t always provide the same after-sale services other retailers do.
“Inspect clothing carefully before buying because you may not be able to return it,” says CouponBirds. “Thanks to the economic downturn, more and more people are shopping in resale. Thrifting and upcycling are an eco-friendly way to get new clothes while doing your part to protect the planet.”
When revamping worn-out work wardrobes, people should take time to evaluate exactly what they need. “Rather than finding deals and coupon codes haphazardly, take stock of your apparel, revitalize the garments you can, and find discounts for the items you’ll purchase,” says CouponBirds. “For more cost-saving tips, visit our website.”
