If you're a clothes horse -- or even if you're not -- you may have noticed that closes seem to cost more than they did a year ago. Given that, here are a few tips to help you send your dollar wisely and catch a deal.
The best month to buy a winter coat
January or February. The vast majority of people who need winter coats have them by then, so coats and other winter clothes often go on sale starting in January. The longer you wait, the lower the prices — retailers will need to make room for spring clothing. But the longer you wait, the worse the selection will get.
The best month to buy sneakers
November and April. Check for November sales at big-box retailers, which need to make room for winter boots and shoes. Athletic shoe stores often offer great sales in April, when non-serious runners start hitting the pavement again.
The best month of the year to buy suits
Suits go on sale throughout the year, but January typically is a slow month for suit sales, so clothiers will lower prices to get you in their stores. When you’re shopping, consider all-weather wool suits and timeless styles, and remember that, to some extent, you get what you pay for. You probably won’t have a $100 suit in your closet four or five years from now, but you may have a $500 suit for as long as you’re able to fit into it.
How about swimsuits?
Swimsuit sales tend to start in the summer, but by September, department stores badly want to get rid of swimsuits.
Jeans?
October. Wait until after the post-back-to-school sales end in September, and you’ll see deep discounts, especially during fall seasons when denim is not expected to be a big part of fashion trends.