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The $25
Outfit: A Fashion Finding Challenge
by
Kimberly Danger
 After years of
bargain hunting experience, especially looking for clothes, I wanted to put my
shopping skills to the test. I mean, I’m ALWAYS finding cute stuff at $10 or
less. So the $25 outfit should be easy, right? As I found out, the task of
putting an entire outfit together for under $25 posed more of a challenge to
this frugal fashionista than I thought. While I was always stumbling upon a
bargain find here or there, finding two or three coordinating pieces all at once
seemed as rare and coincidental as getting my kids to nap at the same time.
The Challenge
The difficulty of
finding an outfit for $25 lies not in finding bargain clothing, but in finding a
coordinating outfit. You may find a great buy on a cute shirt, skirt, jacket,
or you-name-it. Then, what will you pair it with? You might end up forking out
even more money to find a piece that matches, which defeats the purpose of your
bargain. I’ve learned that if you look for pieces that will fit in nicely with
basics like denim, black, and tees, you’ll have a better chance of finding
something to match.
Watch Out for
Fashion Mistakes
Since you’re more
likely to put more thought into an expensive piece of clothing, it’s more likely
to be a piece you’ll truly put to use. Most of my fashion mistakes have been
clearance items. With sale items, I tend to think, “It’s such a good deal -- I
just can’t pass it up!” Well, many times I should have done just that.
Before you buy, ask
yourself a couple of things. For one, how will you wear it? Do you have an
occasion in mind? Can you wear it different ways, with different things? The
more versatile the piece is, the more use you’ll get out of it. Secondly, is it
something you’d consider buying even if it weren’t on sale? If the answer is
no, then you’re better off saving your money for something you truly want.
 Tricks of the
Trade
So, where is a girl
to shop when in search of the $25 outfit? Start by looking for one great piece
at your favorite stores’ clearance racks. That one great item will serve as the
basis for your outfit, so make sure it’s something you love. Once you’ve found
it, you’re on your way.
For matching
pieces, stick with the basics. Denim is always a smart buy since it goes with
everything. Wal-mart’s Faded Glory jeans, which retail for under $15, are
surprisingly well-made for the money. Old Navy is also a source for basic pants
like khakis and jeans that frequently get marked down to $14.97 or less. If
it’s a cute top you’re looking for, basic knits with a bit of a flair are
great.
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The
Finds
I
scored the first part of my outfit on the Target clearance
racks: a cute boho-style skirt in colors I loved for just $4.98.
I paired it with a chocolate-brown cord jacket from Old Navy,
something I knew I'd get lots of wear out of. With the
skirt for just $4.98 and the Old Navy jacket at $15.99, I was
almost there. I needed something to wear under the jacket.
I got a matching tank, but the $4.97 required to buy it put me
over budget by 94 cents. I think I can live with that.
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