How to shop sustainably and affordably this summer

So, you are planning to change your look and revamp your wardrobe for the summer. But you want to do it without breaking the bank while being environmentally conscious. Sometimes shopping can be unproductive if you don’t have a budget in place or an organized method for choosing what you need and what you don’t need to buy. Luckily, we’ve compiled some tips to make shopping less stressful, more sustainable, and affordable.

1.Always make sure you get a discount code!!

When shopping online there is almost always a discount code for every online store, all you have to do is take a good look. Most online stores offer a 10% to 30% discount code when you sign up for their mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time if you no longer wish to receive store updates. If you’re not looking to subscribe to an online store and don’t have time to surf the internet looking for coupons or discount codes, consider downloading apps or browser extensions like Karma{ officially known as shoptagr} or Honey.

These two browser extensions do all the work for you by scouring the internet for the best coupon codes that work and save you the most money. Not only that, they also give you cashback points which are equivalent to real money which you can then use for shopping on different websites in the future. Karma also has a feature that lets you save your favorite wishlist items and track any price changes or discounts on the item.

2. Do you need it?

It’s so easy to get caught up in shopping when looking at these super trendy and flashy items, whether you buy online or in a physical store. At first glance, you may say to yourself: I want it all! But don’t get carried away just yet.

Think carefully about all the items you might already have in your wardrobe that look like what you see in the store. It may be the same color or cut as something you already own. Can you see yourself wearing this more than three times? Or is it something that isn’t high quality or doesn’t fit well with everything else in your wardrobe? It may look good on the rack, it may even look good on you, but it’s important to know how to buy smart if you want to save money AND be durable at the same time. Buy items that you see yourself wearing for the long term. There’s so much pressure to wear the latest styles and look super trendy, but it’s not conducive in the long run. Thinking about your current wardrobe and figuring out what’s missing and what complements it best is better than going shopping. If you have a problem with organizing your closet, read how to make your closet as functional and minimalist as possible to help you make your closet more functional so it’s easier to shop.

3. Buy used

If you are short of money, you can consider savings. After all, it’s an eco-friendly way to change things up in your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Websites like Depop and thredup offer thousands of high-quality second-hand clothes and accessories. You might even get lucky and find a high-end designer bag at a discount price! My favorite is Depop. Depop lets you wear your favorite influencers’ pieces at an affordable price. Many influencers sell their clothes and accessories, so if you’re looking to follow popular trends without spending a wad of cash, then Depop might be for you.

4. make a list

Now, that may seem like a trivial matter, but it makes a huge difference in organizing your shopping. Writing down exactly what you are looking for helps you sharpen your focus and not be swayed by everything you see in the store. It also helps you track your expenses by correctly applying your budget. Whether it’s pants for brunch or a special occasion, identifying exactly what you’re looking for and for what purpose helps you look more effectively and narrow down your options.