Fashion and style are an integral part of life for many people. There’s nothing quite like finding that perfect outfit or accessory to make you look and feel your best. While building a stunning wardrobe can get expensive, the good news is that savvy shoppers can stay on trend without breaking the bank. Department stores like El Corte Inglés make it possible to mix high-end pieces with great deals on quality fashion. With the right shopping strategies, you can find stylish clothes, shoes and accessories to suit your personal taste and budget.
Create a Wish List
It pays to go into any shopping trip with a plan. Sit down and make a wish list of pieces you’d love to add to your closet this season. Include must-have basics like jeans, blouses and sneakers, as well as trendy statement items and accessories that reflect current styles. Don’t hold back on listing more aspirational designer pieces too – you may just get lucky and find them at an amazing discounted price! Having a wish list helps you stay focused once you start perusing the racks and ensures you don’t end up with random impulse buys.
Know the Sales Cycles
Department stores like El Corte Inglés offer different sales throughout the year. Keeping track of these annual sales cycles can help you determine the best times to shop. Mid-season sales usually happen in January and July, with discounts from 30% to 50% off original prices. Look out for blowout seasonal sales as well, like after Christmas and before the summer season. For the biggest savings, wait for special annual sales like Black Friday and anniversary events. Sign up for email alerts so you never miss a sale opportunity.
Check Discount Sections First
Once you start shopping in person or online, head straight for the sales and promotions sections. Department stores neatly collate all the current deals in one easy-to-find place. Sort by size or item type to quickly spot major discounts on your wishlist items. Look for extra percentage off sales tags on top of already reduced prices. Raid the clearance racks for previous season pieces at rock bottom prices. Just a few key sale finds can make your whole shopping trip worthwhile.
Search Online For Codes and Coupons
Before you start adding items to your online cart, do a quick search for any active promo codes or coupons. Retailers like El Corte Inglés frequently offer percent or money off discounts, free shipping codes and other perks. These can lead to huge savings, especially on higher priced items. Check coupon sites, the retailer’s social media pages, or simply try Google searching for the store name plus “promo code”. Don’t forget to also check your inbox – stores will send exclusive discounts to customers on their email list.
Sign Up For Loyalty Programs
If you frequently shop at department stores, sign up for their free loyalty program. These programs offer members special discounts, free shipping, earning points per dollar spent and access to exclusive sales. Cards are easy to sign up for at checkout or online. Just flashing your loyalty card with purchases can save you 5-10% instantly at many major retailers. Earned points can translate into dollar off reward certificates for future shopping trips. Benefits quickly add up, making loyalty programs well worth joining.
Think Total Cost Per Wear
While that designer handbag or statement jacket has a hefty price tag, think about how often you’ll actually wear it. Cost per use can give you a true sense of value. For example, if you wear a $50 dress 10 times, its cost per wear is only $5. Meanwhile, a $300 dress worn once hikes the cost per wear up to $300. As you evaluate purchases, consider how often they’ll rotate through your wardrobe. The more versatile pieces usually get the most wear.
Minimize Returns To Avoid Fees
It’s tempting to order a bunch of items with the intent to return some later. Just make sure to check the return policy first. Many stores now charge return fees, especially for online orders. Others may offer free returns within a set window, like 30 days. Consider your selection carefully and limit returns to items that truly don’t work. You want to avoid return fees cutting into your savings. For the best fit, check out clothing in person when possible.
With the right savvy shopping skills, you can build a fabulous fashion wardrobe within any budget. Follow sale cycles, search for promo codes and focus on versatile pieces to maximize value. Happy deal hunting!
