5 shopping rules to save on spring & summer fashion
Spring has sprung, and that means your closet will soon be ready for a change in wardrobe regime. Let airy, soft dresses replace chunky sweaters. Go ahead, sandals, it’s your turn to sub in for the boots.
Ready to have your most fashionable spring and summer, yet? There’s no need to break the bank. Here are 5 great shopping rules for saving on your warmer weather wardrobe.
Abide by the rule of 3:
When you’re weighing a purchase, ask yourself “Can I wear this piece three different ways?” This is an easy rule to follow for wardrobe staples — like denim — of course. But, it works best when you pose it before buying a pair of on-trend patterned pants or a fit-and-flare dress in a color that’s outside of your usual palette. Once you’ve mentally shopped your closet, you’ll be sure you’ll get the most out of any new pieces you buy. (P.S. this is another reason why we love shopping online. You can take a quick peek in your closet before you finalize your buy).
Shop now:
Stores started rolling out their early spring collections right after Christmas when we’re still sipping on peppermint cocoa and commuting to work in layers of scarves and gloves. You’ll find lightweight sweaters, tees, dresses and bathing suits already hitting clearance sales as they stores start to make way for their summer inventories. Another great time to shop for summer clothes? In August, when warm-weather duds go on major sale to make room for the back-to-school season.
Shop with ShopAtHome.com:
Sign up for ShopAtHome.com (it’s free!) and start earning Cash Back from your favorite retailers. We’ve got thousands of stores on our Cash Back roster and you’ll earn money — just for shopping. Among our fave springtime retailers for you and your family? You’ll get Cash Back from Macy’s, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Banana Republic, Express, New York and Company, Sears and many more.
Upgrade your closet with key pieces:
Take stock of what you have and make a list before you start shopping. For example, with wedding and graduation party season around the corner, now is the perfect time to invest in a great dress that you can wear on the party circuit. (Get a different look each time you slip it on by changing out accessories, carrying a different clutch or make a great pair of pumps the focal point). We’re loving this Floral Strappy Dress, $168, from Banana Republic (where you’ll earn Cash Back, too!) that can be mixed-and-matched throughout the seasons. For a casual look, try it with a denim jacket and some strappy sandals. To dress it up, a soft pink lip, heels and an envelope clutch will do just the trick. Transform it for the workplace by adding a navy or even pin-striped blazer.
Sign up for store e-mails:
Stay in-the-know when it comes to flash sales or other discounts stores are offering. Sign up for e-mails from your favorite retailers (many will also offer perks, like 10 percent off your first purchase, in exchange for your e-mail address). We like to shop online ahead of time — keeping a few items in our basket or wish list — so when a sale is announced, we can simply push the buy button. Stores that have frequent flash sales and online deals include Ann Taylor and Loft.