Where the Deals are

Fall fashions are everywhere -in stores, in magazines (guilty as charged) . . . and you want it all. One small problem: a major lack of money. What's a fashion diehard to do? Check out our guide to beating the high east of fashion

Let's get one thing straight: No one has to pay full price for all her clothes. It doesn't take a genius to shop smart. Really, a little planning, a lot of loaking around and some shopping sense. You've doubled your wardrobe without doubling the price.

Here, our approaches to wise buying:

SEASONAL SALES

You can save big-but you usually have to wait till the middle or the end of the season, and you may not find your first choice. The smartest idea is to plan on putting away the things you buy on sale till next season. By the time the following fall rolls around, you'll already have part of a new wardrobe.

OUTLET STORES

A lot of manufacturers have outlet stores where they sell their clothes at a discount (some clothes may be from a few seasons back). In fact, outlet communities (clusters of stores in one city) are beginning to spring up in most states across the country. You'll find the best deals if you go to these stores regularly, since the merchandise changes frequently. Esprit has three outlet stores in San Francisco, Dallas, and New Orleans-where they sell jeans, sportswear, shoes, and accessories.

DESIGNER OUTLETS

They're pretty secretive about this, but some big designers also have outlet stores where they sell their lower-priced lines at discount prices. But you really have to search these places out, since the companies don't usually advertise.

OFF-PRICE STORES

For the most consistent sayings, you should shop at off-price stores (off-price means designer clothes at discount prices). Check out the outfit here to see how much the clothes would cost in a department store (the numbers that are crossed out) and then how much you can save if you bought them at T.J. Maxx, an off-price store with locations around the country. Of course, even when you shop at these stores, you have to be smart about it.

You'll have the urge to buy a lot of things because the prices are so incredible-but if you're not careful, you'll end up with a couple of things you'll never wear.

Here are a few tips for shopping off-price:

KNOW THE LABELS

You have to be familiar with the designer's label to know if a piece of clothing is priced lower at the off-price store than in a department store.

TRY THINGS ON

Try everything on so you can check the fit as well as see any flaws in the fabric. You'll often see tags stamped "Irregular." This could mean the piece has a flaw so small you can't even see it-or it could mean the garment has a larger flaw, which you may or may not be able to fix at home. If it's something you decide to fix yourself, make sure it's worth your time and money.

MAKE RETURN TRIPS

Off-price stores receive new merchandise almost every week, so it's worth your while to visit the store regularly. This way if you don't see what you're looking for the first time, chances are it'll be there the next.

SHOP CLEARANCE SALES

Don't forget to check out the sale racks at off-price stores-this is budget heaven. But watch out: There's a reason these things are marked down. Just be sure to follow the tips above, and you won't end up with, those leopard-skin stretch pants two sizes too small because, "They were only $5! Can you believe it?" Yes, we can.

Source: Seventeen Magazine