How to Find Clothing Bargains

Buy your clothes at the right time

Department stores will often mark down goods that don’t move within a month or two. “If it’s been an exceptionally warm winter, coats will go on sale earlier,” says Kathryn Finney, author of How to Be a Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous for Less (Ballantine Books, $27.95).

Negotiate

“A lot of people don’t realise you can negotiate when shopping in stores,” adds Finney. If a shirt is missing a button, ask the floor manager for a discount. He or she usually has discretion to give you up to 15% off. Goldstein recommends leaving swing tags on until the first wear.
If the outfit sits unworn in your cupboard, you can take it back for cash or exchange. Just remember to keep your receipt.

Opt for excess

More bargains can be tracked down at www.deals direct.com.au, which scoops up excess stock at liquidated prices. It partners direct with suppliers so it can offer impressive deals on 5000 products in 27 categories, including homewares, luggage and outdoors equipment. Swiss travel gear usually sells there at half the retail price.

Compare prices

Use your mouse nous to check prices between online stores. At www.my shopping.com.au, enter your search term on the site (for example, Elle lingerie) or start off in one of seven main categories. The site will then list the least expensive sources in an organised format.
Our search found a huge 163 Elle MacPherson Intimates items ranging in price from $10 to $180.