Quality clothing on a budget - Part 3

Tips:

* Go to thrift shops in upmarket areas to get upmarket, less worn, quality clothing. Here is a guide on shopping for clothes in a thrift shop.

* Make sure you can machine wash all the clothes you buy to save the expense of dry cleaning. This is especially needed if you just have a basic wardrobe of good clothes you use a lot.

* Look for stretch fabrics. They accommodates your body whether you gain or lose weight. So you don't have to buy black pants in three sizes. In the past stretch clothes got a bad rap but now the stretch is so subtle and comfy that you're the only one you knows you're wearing it.

* Invest in Classics. Fashion items will always be enticing when they are on sale, but remember that even the cutest trends have a short life cycle. If you want to get more than a few months' wear out of your purchase, stick with the classics. End-of-season sales yield great buys on pieces you'll wear for years, from cashmere sweaters to wool blazers to leather pumps.

* When buying an item look at the big picture, remember you won't be wearing it on it's own. If you don't have something in your closet to go with the item or if you really don't need it (or if are just buying the brand) it's a waste of money.

* You'll save big and get to buy choice pieces if you shop immediately after the season. The day after Christmas is not just good for decorations, but for big discounts on clothing too.

* Stores like Target and Old Navy are constantly getting in new merchandise, they need to clear out their older styles on a regular basis. You’ll almost always find a great selection of markdowns on their clearance racks.

* Avoid trendy clothing if you can. Go with styles that can be worn year in and out.