One Hundred Dollars a Month

Welcome to my 52 Ways to Save $100 a Month series. We’re serious about saving money in 2016. Sometimes it’s the little things and sometimes it’s the big things. I’m here to walk you through some little things that can add up to BIG savings. 52 little things to be exact. Every week, join me back here for another small money saving tip or idea that might not seem like significant savings until you see the overall yearly savings. It might just blow your mind. So pop in each Tuesday and read a new tip that will help you on your way to save $100 a month!

Becoming a minimalist when it comes to your wardrobe will save you big bucks. There is really no disputing that. Buy less. Save money.

I am a wardrobe minimalist by nature. I keep my wardrobe super simple.  I like black, white and gray tees and long sleeve tees from the GAP.  I usually pair them with jeans.  The best part is that I am never stuck in the closet trying to pick out an outfit.  Keeping it so simple pretty much fits every occasion in my life right now, though, I do own a few more items for times when I need to dress up {which is almost never}. But those simple clothing choices make me happy. I understand it might be a tad harder for others. Here are some ways to transition to a minimalist:

1. Look into Project333.  It’s all the rage in clothing minimization right now.  It’s basically a 3 month challenge to live with 33 items in your wardrobe.  Those 33 items include clothing, accessories {scarves, jewelry, etc.}, outwear and shoes.  That number doesn’t include underwear, pajamas, at home lounge wear, or workout clothing.  The idea is to create a wardrobe that is interchangeable and can easily go from casual to dressy, so think color coordination and easy pairings, for example, a black skirt/slacks can go with pretty much anything and can be dressed up or down.
2. De-clutter your closet.  Get rid of ANYTHING that is uncomfortable, worn out, or that you don’t wear so you know what you’re working with to begin with. You can also sell some of that for cash to purchase new wardrobe pieces if necessary.
3. Consider your favorite colors to wear. Do you have colors you always migrate to when looking for clothes in your closet? Stick to buying only those colors from here on out.
4. Do you have a favorite pair of pants?  Do you wish you could wear them everyday?  You CAN! 😉 Buy a couple of pairs, just enough to get you through to each load of laundry.  If you are hung up on what people think, you can buy them in different colors.  I have a friend who has 4 pairs of pants–all the exact same cut, two pairs of jeans {different fades}, one black, one khaki.  That’s it.  That’s all she owns.  I personally wear jeans everyday, so I don’t really give a crack about different colors. All the same works for me.
5. In truth, all you really need are enough outfits to get you through each laundry cycle.  If that is once a week, consider owning enough for 7 days.
6. When all of your clothes fall into a neat little color palette, it’s super easy to accessorize.  A couple different color scarves, necklaces and earrings will suffice {I don’t wear any of those, but I have heard :)}.
7. Shoes.  Shoes serve a function.  They need to protect our feet from whatever activity we are getting ourselves into.  Nothing more.  Sure, they can look cute, but you can only wear one pair at a time, so a pair for snow/rain, exercise and daily wear ought to suffice.  {If you must, throw in one pair for upscale occasions.}

How Much Can You Save:  $2,000. The average American family spends almost $2,000 each year on clothing. Obviously, if you have growing kids, clothing purchases are more frequent. But if you follow a few of the steps above {even if you splurge a little for good quality, longer lasting items}, you could keep the same minimalist wardrobe for years and pocket those thousands!

More Ways to Save:

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clean Out Your Closet {Week 1 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Break Up with Cable {Week 2 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Barter Better {Week 3 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Change Your Own Oil {Week 4 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Adjust Your Thermostat {Week 5 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Take Advantage of Your Perks {Week 6 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Pack Your Lunch {Week 7 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make It Yourself {Week 8 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Preserve Your Bounty {Week 9 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Keep the Change {Week 10 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | The Art of Borrowing {Week 11 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Ditch the Gym {Week 12 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clip a Coupon {Week 13 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Start Your Garden From Seed {Week 14 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Learn to Cut Hair {Week 15 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Become a 1 Car Family {Week 16 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make a Phone Call {Week 17 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Shop Christmas in July {Week 18 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Grow a Garden {Week 19 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Just Say No {Week 20 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Go Generic {Week 21 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make a Budget {Week 22 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Use the Library {Week 23 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Kick the Soda Habit {Week 24 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Improve Your Credit Score {Week 25 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Shop Online {Week 26 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save on Lodging {Week 27 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Play for Free {Week 28 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save Big on Birthday Parties {Week 29 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Back to School Clothes on the Cheap {Week 30 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Inexpensively Entertaining {Week 31 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Buy Used College Textbooks {Week 32 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Buy Used {Week 33 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Buy In Bulk {Week 34 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Skip a Meal {Week 35 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save on Medical Expenses {Week 36 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save on Christmas Spending {Week 37 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Reduce Convenience Foods {Week 38 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Stop Paying Interest {Week 39 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Eat Less Meat {Week 40 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Curb Impulse Buying {Week 41 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Do Holiday Shopping AFTER the Holidays {Week 42 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make a List {Week 43 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Cook in Bulk {Week 44 of 52}