Finding stylish clothes online can be an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience. With thousands of brands, seasonal trends, and flash sales constantly hitting your inbox, knowing how to get the best deals while still keeping your wardrobe up-to-date requires a bit of strategy. The good news? Scoring stylish clothes at bargain prices is not as hard as it seems if you know the right tricks.
Here are seven secrets that will help you upgrade your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
1. Sign Up for Newsletters and Alerts
One of the easiest ways to stay in the loop on the latest deals is to sign up for newsletters and promotional alerts from your favorite stores. Many retailers reward subscribers with exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and even personalized promo codes.
For example, signing up for a store’s email list can give you access to limited-time offers like “20% off your first purchase” or secret flash sales that aren’t available to the general public. Some stores also offer birthday discounts or special perks just for being a subscriber.
However, if you’re worried about your inbox getting flooded with promotional emails, consider setting up a separate email account just for retail alerts. This way, you can keep your personal inbox clutter-free while still keeping track of deals.
Pro Tip: Some brands have VIP programs for newsletter subscribers, offering deeper discounts or exclusive collections.
2. Use Coupon and Cashback Websites
Before hitting “checkout” on any online purchase, it’s worth checking for coupon codes and cashback offers. Websites like Honey, Rakuten, and RetailMeNot compile the latest coupon codes for hundreds of retailers, and they’re often updated with discounts you might not have been aware of.
Honey, for example, automatically finds and applies the best coupon code at checkout, ensuring that you’re not missing out on any savings. Rakuten, on the other hand, offers cashback on purchases from partner stores, meaning you’ll get a percentage of what you spend returned to your account.
Combining coupons with cashback offers can lead to double savings. Let’s say you’re buying a coat that’s already on sale. You can use a coupon code to get an additional discount and then earn cashback on your total purchase through Rakuten.
Pro Tip: Always stack coupon codes whenever possible. Some sites let you apply multiple codes for even more savings.
3. Shop Off-Season for Major Discounts
Timing is everything when it comes to getting stylish clothes at bargain prices. One of the best-kept secrets for scoring deals is shopping off-season. Retailers typically slash prices on out-of-season items to make room for new inventory. This means you can buy high-quality winter coats in the spring or summer dresses in the fall at deeply discounted prices.
For example, you’ll find incredible deals on swimsuits and sandals as soon as summer ends, and you can snag a luxury winter coat for a fraction of the price when spring collections hit the stores. This strategy works especially well for tri blend t-shirts and other staple pieces, which are timeless and versatile, making them useful year-round. By planning ahead and purchasing items for the next season, you’ll save big while still staying fashionable.
Pro Tip: Look for “end-of-season” sales, typically in January (for winter items) and July (for summer items), for the best deals.
4. Take Advantage of Clearance and Outlet Sections
Clearance and outlet sections are gold mines for finding fashionable clothes at bargain prices. Most online retailers have dedicated sections for clearance items, where you can find deeply discounted items that are still on-trend.
For example, websites like Nordstrom Rack, ASOS Outlet, and Saks OFF 5TH offer high-end brands at reduced prices, often up to 70% off. These sections are perfect for finding designer pieces at a fraction of the original cost.
The key to scoring great finds in these sections is persistence. Clearance stock can rotate frequently, so checking back regularly will increase your chances of finding that perfect piece. It’s also helpful to act fast when you find a great deal since sizes can sell out quickly.
Pro Tip: Set price alerts on clearance or outlet items you’re interested in so you’ll be notified if the price drops even further.
5. Follow Brands on Social Media
Social media isn’t just for scrolling through fashion inspiration; it can also be a powerful tool for snagging exclusive deals. Whether you’re looking for seasonal wardrobe pieces or statement outfits, there should be exciting deals for these clothing items on social media. Brands often announce special promotions, flash sales, or giveaways on their social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Some brands even offer discount codes directly through their social media stories or posts.
By following your favorite brands, you’ll be the first to know about limited-time offers or secret sales. Plus, many brands reward their most engaged followers with giveaways or social media-exclusive codes. Participating in a brand’s online community can sometimes lead to insider discounts that aren’t shared anywhere else.
Pro Tip: Engage with brands by liking and commenting on posts; this increases your chances of being selected for giveaways or exclusive offers.
6. Abandon Your Cart to Trigger Discounts
Here’s a little-known trick that works surprisingly well: if you’re not in a rush to buy something, try leaving it in your online cart for a few days. Many retailers use abandoned cart emails to re-engage potential customers, and they often include discount offers to encourage you to complete your purchase.
Let’s say you’ve found a stylish dress you love but it’s a little out of your budget. Add it to your cart, then close the tab and wait. Within a few days, you might receive an email from the retailer offering you a special discount code, free shipping, or another incentive to come back and complete your purchase.
Pro Tip: This tactic works best if you’re logged into your account on the retailer’s website, so they can track your cart and send you targeted offers.
7. Use Price Comparison Tools
Never settle for the first price you see online. Use price comparison tools, like Google Shopping, ShopSavvy, and PriceGrabber, which allow you to quickly check if the item you’re interested in is available at a lower price from another retailer. These tools compare prices across different websites, ensuring you get the best deal possible.
Additionally, price comparison tools often provide information on shipping costs, return policies, and customer reviews, which can help you make more informed purchasing decisions. Some tools also allow you to set up price drop alerts, so you’ll be notified if the item you want goes on sale.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs when comparing prices. An item might be cheaper at one retailer but have high shipping fees that negate the savings.
Scoring stylish clothes online at bargain prices is all about being smart and strategic with your shopping habits. By signing up for newsletters, using coupon codes, shopping off-season, and utilizing price comparison tools, you can save big without sacrificing style. Social media, outlet sections, and the occasional abandoned cart discount will further enhance your savings.
The key is patience and persistence. Retailers are constantly offering deals and promotions, so if you wait for the right moment and use these seven tips, you’ll always find fashionable clothes at a fraction of the cost.