As single moms, our budgets can be stretched pretty thin. Often our own wardrobe budget is last on the list of necessities, and the first cost to be cut when we are tightening our purse strings. Fashion plays an important role in our self confidence, and you do not want to short change yourself in that department. I have found ways to make staying fashionable on a budget easy, which will make any single mom happy!
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on basics. I stock up on layering tank tops at Old Navy in the early Fall when they are all on clearance. Most of the time the clearance will be discounted even further, enabling you to purchase a variety of colors for under $10. You can also find basic button down blouses and cardigans at Old Navy and similar stores for a fraction of what you would pay at a major department store or boutique.
Don’t overlook the discount retail stores, such as Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. It takes a larger investment of time to find quality items in these stores, but you can find quality pieces at a small percentage of what you would normally pay. Your Michael Kors bag is going to look fabulous whether you paid retail, or got it for 85% off of the retail price. No one will ever know but you!
Saving money on your wardrobe will be a lot easier if you know your personal style. You do not have to try out every new trend that is shown on the runway. You don’t want to buy a structured menswear jacket because it is all the rage,to have it hang in your closet because it just isn’t you. Only spend money on what you love. Invest more money in timeless, quality pieces that you know you will wear for more than one season. A black wool peacoat is worth spending more money on, but a leather fringe bag is probably not worth breaking the bank over.
Don’t over look second hand stores, vintage boutiques and clothing exchanges. This is also another investment in time, but well worth it when you see what treasures can be found! Arranging a clothing swap with friends and family is also an easy and cost efficient way to save money on your wardrobe. Invite all of your most stylish gal pals over for the evening, have them bring pieces they no longer want, and everyone goes home with new clothes for free! What could be better than that?
If you think outside of the box, being fashionable on a single mom’s budget is not impossible. You just have to be willing to invest a bit more time, and a bit more creativity!
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