As the season changes, there are plenty of things you look forward to. Some people, for example, just can’t wait to enjoy the warm summer sun by sunbathing on the beach. Some others giddily anticipate the first fall of snow that signals the arrival of winter. But one thing we all can agree we can look forward to is seasonal shopping.
As the temperature rises, or drops, changes in our clothes would have to follow suit. But the biggest question persists as the debate continues, how much should you spend on clothes a season?
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Now, of course, if you ask ten different people this question, you might get ten different answers. And that’s most likely because everyone’s financial situation may differ from one another.
So, really, there isn’t any right or wrong answer. However, there are several things you might want to keep in mind as you shop for new clothes this season.
1. The first one would be the budget.
As obvious as it sounds, you need to carefully think of how much you can afford to spend on clothes this season. And we say “this” because sometimes, situations change and so should your budget!
How much you spent on summer clothes last year may be different from how much you can spend on summer clothes this year. What someone can afford can also be very different from yours.
So while you can ask your friends about some budgeting tips, you can’t use their shopping budget to determine your own. Instead, take some time to calculate your income and expenses, and then you can see how much you can spend on clothes this season.
When it comes to budgeting, there is a rule of thumb that you might find helpful. It’s advised that if you’re on a tight budget or saving up for a specific necessity (like paying off student loans, getting a new car, or paying the mortgage), you should try to spend less than 5% of your income on clothing. For example, if you are paid $90,000 each year, 5% of that amount would be $4,500.
Now you can choose to either divide that amount by 12 months (so you can shop for new clothes every month) or by 4 or 2, according to how many seasons you have in a year where you live.
Keep in mind that certain seasonal clothing items may cost way more than other season’s clothes. To illustrate: Surely you would agree that a puffer jacket you’d need to brace the winter cold would cost way more than a two-piece bikini you’ll get to wear when tanning at the beach during summer.
So while you can divide the annual seasonal clothing budget by 4 for times like these, it’s not always the best idea to divide it equally. This illustration also highlights the difference between what you want and what you need.
To survive the winter while still having to go outside daily, commute to work, or grocery shops, you would need to have a new jacket, if your old one is no longer in good condition.
But do you really need a new bikini, that you would only get to wear on certain days a week? Now this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a certain clothing item that you want. But, when it comes to wants vs needs, the priority should always be the needs. So next time you’re going shopping, try to separate what you want and what you need.
2. Make wise investments.
How much are you willing to spend on a winter coat? Some of us may agree that it’s not always the best practice to blindly shop branded coats just because it’s…branded.
However, keep in mind that sometimes, you need to choose quality over quantity. Rather than filling your closet to the brim with inexpensive items that you don’t get to wear often, it’s generally better to buy well-made, durable clothing items that can last you for years.
That being said, it doesn’t always have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways you can shop for high-quality clothes without going broke. Some prefer to buy second-hand items from thrift stores or vintage shops. This is a great way to get sustainable, long-lasting clothes.
3. Be on the lookout for any shopping deals around you.
Take full advantage of sales and discounts, especially those that take place after a season ends.
There are plenty of retail stores that offer seasonal sales, and if you’re not especially keen on staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, these sales are usually the best time to shop for new clothes. At certain times of the year, you might also find clearance items for sale. Some shops also offer loyalty programs if you become a regular.
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These tricks can help you save a lot of money in the long run, but again, the key is to be on the lookout. You may have to sign up for some electronic newsletters, browse the store’s websites now and then, or follow them on social media to get the latest news on shopping deals.
So, those are some tips that can help you decide how much should you spend on clothes a season. Do you have any other tips? Share with us below!
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