Even if you are poorer than dirt, you still want to enjoy all the perks of life  Dressing well is an important step in that.  Not only will you feel better, express yourself and the things that are important to you, but people will treat you better too. Clothes are almost always a good investment.  Unfortunately, they also cost a lot of money.  If you are looking to update your wardrobe, but find that your cash is tight, there are a few handy tricks to getting the clothes you need, without having to sacrifice too much of your grocery cash.

Off-brand

Every day we see ads for brands that are going to make our lives better.  All the wealthy people in the world seem to be clothing themselves in clothes from the same few stores.  Of course, seeing as how most of you are not wealthy, you might want to reconsider that choice. Yes, a hundred dollar pair of jeans might look fantastic and flash to all the world how awesome you are.  Unfortunately, in this instance it is also going to result in you not eating for a couple of months.  Try out JC Penny or even Walmart.  You might be surprised how many pairs of pants you can get for those same hundred dollars.

Used

This does not apply to all things.  However, jeans, T-shirts, and even coats can be found in good shape throughout Salvation Army, and other used clothing stores throughout the world.  If you are cautious about wearing a strangers clothes, look to your friends.  Every time someone gets rid of clothes that fit you, your wardrobe can grow.  It may not be the classiest thing to wear someone’s slightly worn jeans, but when it is either that or going naked, society would much prefer the former.

Wait For the Sale

If you have ever been frustrated in September to see that perfect swimsuit finally going on sale, then you understand that stores always wait too long to put something on sale.  Of course, you could just buy that swimsuit in September and save it for the coming spring.  In fact, that is a great way to keep yourself going.  While you can’t always wait to buy new pants, if you can wait until a sale to purchase your new clothes, you will save a lot of money.

Don’t Splurge

In the end, there is really only one thing that is going to make a real difference, and that is watching when you spend.  Spontaneous spending is dangerous - we see that perfect shirt and with a single swipe of a card, it is ours. Until the bill comes in the mail and we realize that we really didn’t have the money for that shirt.  When you go to buy, think twice.  If you have to, try leaving your credit cards at home.  It will make it easier to keep track of where all your money is going, so that you don’t lose it all.

Professor Katharine writes for aspiringnurse.com She helps others earn a pediatric nurse salary by deciding if an online education is right for them. She also helps students train to become neonatal nurse practitioners.