Fashion

The key to knowing a true fashion bargain

16th November, 2023

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years is that there’s a difference between something that’s cheap and a genuine fashion bargain. The former means yes, it’s inexpensive but it might not become the type of item that will get used often. The latter is something that may be a good price but it’s also guaranteed to get plenty of use, meaning it’s great cost per wear and therefore a true bargain buy.

Whenever you’re hitting the sales, whether it’s end of financial year markdowns, Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals or a good ol’ fashioned bricks and mortar warehouse sale, it pays to know what’s definitely worth spending your hard earned fashion dollars on. Here’s how I can tell whether something is definitely a good sale buy.

What does it work with?

When shopping anything that’s been marked down I always ask myself if it’s something that can work back with a number of things in my wardrobe. Because even if the price tag is right, if I can’t see myself wearing it with several things I already own it negates the discounted price I may pay. I’m better off buying something full price that won’t just gather dust in my closet.

Does this have longevity?

Trying out trends is all part of the fun of fashion but if I want to know what I’m buying is a genuine fashion bargain then I need it to make sure that it’s going to stand the test of time. I want to know that I’m going to be able to wear something beyond a season to ensure that I’m maximising the cost per wear on it.

It’s all about maximising cost per wear by being discerning when sale shopping

Is it versatile?

The other way I can tell a true fashion bargain is if something is truly versatile. Can I style it in a number of different ways? Can it be dressed up or down? I always look for things that I can wear to a multitude of events and settings. If for example I can wear a pair of shoes on a shoot, to the office and at a party then I know purchasing it is true value for money.

Would I buy this full price?

The allure of a discounted item is sometimes hard to resist. You’re saving money after all, right? But sometimes we can be attracted to something purely because it’s cheap, not because it’s something we genuinely want or need. If I ever come across something I want to buy that’s on sale I always ask myself if it’s something that I would have considered paying the full price for. If it’s a yes, it means I definitely love it and can see it working with my wardrobe, if it’s a no, it means I only really want it because it’s cheap. And a bargain isn’t really a bargain unless it’s going to end up getting used. I find the pieces I truly love and want are the pieces that will always be on high rotation.

What are some ways you know you’ve got a genuine bargain on your hands?

You Might Also Like

No Comments

Leave a Reply