AD | Online clothes shopping on a budget

It's been a while since I properly went clothes shopping, especially with everything that's happened in the past year - plus I'm saving for a house, so keeping my spends down is important at the moment. That being said, we all deserve to treat ourselves and you can definitely shop for clothes on a budget these days. Here are some of my favourite ways to bag a bargain when it comes to updating your wardrobe...

Buy secondhand

The charity shops are open again - hallelujah! But there are online options for secondhand clothing, too. I've spent many a lockdown-night perusing eBay to try and find a funky vintage sweatshirt or even just something from Zara or Topshop two years ago that I've spotted on somebody's Instagram. Clothes that are out of season are always cheaper, and as long as you run your secondhand goodies through the washing machine after they've arrived then you'll be good to go. As well as eBay, there are apps and sites like Vinted, Depop and even ASOS Marketplace.

This skirt is a New Look sale purchase!

Check the sale section

Honestly, I always head straight to the sale section on any online clothes site. That's how you *know* you're getting a bargain. Sometimes it does mean sifting through page after page of cropped hoodies and twee dresses and neon bralettes (no offence if you wear anything like this, obviously, it's just not me) BUT you can often find really cute pieces for a fraction of their original price. Again they are sometimes out of season, but with the British weather the way it is it looks like we all might be wearing coats and jumpers n July anyway... New Look always have a banging sale section, as do Next and Boohoo!

Online catalogues 

There are sites that allow you to spread the cost of your purchase, too, which can be helpful if you want to buy a few things for an upcoming trip (fingers crossed in terms of some leisure travel re-opening in the next few weeks) or a special occasion. There are various options for catalogues with credit. You can choose from Very, Lookagain, Simply Be and more - just be sure to keep an eye on your credit and be sensible with your spending. Sites like Very and Simply Be offer clothing from other brands like Glamorous, Adidas and hundreds more, and you'll definitely be able to find yourself a bargain.

I bought this dress from Simply Be!

Use cashback sites

Another way to save money when it comes to online clothes shopping is to ensure you go through cashback sites when making a purchase. While it doesn't alter the price of the purchase itself, you get a small percentage of the money back for absolutely nothing. It is literally FREE MONEY. Anyone not using a cashback site in 2021 is a fool - it has to be said. Consider this your reminder to sign up for one if you're not already! I use Quidco and Top Cashback, and have earned around £120 cashback in just over a year. 

What are YOUR budget shopping tips?