Americans spent, on average, $1,593 on clothing from 2020 to 2021. 

Fashion expresses your style and personality, brings out your confidence, and empowers you to make a statement. Clothes shopping is a hobby for some, and it's certainly easy to go overboard. 

However, it's possible to find clothing that won't hurt your wallet, without compromising quality. To help you save money when buying clothes, here are nine practical ideas, as well as how to save up faster with Accrue Savings.

Before you go to your cart while online shopping or head to the cashier in a physical shop, always inquire about discounts. You can easily find coupons and promo codes through email newsletters, social media accounts, websites, or even a simple Google search. 

Follow your store's social media account for posts about promo codes or discounts they are currently offering. Also, signing up for a store's newsletter is an easy way to stay in the loop on upcoming promotions and special deals.

Upcycling is taking an old item and transforming it into something new. It's a great way to save money and express your creativity simultaneously. There are plenty of ways to upcycle clothes. 

For example, you can cut an old oversized shirt into a crop top. To make it look more stylish, add some lace trim or beading to the edges of the hems. Upcycling is an environmentally friendly way to reduce the amount of clothing waste ending up in landfills. 

Plus, you get to show off your handmade wearable art. So before throwing away your old clothes, consider what new looks you can create with them first. You can even find many tutorials online on TikTok, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Investing in high-quality wardrobe staples that last longer is always a good idea. Quality items have better construction and fabric, meaning they will look good for longer, getting you more use out of them. 

This could include a well-fitted pair of jeans, classic blazer or coat, or timeless handbag. These items are worth the extra cost if they last longer than cheaply made items. While these initial costs may seem steep, you'll benefit over time due to their superior quality and durability. If an $80 handbag lasts you two years but a $20 handbag lasts for three months, the $80 one is the better deal in the long run.

Buying the basics

Basics are essential to any wardrobe. Whether you're dressing up or down, basics can be dressed up for a night out or down for a casual day look. Basic items such as white t-shirts, jeans, sweaters, and sneakers provide the foundation pieces of your closet that you can mix and match with other garments.

You don't have to spend a fortune on these items. Look for quality that will last and won't cost an arm and a leg. 

Building a capsule wardrobe on a budget

A capsule wardrobe is a small selection of clothing that can create multiple looks without overspending on things you'll never wear. It's all about getting the most out of your pieces so you will use them for years, rather than buying and discarding trends every season. 

Capsule wardrobes can help you save money in the long run, as you only buy items that will work with multiple looks and are made to last. To curate a capsule wardrobe on a budget, stick to neutral colors like black, gray, and white. 

They go with everything and won't look dated after a few wears. You should also pick clothes that can be layered, such as lightweight sweaters and long-sleeve blouses. Look for timeless silhouettes like a classic white blouse or an A-line skirt. 

Don't forget accessories; they can completely transform any look. A simple scarf or statement earrings can add the perfect touch to any outfit. Avoid buying into seasonal trends, as these pieces will only last you a few seasons before they go out of style.

Retailers usually mark down items that didn't sell during the season, making them much more affordable. Shopping for winter clothing in the summer and vice versa can score you great deals on basic wardrobe staples and trendy pieces alike. 

Many department stores also have end-of-season clearance rack sales where you can get huge discounts. This is a great time to stock up on essential clothing items without paying full price.

Thrift stores can be a great way to find unique secondhand clothes at a fraction of the cost. They have everything from designer clothing to vintage pieces at a bargain. Plus, you'll be helping the environment by reusing and recycling clothes that would otherwise end up in trash.

Navigating thrift stores can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of items available, so here are a few tips to help you find great pieces:

• Take your time and be patient. Like a treasure hunt, it takes some digging to find the real gems.
• Look for high-quality items. Make sure they’re in good condition with minimal signs of wear and tear.
• Try things on. This way, you can ensure they fit and look good before purchase.

Maintaining your own clothes is key to extending their lifespan. The more you care for them, the longer they will last and look great. Inspect your clothing regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose buttons or small holes in the fabric.

For minor damages like loose buttons or zipper malfunctions, you can easily repair them yourself. Find tutorials online or take a class on sewing and mending clothes. For bigger repairs like fabric rips or broken zippers, you might need the help of a tailor.

The time and money you put into fixing your clothes will be worth it in the long run. Not only will you save money on buying new items, but you can also reuse and repurpose old pieces in new ways. 

Taking good care of your clothes ensures they last longer and look great. Washing them the right way is key, so always read and follow the washing instructions for each garment. 

If you don't know how to care for a certain item properly, it's best not to take any chances; take it to the dry cleaners instead. In addition to following washing instructions, you should hang up your clothes afterward and use hangers that won't damage the fabric. 

This will help maintain their shape and wrinkles. Store garments properly — fold sweaters and jeans instead of hanging them, as this can cause stretching over time.

Learn how to remove stains

You should also learn to remove stains from clothing. Instead of throwing out or donating stained items, try spot-cleaning them with a damp cloth and detergent first. You can save your clothes if the stain isn't too deep. 

Many tutorials online teach you how to remove different types of stains — from makeup to grease and oil — so do some research and save yourself some money. 

Stay away from dry clean only

Dry cleaning can be expensive. The costs add up quickly, and the laundry detergents used in this process can damage fabrics over time. Opt for machine-washable or hand-wash items — they are much more affordable and easier to get clean.

If you still need to get your clothes dry cleaned, look for coupons or discounts from local cleaners and take advantage of them whenever possible. It's also wise to plan ahead and drop off all your items at once to save on the per-item charge.

Impulse buying is a dangerous habit and can really affect your clothing budget. It's easy to get caught up in the moment when shopping and purchasing something that you didn't need or want in the first place. 

To avoid unnecessary purchases, make a shopping list beforehand and stick to it. This will help you stay focused on your needs and prevent impulse buying or just purchasing new things because it feels good.

If you want something to wear for a one-time event, don't be afraid to borrow clothes from friends or family. This is a great way to save money and score something stylish for that special occasion. 

You can also look into renting items — plenty of online stores specialize in rental services. A one-time event is not a good occasion to splurge on new clothes. Borrowing and renting are much better so you don’t overspend on something you will only use once. 

Accrue Savings can help you save on your important expenses

Saving money on clothing doesn't have to be overwhelming. You can adopt tips and strategies to reduce expenses while staying stylish. This doesn’t mean sacrificing your fashion sense to save money, though; there are plenty of savvy ways to cut back on spending.

Accrue Savings is a great way to save money on important expenses like clothing. Through our partner network of leading brands including Oak + Fort, you can get up to 20% in cash when you start saving. 

Sign up today and start saving up for your wardrobe or a big purchase!