Shop off-season
The biggest markdowns come at the end of the season. Buy tons of sweaters, corduroys, and wool jackets at ridiculously low prices in April. Next September, you will be stunning in your new clothes. Likewise, shop for swimsuits, shorts, and tank tops when the winter winds blow. You might be shivering in the try-on room, but next June you’ll be pretty in the pool and park.

Don’t buy too far in advance for fast-growing kids
Children grow quickly and may even skip sizes. Why spend hundreds on full-price clothing when your kids might not even wear them? Also, it’s absurd to buy expensive play clothes that are going to get dirty, stained, or torn. Don’t ever be afraid to let kids play because of their “good” clothes.

Clearance racks and discount stores are excellent sources for sturdy children’s clothing. Garage sales are great, but be on the lookout for stains or holes. I’ve been to sales where a stained, holey pair of jeans was marked $5! I found new jeans for my son marked down to $4 at Wal-Mart and stocked up on them.

Know what to look for
Compare quality as well as price with various stores. You can’t be sure you’re getting a bargain if you aren’t familiar with the typical features and price range of the item you’re purchasing. A quick look through the Sunday ads in the paper will give you an idea of the going rate on your favorite styles and labels of clothing. A $1,000 J. Mendel top may be out of your league, but if you spotted a look-alike for only $10, you’d know it was a bargain.

Don’t overspend at the thrift store
I saved the best for last. Try out thrift stores for the ultimate bargain bonanza. Everything is marked down from regular price, so it is tempting to throw your budget out the window. Buyer beware: even at thrift store prices, you can overspend and end up with a weightless wallet. Make a list of things to look for and keep a dollar limit in mind.