4. If your friends and family like to ask you what you want for holidays and birthdays ask for gift cards to the mall or specific stores. Save up those gift cards, and go shopping a few times a year when you need some new pieces.
Consignment Stores
5. Consignment stores are a great place to find brand name quality clothing for less than retail. People use consignment stores to sell their gently used pieces. I have found some very good details on nearly new still in season clothing pieces. Grab a coffee, bring a friend and go shopping!
Big Box Discount Stores
6. Stores like Costco, Walmart and Target are great for buying wardrobe staples like socks, underwear, boxers, undershirts, pyjamas etc.
Shop End of Season
7. Any good shopper knows that the best sales can be found near the end of a season. I always buy expensive seasonal purchases like winter coats at the end of the season. It costs a lot less than it would if I bought it at the start of the season.
Invest Only In Timeless Pieces
8. When spending your money make sure you spend more on timeless pieces like a warm outdoor duty coat and boots. A cold and wet teacher = a sick teacher. Teachers also need really comfortable shoes because we don’t sit during the day!
Be Mindful of Trendy Pieces
9. We have all seen great photos of trendy clothes on social media sites. Before you splurge on that new outfit ask yourself “Can I see myself wearing this more than just this season?” When I want to add something very trendy to my wardrobe I seek out the cheap stores in the mall that are trendy, but not very expensive.
Don’t Buy Too Many Non-Work Clothes
10. As teachers we spend a lot of time at work. It is important that our money is well spent on buying clothes that work for both the classroom and weekend apparel. As much as I love leggings and jeans, I don’t buy too many pairs because they are not something I can wear to work regularly.
