Ok, so first, if the store doesn’t organize by size what you are going to want to do is turn around, walk out the door, go to your car and not shop there. Seriously, do not waste your time. Unless you are incredibly patient and confident it will be so so discouraging to dig through rack after rack and only find one thing. Not only is it discouraging this is an experience that reinforces the wrong headed thinking that you are hard to clothe beautifully. Which is not true. Reject that thought.
Second, be pickier. Do not let a sense of scarcity motivate you. When you are larger it can feel like we need to settle for what is available instead of what we like or feel good in. It is OK to pass up the shirt that doesn’t fit quite right or the pants that are just a little too short. Make sure that when you are assessing an item think about if you feel confident in it. Money spent on something you won’t wear is wasted.
But that brings us to point number 3 get to know a tailor. I think some of us get the idea that tailoring clothes is super expensive and complicated. Listen, getting good quality thrifted clothes tailored is way, way, cheaper than buying high quality clothes new. I found a leather jacket for $7 at a thrift store because the zipper was broken. I then spent $15 to get the zipper replaced. A nice leather jacket for $22 is still a deal. As I mentioned above I am also very tall. I have had the arms in a half dozen blazers made intentionally ¾ sleeve instead of just too short.
Fourth, have a shopping list. When I shop I keep in mind what I already have and have a list generated (thanks Google Docs) of the few things I need in my wardrobe i.e. I currently need a new neutral color cardigan preferably a chunky one as I don’t have that silhouette in my closet at the moment either. I could also use more business casual shirts to layer with what I already have. As I am shopping I keep in mind what will help my wardrobe at home. This helps me stay task oriented and not buy things I don’t need or waste cash on something that won’t work with what I own already.
Lastly, know your “go to” looks. My personal go to wardrobe staples are cardigans, wrap dresses and pencil skirts. Those items are followed closely by tank tops/sleeveless shirts of all kinds. I dress in layers a lot of the time. Things like these I know I will wear all the time. As long as they are different colors from what I already own I know I will use them regularly. Along with this I also know my color story. I love blue and orange. If the new item are those colors or compliment those colors it is probably a winner.
There you have it friends. As a bigger bodied human that spent a lot of her adult life in various stages of broke those are my best tips for building a wardrobe on a budget. Please comment below if you have any tips and tricks of your own. Go forth and thrift! Good Luck!
Saraline Speaks 