Winter Clearance Shopping Tips

Since spring lines are hitting stores, more and more winter items are going on clearance, making you feel obligated to buy, buy buy. However; as someone who has wasted so much money buying something just because of it's "can't beat" price, I want to share some tips on how to shop winter clearance in order to buy something that you will actually wear not only now, but also next fall/winter as well.
1) Use Filters: When shopping online, using filters is extremely helpful. First of all, it will narrow the number of items you are scrolling through, which will be much less overwhelming. The most important filter is of course, size. What's the point in shopping pages and pages of products when every item that catches you eye is never in your size? Its depressing, honestly, and will most likely drive you to purchase something you won't even wear just to cheer yourself up. Before you even look at anything, make sure you filter for your correct size. Another filter that is important, especially if you are on a budget, is price. Just because something is on clearance does not mean that it is cheap. Select a price range that you are comfortable with and start shopping. You don't want to fall in love with something you can't afford. If you use these filters plus whichever others you'd like to narrow your search, and nothing catches your eye, it's easier to walk away or even use your money towards some new spring clothes!
2) Continuing Trends: "If I buy this now, can I still wear it next year?" A question many of us have asked, and now that fashion week has come and gone we can determine what will still be relevant next year. Trends like plaid, knitwear, fur accents, and neutral palettes will definitely be around for another season. Below is a couple looks from the fall/winter 2015 runways highlighting these continuing trends to give you some inspiration on what styles to purchase if you can find them on clearance this year.

Topshop

Marc by Marc Jacobs

3) Basics and Essentials: When you find a basic piece that is good quality at a marked down price, buy it! You can never go wrong with something as versatile as a basic sweater or layering piece, especially one that you got on clearance. Other essential pieces that are smart to buy on clearance are outwear and shoes. Waiting to purchase an essential piece is pretty risky because you might not find what you are looking for at the end of the season. However, if you come across some boots at a great price, and you've been wanting to replace your current pair then its a sign that you should definitely go for it! The same goes with outerwear, you can find a nice jacket on clearance and wear it for many years in the future. 

No matter what you might find it is important to be sure what you are purchasing now will be worth the money. You don't want to be looking through your fall clothes this September and ask yourself what you were thinking, you want to be happy that you bought those pieces and proud of yourself for finding them at a discounted price. Most important, if you truly love something and you know you will wear it because it's just so you then you should definitely buy it. Don't let fashion trends or anyone make you feel like you can't buy something that you just adore. Let me know if you found these tips helpful, and feel free to add any other tips that work for you! Also, check out my new Pinterest page.