Dress the Family, Keep Your Cash

Refreshing your family's closet can be both affordable and truly rewarding. You don't need a huge budget to keep everyone looking and feeling their best.

Swapping

Put the word out to friends and family that you’re open to hand-me-downs. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how eager people are to pass things along!

You can also plan a casual clothing swap get-together. Let the kids play while everyone gets swapping. Clothes, shoes, and even winter gear are all fair game. Everyone walks away with great new-to-them finds, and you get to enjoy a fun afternoon with your community!

Community Freebies

In the Twin Cities, there are plenty of community resources that provide free clothing for women and children. Check out these comprehensive lists of free clothing resources. Make sure to contact the agency directly to find out specific details on intakes and appointments.

Dress for Success Twin Cities

Professional work clothes often come with a high price tag, but local support is available. Dress for Success Twin Cities provides free professional attire, career coaching, and skill-building classes to help women in the Twin Cities advance in their careers.

Whatever your workplace demands, they have you covered. Scrubs? Check. Suits? Check. Business casual? Check! Sign up for an online orientation to get started with services, including your first free 15-pound clothing package.

Secondhand

Once you have made the most of free community resources, turning to secondhand stores is a fantastic next step.

For your kids and teens, Once Upon a Child and Plato’s Closet make it easy to swap gently used clothes for cash or store credit. It keeps your budget on track while ensuring your growing kids and teens always have clothes that fit and look great.

The Salvation Army Buy-the-Pound store lets you fill your cart with clothing and shoes for only $1.89 per pound. It is a fantastic local resource when you want to maximize your savings, located at 900 N. 4th Street in Minneapolis.

Goodwill is packed with hidden wardrobe treasures for your whole family. Every store offers something unique, and if you're hoping to find brand name styles, try visiting locations in higher-income communities. It is such a simple way to find designer labels at prices that will make your wallet smile.

You’ve got this, mama! You are smart, capable, and resourceful. Each thoughtful piece you pick up on a budget is a loving win for your home and your wallet.

P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!