Shopping for clothes is a favourite pastime of many people.  We enjoy browsing the racks and trying to find that perfect outfit. However, we often don’t think about how much it costs until we get to the register and see our receipt. The fashion industry is extremely competitive and is constantly trying to one-up itself in order to steal away customers. That is why many popular brands of clothing are designer clothes. Designer clothes are known for their quality and look, but they often come with a high price tag. However, if you know-how, you can save money while shopping for designer clothes.

The clothing industry has become so commercialised because they know if they can sell you one shirt at $50, then you will buy five more shirts just like it at $25 each. This article discusses some tips on saving money while shopping for designer clothes and accessories.

Look for websites with discounts

Hunting for a good deal is a favourite pastime for many people, and designer clothes are no exception. Most popular brands have websites that sell their clothing, and most of these sites offer discounts on certain items. Check the Zee and Co discount code regularly, for example, as new items are constantly being added and old items are often discounted. Use this tactic on every website and brand you can find, there are special days monthly, or yearly you can buy some stuff cheaper. After the holidays, or after the season, is also an awesome strategy. Always order winter clothes during the summer, and vice versa, you will be amazed how much money you can save.

Sign up for newsletters

Many designer clothing brands offer newsletters that are sent to your email on a regular basis. When signing up for these newsletters, you often get exclusive promotions and discounts that aren’t advertised anywhere else. On one hand, companies use these newsletters to build a customer base, but on the other hand, you can take advantage of these promotions and save money on designer clothes. The average consumer (which is you) is more likely to spend money on something if they feel that the company has made the effort to tailor an offer according to the customer’s liking, as it feels more personalised. Look for brands you like and sign up with all of them, oftentimes they will inform you about new stuff they have added to their collection, which is awesome if it is something you want.

Search for dupes

Duplicate items are often sold at a fraction of the price of the designer item. While they may not be an exact replica, they are very similar in style and look. You can find these items at popular clothing retailers such as H&M, Forever 21, and Zara. You can also purchase them on websites like eBay or Etsy. A good way to get designer clothes for a discounted price is to search for the brand of your choice with “dupe” in the title.

This grey area of fashion can cause a bit of discussion among fashionistas. It is amazing to have great and modern pieces in your clothing, however, there are those people who will falsely claim that their pieces are original, maybe because of the brand. This calls for unnecessary attention, especially if you have some kind of online presence. Keep in mind that people who are striving for a fashion-aware audience can have it hard and that they need to mind their credibility. So if you are striving to become a fashion Vlogger, or something similar, make sure you are honest about where you bought your pieces. No one will judge you if you are honest, resourceful, and simply enjoy the fashion aesthetic.

Match items you have with new ones

This tactic can be tricky to master, but it certainly helps if you have an extensive wardrobe. If there is a particular piece from your wardrobe that you want to pair with a designer item, try to find a similar piece that is within your budget. This can be done by searching for similar styles on popular clothing websites, or by going to thrift stores and garage sales. You may also want to consider selling some of your less-used items online in order to make room (and money) for new designer clothes in your wardrobe.

Clothing swaps

Clothing swaps are a great way to save money. You can find women and men in your area who are looking for designer clothes, and you can find the same, or similar, pieces at thrift stores. Organise a clothing swap with some friends and take turns bringing items that you no longer wear. This will reduce the amount of clothing you have in your wardrobe, allowing you to purchase new items without spending too much money.

Gift cards

Another great way to save money while shopping for designer clothes is by purchasing gift cards from brands that sell high-end clothing. If you are planning a big night out or just need a new outfit for work, give yourself a discount in advance by purchasing a gift card. This can be done online, and you will receive an email with the code to use, much like when you purchase items from Amazon or similar stores. Most designer brands offer gift cards and coupons for their products, and they go on sale pretty frequently.

Designer Outlet Stores

If you live near a major city, you should definitely check out the designer outlet stores that are located in those areas. These outlets sell ‘previous season’ products at a discounted price. This means that you can find designer clothes, accessories, and even home decor at a fraction of the price.

Investing in a statement piece of an outfit, or two, and building your look around it with some cheaper clothing is not only fashionable but also economical. You can find dupes for designer items that are much less expensive than the original product, which will save you money without sacrificing fashion! The next time you’re shopping, make sure to keep these techniques in mind, so you don’t overspend on clothes.