Secret saving$

Want to refresh your wardrobe with an autumn makeover? With these pro secrets, you can step out in style without wiping out your wallet!

Save with sale alerts

Sure, one of the best ways to save on new additions to your fall closet is to take advantage of a great sale. But looking for sales day after day can be time-consuming. An easier solution? “Get free sale alerts for apparel and shoes sold at popular retailers sent to you via email,” recommends Catherine Brock, owner of Thebudgetfashionista.com. To get them: Sign up at Shopittome.com, where you enter the brands you like and what size you wear and it sends you an email when stores put garments in your size on sale.

Shop these stores to score

If you’re at a department store and find a wool sweater or a pair of leather boots that hasn’t gone on sale yet, call the same store in a warmer state— chances are they have it there for less. Explains Brock: “If a store is selling mostly warm-weather pieces, due to season or geography, the cold-weather garments are likely to be discounted because they’re not moving.” Even if you have to pay for shipping, you can still end up saving big. Also smart, for the same reason: Visit online shops that cater to those in states with mild falls and winters, such as Beallsflorida.com and Loebsclothing.com in Mississippi.

Compare prices to nab more than half off

Fell in love with an item that’s got a big price tag? “Log on to Pricegrabber.com, then type the description into the search box—for example, ‘women’s red scarf,’” recommends Dianna Baros, founder of Thebudgetbabe.com. This free comparison engine scours more than a dozen popular online retailers (including Amazon and Walmart) for the same item or those that are similar and shows you their prices so you can find the best deal instantly. “There was a plaid scarf selling for $ 40 at Nordstrom, and I found an identical version from Amazon for just $14!”

Get your money’s worth with resale steals

“Shopping at consignment and thrift stores can save you about 50% to 75%,” says Brock. No wonder a new report shows that Americans are on track to spend more than $10 billion at resale stores this year alone! But unless you know what to look for, you could be wasting, not saving, your money, cautions Brock. “It’s critical to assess quality no matter where you’re shopping, how much the piece costs or what the brand name on the label is.” Easy clues that reveal if that jacket, sweater or other bargain is worth your cash: “Inspect seams to ensure they’re straight and tight, ensure embellishments are secure enough to make it through a spin cycle and check for linings, topstitching or other sturdy design elements.” The better the condition and construction, the longer that piece will last you.