Are You Frugal or Cheap? Your Fashion Version!

Do you have a thrifty side? We suspect that you do, if you are here in the first place. While getting deals is great, some of us take bargain hunting to another level--and still others give deal-searchers a bad name by being fairly cheap. Which camp are you in?

When you buy clothes, do you stick to brand names?

 
If you stick to brand names only, no matter what the price, then you’re certainly not cheap--but you should really start going to the sales to get your best price! Frugal fashion isn’t easy, but the ideal mix in your closet should be something like 50-50 or 70-30 with brand names and no-names (like vintage and basics), if only to allow you some opportunities for getting the big-time deals.

Would you ever try to push a coupon through if it’s not good?

 
Let’s say you’re in a brick-and-mortar store, and you have an amazing coupon that expired yesterday... do you try to use it, or do you toss it? One of the signs of crossing the frugal line and venturing into the world of cheap is when you try to abuse your deal-hunting powers. Don’t! When you abuse a coupon, other people do it, too--and that means that you won’t be able to find good deals in the future.

How far will you go for a deal?

Let’s say that you are looking for a new satchel, but in order to get the best-priced one, you’ll have to drive 10 miles out of your way OR interrupt your work schedule in the middle of the day to get a limited-release coupon via Facebook. Do you still grab your coupon even though you have to change your schedule, or is it worth it, no matter what?

Do you build your wardrobe around deals?

If you like to work out your seasonal wardrobe depending on what you got on offer this time, you are a star student of frugality. Those who have to pass up affordable looks due to serious personal style constraints are more rigid in their ways, but a real frugal diva gives herself the wiggle room she needs to cultivate the most inexpensive, stylish look. Someone who’s cheap might forgo any investment pieces and buy one-season-one items for the lowest possible price, but a frugal woman is wise with her budget and her ever-changing look.


Are you frugal, or are you cheap?