Have you ever wondered how to look great without breaking the budget? In this strained economy, inflation is rising faster than many incomes, so shoppers need to be more price conscious when shopping. Four great ways to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank: Buy on sale, off-season, online, and at consignment or resale stores. Buying Items on SaleRetailers hold sales to increase inventory turnover, which increases working capital and leaves room for new inventory. Often, stores have a regular schedule for receiving new products and associates are happy to let customers know when to expect a new shipment. Customers can use this information to estimate when the store will have a stock clearance or clearance sale. Most companies also have buyer's clubs and email newsletters to offer customers special discounts and notify the buyer of upcoming deals. For an even better deal, shoppers can find coupons for their favorite stores and combine the two discounts. For example, if a customer at a store purchases a leather jacket that normally costs $250, a 50% discount will bring the price down to $125. An additional 25% off coupon will lower the price further to $93.75. Now that's a good deal! Shop off-season Finding deals while retail shopping has a lot to do with timing. Waiting until mid-season will often result in better prices than shopping at the change of season. For example, many people start buying winter clothes in November. This is the peak period when stores charge full price on new items for the next season. Wait until January to purchase more expensive items, like the leather jacket above. Prices will decrease as the season progresses. Although the selection becomes scarcer at the end of the season, mid-season is about the right time to find a good outfit...... middle of paper. Why pay full price for retro styles from the 70s or 80s when consignment stores are full of them. For an even better deal, bring clothes that are no longer in use to exchange for store credit. It's like getting something for nothing!ConclusionBuying items on sale and pairing the sale price with a discount can allow shoppers to expand and update their wardrobe without spending a fortune. Planning your shopping trips later in the season or out of season is a sure way to find good deals on items that will still be usable next year. If one doesn't want to wait to purchase that must-have item, online stores are a great place to save time and find discounted prices on the latest styles. If the right look happens to be a throwback from an earlier era, consignment stores and retail stores are a great place to find that chunky necklace or vintage cardigan from the years 1950..