Isobel Lawrance
9th May 2025
Reading Time:
11
minutes
How can you get a new summer wardrobe on a budget?
It’s the time of year where you may be prepping for an upcoming holiday or summer party. We all like to treat ourselves to new clothes here and there, but especially so when we are jetting off abroad or travelling to the coast for some much-needed time away.
As the weather changes, so do the clothes we wear. We pack away our jumpers and fluffy socks and bring out our summer dresses, shorts and polo shirts in preparation for the summertime.
But now, more than ever, saving money is the top of most people’s priorities. This means many of us don’t have the extra money available to buy lots of new clothes or overhaul our whole wardrobe.
But don’t fear – there are plenty of ways to revamp your summer wardrobe without breaking the bank. In many cases, you can even get new clothes for free! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, after all. Here’s how to get a brand-new summer wardrobe on a budget.
Charity shops
Charity shops can be your best friend. They are one of the best ways to revamp your summer wardrobe on a budget. Charity shops line our high streets, providing us with plenty of amazing goods, both new and second hand. They can be a goldmine when trying to find new clothing on a small budget. You may be surprised at what you can find, too!
Many charity shops sell designer goods for a slither of the price they retail for. Some have vintage sections. Others may have sections where the items are brand new with tags.
The best part of charity shops is that you can get a whole outfit in one place. From your head to your toes, there will be something for you. Whether you are looking for hats, jewellery, shoes, dresses, trousers, skirts, shorts, blouses, dress shirts, suits, coats, cardigans, t-shirts or sportswear, charity shops provide a huge selection of preloved goodies for a fraction of the retail price.
You can also find unique items and one-of-a-kind gems. Some of the items may have been sat in a wardrobe, totally unloved and unworn for many years. They are in amazing condition and in need of a good home.
Don’t impulse buy
When going into a charity shop, it is imperative to take the time to look. There will likely be a sea of clothes and accessories to sift through, but it will most certainly be worth it. Don’t rush through the items, rather take your time and look at every rail, rack and shelf. Many people wander into a charity shop, glance around for a moment then decide it’s all flea-ridden tat.
This is not the case. All charity shops clean the items that come to them. They only sell items in decent condition, too. So, take a breath and work your way through the rails. Be patient. It is guaranteed you will find something to revamp your wardrobe, and it won’t cost a bomb!
Now, we admit. Some charity shops have become quite expensive over the years, charging high prices for newer items or items from more expensive brands. But don’t fear – there are still many charity shops out there which charge low amounts of money for the goods they sell. Their aim is not to make a profit, but to sell their items at a reasonable price and raise money for a good cause. Do some research, either by searching online or visiting the charity shops in your area to see which shop best suits your price range.
Many charity shops now have online shops, too. Make sure to check out the online stores, and remember you can support charities by buying from their eBay shops, too.
Look for Flipping Items
While you’re on your charity shop haul mission, keep your eyes peeled for designer bargains. Or, if you’re a bit handy with crafts, consider items you could upcycle with some crochet or embroidery. These items will take more of your budget initially – but you could then resell them on marketplaces like Vinted and eBay to make a profit.
MAGPIE IZZY SAYS:
“I absolutely adore charity shops. Most of my wardrobe is either from charity shops or second hand! I spend time looking through my charity shops, combing through each hanger to see if I can find something I like. On more than one occasion, I have saved an item of clothing from a high street shop online to buy later, only to see something identical in a charity shop.
Just the other day I found a dress in my local charity shop that I have had on my wish list for months. It was the exact brand too! The dress is £17.99 online – I got it for £3.50! I have never been so chuffed. Another amazing find of mine was a pair of brand new Tuffa boots for £4.99. They looked unworn and I bought them thinking they’d be good for winter. I later found out they retail for £65!”
Online marketplaces
Another way to get some new pieces for your summer wardrobe on a budget is online marketplaces. We have all heard of eBay or Depop. But there are hundreds of online marketplaces where you can buy great second hand and preloved items.
During a time when people are looking to earn some extra money due to the cost-of-living crisis and sustainability concerns are high, secondhand shopping has become increasingly popular. With the vast opportunities provided by the internet, you can find almost anything you desire on secondhand marketplaces, from designer items to unique finds. However, it’s important to be cautious when making purchases online, as returns are often not accepted unless the item is damaged or not as described. Checking size specifications and asking for measurements from the seller can help ensure a proper fit.
To stay safe while shopping online, it’s best to use official websites and never share your card information with unauthorized sources. Scams, though rare, can occur, especially with high-end or rare clothing items. Checking seller reviews and ratings can provide insight into their reliability. Overall, buying preloved clothing online not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint by opting for used items.
In addition to online marketplaces, car boot sales can be a treasure trove for finding affordable preloved items. Sellers at boot sales are often looking to quickly sell off their belongings, offering low prices for a wide range of items. By being patient and taking your time to browse, you may uncover hidden gems among the piles of goods. Though the number of traders selling new items has increased, focusing on homegrown sellers can lead to great bargains.
Attending a local boot sale early in the day is key to snagging the best deals, as popular items tend to sell quickly. Bank holidays and weekends are prime times for these sales, though some may occur during the week as well. With a bit of patience and a keen eye, you can score fantastic finds at affordable prices while also supporting sustainability efforts.
You can discover incredible second-hand deals at a fraction of the original price! One person shared their experience of finding a brand new Monsoon party dress with tags for just £3, which originally retailed at £125. They also came across a Karen Millen coat for £2, which they cleaned up and restored to perfection. This coat would have cost £300-400 if bought new!
Clothes swapping
Have you ever admired someone’s wardrobe and wished it was yours? Or peeked into a friend’s closet and coveted every item? Why not try clothes swapping?
Clothes swapping can be done in different ways. You can propose the idea to your friends and organize a swapping session where everyone can exchange their pre-loved clothes, shoes, and accessories. This way, you can get new items without spending any money!
Alternatively, you can explore online websites dedicated to clothes swapping. These platforms allow you to swap items with others based on your preferences and sizes. It’s a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without adding to environmental waste and without breaking the bank.
Some clothes swapping sites:
Upcycle
If you’re feeling creative, consider upcycling your existing clothing to give them a fresh look. Upcycling is a fun and sustainable way to revamp your summer wardrobe on a budget.
Start by addressing basic repairs like sewing on missing buttons, mending small rips, and fixing zips. These simple fixes can breathe new life into your favorite pieces and save you money in the long run.
For more creative upcycling, you can add iron-on badges, gems, buttons, or fabric paint to personalize your clothes. Dyeing items can also completely transform their appearance. Additionally, try tie-dyeing for a fun and unique touch to your wardrobe.
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can further customize your clothes by altering lengths, sleeves, or buttons to create a whole new garment.
Do you have any exciting ideas for revamping your summer wardrobe on a budget? Share them below!
sentence: Please remember to turn off the lights before leaving the room.