1.  Start at the expensive stores first

It’s a good idea to go to a pricey store first, like Nordstrom or Dillard’s.  Don’t worry, you’re not going to buy anything or try anything on.  Simply walk around and look at the expensive clothes on display.  Look for common themes (colors, fabrics, pant length, collar styles) so that you know what’s in fashion.  If you don’t have an expensive store in your area, buy a fashion magazine like Lucky (or better yet, borrow one from a friend).

2.  Don’t shop hungry or when you’re in a hurry

Everyone gives this advice because it’s true.  If you shop when you’re hungry, you’re going to buy too much.  It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for groceries or shoes.  And if you shop when you’re in a hurry, you won’t be able to find the really good deals.

3.  Keep your current wardrobe needs in mind

If you really need blouses, why are you looking at pants and skirts?  Remember, it’s not a bargain if you buy something you don’t need.

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4.  Wear proper undergarments

If you’re going to buy work clothes, make sure you wear the same underwear you wear at work.  Don’t wear a sports bra when looking for a formal dress, don’t wear socks when you’re looking for ballet flats, and don’t wear bulky panties when you’re looking for jeggings.  Wearing improper underwear means you won’t know how the garment will really look once you get it home.

5.  Be prepared to dig

Digging varies from store to store, but essentially you want to look through every available piece of clothing.  For example, when I shop at my local T.J. Maxx, I’m able to go down every aisle and look for the hangers tagged XL, because the staff there is awesome and they always make sure that their hangers are on the right size.  When I go to Burlington Coat Factory, however, I literally have to dig through every piece of clothing because the hangers rarely have the correct size on them, and the areas designated for certain sizes contain all sizes available.  It’s time consuming, but I have more success than many of my friends because of my persistence.

6.  Try on everything

Bargain stores are notorious for having irregular items.  Even if you tried on the exact same shirt and you want to trade it out for a “twin” on the rack, try on the new one.  There could be major issues with the replacement due to many reasons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL7oQNpXgEU

7.  Look by size range and not by size

Many times, clothing winds up at these stores because they’re not sized properly.  I usually wear a large in shirts, but I’ve bought shirts in bargain stores sized anywhere from medium to 1x, and they’ve all fit the same.  These items usually won’t sell in department stores because people get emotionally upset when they think they’re a large and suddenly a large is too small.  They don’t even try the extra large, they just feel sad.  Don’t feel sad if you go to, say, Nordstrom Rack, and the Free People shirt that always fits you in medium is too small.   Try the large and, if it fits, cut the tag out.  No one needs to know but you.

8.  Know when to buy and when to pass

My litmus test for bargain shopping is easy.  Do I love the way this looks on me?  If I answer no, my next question is, “can I have it taken in by a tailor to make it fit right?”  If that question is no, I ask, “does it fit a dire need in my wardrobe, and can I live with its flaws?”  If that answer is no, I don’t buy it.

If you do absolutely love the item, don’t wait until later.  I can guarantee you, 80% of the time it’s not there when you go back because someone else fell in love with it, too.

9.  Take it to the tailor

Unless you can sew yourself, if you find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly except the waist is too big, take it to a tailor.  Chances are it can be fixed for under $10.  Remember to leave the tags on until the tailor tells you if it can be fixed and how much it will cost.  That way you’re not stuck with a pair of jeans that will never fit you right.

10.  Go back often

These stores are constantly taking in new merchandise and making new markdowns.  I try to hit each bargain store locally at least once a month.