With the new dress code people are quickly “running out of outfits” and are looking to out of dress code clothes for the answer. If your supply and budget are both limited, you may feel out of luck, but thanks to

alternatives, like outlets, thrift shops, flea markets, and garage sales, a little money can go a long way.

If you’re someone who just cannot stand used clothes, then outlets are the place for you. Outlets are a good place to get basic pieces and brand names for less. If you’re really trying to save money be shameless and go straight to the sales rack, that’s usually placed in the back of store. Look specifically for stores that advertise having sales on their already clearance items. These stores are usually pretty popular, so don’t expect to find unique one-of a-kind pieces here. The prices are actually cheaper than you may have thought. You can get a brand new pair of jeans (real denim) for about $15 and a blouse for about $5. I like to use outlets to stock up on simple, layerable and essential garments.

Another alternative is thrift shops. Now, before you go out and buy the whole store please keep in mind that people actually shop in these stores out of a necessity; you wouldn’t want to take away the last warm winter coat in the store, and let them freeze all winter. Please just be considerate while shopping at these stores, and give yourself a budget of maybe twenty dollars on regular clothing. Thrift shops are where you can find some unique clothing for very cheap, but you’ll have to do some digging. Thrifting is time consuming, and if it’s a large store it can seem a bit overwhelming. The important thing is to give yourself time to look. First head off in the racks that are in your size and look through, pulling things out that catch your eye, whether is a pair of denim you really like the color of or a shiny jacket that’s grabbing your attention, always take a look at these. The thing about thrifting is that you never know what you’ll find, so don’t go in looking with expectations in mind.

Flea Markets are places that have tons of things for everyone. Getting to the clothes stands may be a chore but when you get there it may be worth it. The vendors usually have piles of clothes, so you’ll literally have to dig, but it’s worth the gems you may find. The price is usually one flat rate for everything. They’ll say “one piece of clothes for one dollar” and from there you can just go crazy. At times you may find some lightly used designer pieces whos original price may have been upwards of fifty dollars. Check for quality before you purchase these items; you wouldn’t want your shirt falling off your body in the middle of the day so be sure to check!

Garage sales are also an option. I saved them for last because I personally dont like them, but if you go to them here are a few tips. Go to the affluent neighborhoods. They’re more likely to have lightly used, good quality items. At garage sales the owner of all the items sets their own price, so if you feel like an item is worth less or you want to try your luck, you’re allowed to haggle. Unless it’s an item that the seller was really attached to, they’ll probably give in to your price.

All of these are good alternatives so you don’t have to spend all your money on new clothes for fear of running out outfits. Recycle your clothes to come up with new looks, and if you aren’t creative, running out of outfits is better than running out of money.

*Remember when buying clothes to always wash them thoroughly before use, I know this may seem obvious but just be precautious, you never know who’s been in your clothes*