There are a lot of areas in our lives where we spend money, and in most of these areas we can save a little here and a little there, however, when it comes to clothing, there are a lot of ways to save. The following is a big list of tips for saving money on clothing:

The first way to save money on clothing is to take care of the clothes you have, especially if you have a limited budget for clothing. Don't wear your best clothes around the house if you are just going to be eating and watching television. You would not want little stains on your nice clothes because you were pigging out in front of the t.v. So, when you get home from school or work, or going out, change out of your nice clothes and wear your older clothes around the house. Of course, this does not mean you have to be a scrub, it just means wear clothes that are okay to live in when you are at home. It is smart to save your nice clothing for when you go out or go to work.

Part of caring for your clothes is keeping them stain free. It is a good idea to always treat stains quickly so they don't set and ruin your clothing. If you drip on your shirt, run out for a minute and change so you can treat the shirt.

Keeping your clothes clean is a big part of saving money on clothes, and this is not going to work if you are spending a fortune to clean your clothes. So, if possible, buy clothing that does not need to be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning is very expensive and can really add to the cost of the piece over time, which means even if you get the clothes on sale, you won't be saving money on those clothes.

The next step for saving money on clothing is to think ahead. At the end of every season things go on sale. There is nothing wrong with these pieces, they are just on sale to clear them out so there is room for the next season's set of clothing. So, if you want to save money on clothing, then think ahead. Buy winter clothes in spring and summer clothes in the autumn. You will be able to have a large wardrobe, and never pay full price for the items you have. It is just important to remember when you do this that styles do change, so you won't be saving any money if you buy really trendy items that may go out of style before you have a chance to wear them. So, instead, but basic, flattering pieces that are classics. Buy things that are going to look good on you no matter what, and that will be flattering whether they are the hottest thing right then or not.

In addition to buying stuff off season you can think ahead by stocking up on the basics, the things you wear all the time, underwear, jeans, neutral shirts, etc. when they are on sale. If your favorite brand of jeans is having an incredible sale, then take advantage of it.

Next, one of the best ways to save money is to not follow trends too closely in your clothes, rather do that with your accessories. If you can keep your clothing pieces basic and flattering you will look great, no matter what the current trend is. Let's face it, some trends are just not flattering on many figures. So, by purchasing classic styles that flatter your figure rather than following a (possibly unflattering) trend, you not only have clothing that will last longer, but you also look better in your clothes. Trends come and go, but classics last. So, make your wardrobe a collection of classic staples, and then keep your look up to date with the trendy, and far less expensive, accessories. For ladies this means purses, scarves, jewelry, hair accessories, and shoes. For guys this means hats, shoes, belts, and some jewelry. If you are successful at this your savings will be immense. So, buy clothing in neutral colors that can be worn in more than one season. Pick classic styles that won't look dated when the new look comes out, and change up the look of your outfits with new accessories and shoes.

The next step to saving money on clothing is to do things to make you more excited about your wardrobe. The first thing you can do is put away seasonal clothing at the end of the season. This will keep them looking nicer, but it also means that when you take them out of the box they feel sort of like new clothes. You get more excited about them because you have not been looking at them for the last several months. In essence you are going to trick your mind into feeling like you have new clothes even if you don't.

Another great way to save on clothes is to make more looks out of the same items by having things that easily mix and match, and by using accessories to give the same outfits a different look. It is okay to pay more to buy quality if you have fewer items that are going to be able to be put together in various ways to achieve a number of looks. So, put out some money for one great pair of neutral slacks, one great pair of jeans, a great jacket, a great skirt, etc. then spend less on other pieces to add to these.

The next thing you can do to save money is somewhat obvious, but important still the same. You can save money by shopping at discount stores and outlet stores. Try stores like T.J. Maxx and Ross for name brand items at a discount, or go even more discount by buying at thrift shops and second hand stores. You can often find really great items in these stores for a killer deal. Have you ever bought something awesome and then put on some weight? You aren't alone, and these items often go to the thrift store. So, you can find great clothes, you just have to look harder, but the savings are worth it. Thrift Shops in nicer neighborhoods have the nicest used clothing. Also check out the thrift shops that are near big malls. The stores quite often donate unsold clothing there that is brand new, sometimes the tags are even still on the item. This is not always the case, but if you are selective about the thrift shops you choose, you can really get nice clothing at a significant savings. Church rummage sales will have the best selection of clothes. Garage sales often have good and bad, but can be the cheapest place to find clothes. Consignment stores are going to have the nicest clothes because they are not going to accept clothes that are not in good condition.

A great option that is not available to everyone is to simply trade clothing with your friends that are similar sizes. Just because you are sick of your clothes does not mean that they are outdated or bad clothes. Often times you friends feel the same way and trading can eliminate your clothing boredom, give you a new wardrobe, and cost you nothing.

Fancy clothing for evenings out, cocktail parties, proms, etc. are really expensive, and are often not worn more than a couple of times. So, look for sales, or simply borrow. You can also buy things at consignment stores. You do not have to pay through the nose for these items if you look carefully. Garage sales can be a great place to start.

The next tip for saving money on clothing is to buy the right size. Just because you love it does not mean it fits, and just because you want to lose that weight, or think you will change some does not mean it will happen. It often means spending money on clothing you will never be able to wear. If you are losing weight, wait until it is off to go shopping. If you are gaining weight, due to pregnancy or something, don't buy post-pregnancy clothes until you are post-pregnancy. Even if it is a steal, spending any money on clothes you can't wear is spending too much. Save by always buying the right size.

The next step for saving money on clothing is to only buy things you love. If you don't love it, it is going to sit in your closet while you wear and re-wear the stuff you do love. If you buy it and get home and are unsure, take the time to take it back.

Save money on clothes, by getting money out of the clothes you no longer wear. Sell them. You can sell your clothes to consignment stores, thrift shops, places like Platos closet, etc. Or you can sell your clothes on eBay, at a garage sale, etc. If you are the kind of person that wants a new wardrobe every time the season changes, then clean out your closet and sell last season's clothes so that you at least have some money to use toward your new clothes.