Vacation Dress! (On a budget)

I can feel the anticipation as vacation season approaches (my family has a running countdown for vacation in our group chat.) Sitting by the beach, toes in the sand, and of course - a trendy beach outfit to go along. While finding the perfect vacation outfit is my favorite past time, it can sometimes lead to overspending. Fortunately, I've put together my five favorite tips to help you (and me) shop smart for vacation while keeping our budgets in check. Let’s find ways to feel cute and still have enough $$ for one (or many) piña coladas.

1. Reimagine Your Closet

I know it sounds a bit cliché/obvious, but I think we could all use a reminder that reusing what you already own can be a game changer. Before shopping, take a good look at your closet - you may be able to rework pieces you already own!

(According to a recent survey, up to 70% of people often forget what they already have, leading to unnecessary purchases - let's save you a few bucks by keeping it homebase!)

2. Hit Up Discount Stores

When it comes to budget shopping, discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross are good places to look for friendlier price tags. You may need to dig a bit to find hidden gems, but I think it's worth it.

These stores frequently offer trendy clothing at prices around 20-60% lower than regular retail. So while some parts of the store don't feel as fresh as Edikted, Urban Outfitters, or Princess Polly, I believe how you style your pieces is where all the difference is made.

3. Thrifting Adventures

Thrifting is the obvious choice, but it's an option that shouldn’t be overlooked. Use your next vacation as an opportunity to explore thrift stores, especially in different neighborhoods! (I always make it a whole activity finding a new place to explore - gives me an excuse to also try a new coffee shop.)

Shoppers can save an average of 50-75% off retail prices when they buy secondhand. Additionally, shopping secondhand is eco-friendly, which is important in a world where fast fashion reigns.

4. Check Out Local Flea Markets

Living in a city with a vibrant flea market scene, I'm continually amazed by the unique fashion finds available. Even if you’re not in LA, there’s likely a local market nearby.

Flea markets are fantastic for discovering one-of-a-kind clothing items, accessories, and art. I also love knowing my money is going towards someones' small business. I encourage you to find local markets near you and give them a try.

5. Always Shop the Sale

Let's be honest—new items can be very tempting, but it can be hard to justify paying full price for fast fashion. The quality is often not worth the price tag in my opinion. Typically, I don't even look at the main page to be tempted. I just hop right over to the sale page and shop from there. I find this helps keep my budget in check.

By taking advantage of the sale rack, you can indulge in stylish items without the financial guilt that sometimes follows.

Wrapping Up

Shopping for vacation outfits on a budget doesn’t have to be boring I promise!! I feel really proud when I find something for the low. Being in my 20's the reality is I don't have a surplus of cash to be spending, but I still of course want to be trendy. Finding the balance is great so I can be stylish and still afford my rent :))