Slash your shopping bill by reducing your clothing budget realistically

I love the newest styles and, like most of us, express myself with the clothing I wear.

Feeling great about how we look, no matter if it's faux fur, kawaii, pastel goth or romantic ruffles we wear, is an integral part of our self-confidence and our identity!

But we've all experienced that sinking feeling when we realise that what was "hot" last season is now hopelessly "cold" and outdated.

Time to refresh the wardrobe with the latest fashions- but how to do it on a very limited budget?

Try some strategic measures.

"A budget tells us what we can't afford, but it doesn't keep us from buying it." - William Feather

Start by thoroughly going through your closet and separating your clothes into two piles:

• Pile #1: Clothes you still wear or still want to wear
• Pile #2: Clothes you have stopped wearing or no longer want to wear.

Once you are done sorting out, place the first pile back into your closet.

Your closet will be reduced to necessities and is now more organised.

Sell your unwanted clothes on social network sites or cyber-jumble sale sites such as ThredUP.

The money you make from your own clothing sales can fund your new fashion shopping budget.

Organise a swap party.

Get your girlfriends together and swap those clothes you no longer want for some cool items you've always admired on your friend.

Not only a platform to refresh your wardrobe, swap parties are also a good way to catch up with old friends and make new friends over a glass of wine and some nice food.

Work within a Limited Budget by Shopping Smart

Once you've successfully sold your unwanted clothes, use the cash to stock up your shopping fund.

Shop smart by purchasing clothes from local thrift shops.

If you are an online shopping addict, try cyberspace consignment stores.

ThredUP, not only a seller's paradise, offers high-quality products for sale at a fraction of their original price.

Remember to also top up your shopping wallet to buy new, high-quality items to add to your fashion mix.

Shop for necessities during sales, especially the big seasonal or year-end promotional periods.

The Great Singapore Sale, Boxing Day specials, and New Year's Eve events are great occasions to buy discounted items.

During non-sale periods, look out for discount offers and coupons.

Purchase durable, first-rate clothes from reputable clothing stores with an eye on sticking to your budget.

Patch Up and Keep Expenses Down

Try repairing your clothes or mixing it up.

If you find yourself not wearing certain clothes because they don't fit you well, take them to a professional tailor to have them altered.

Transformations into High Style

Transform your no-longer-cool clothes by getting creative!

Turn outdated long skirts into striking in-season minis - all it takes is a bit of time to shorten them and hem them up into your chosen shortness.

Mix and match your outfits in fresh new ways to jazz up your style.

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