9 tips for looking recession-proof

The economy might be in the tank, but your appearance doesn’t have to go south along with it. Here are 9 tips for looking recession-proof — even if you’re not — on a shoestring budget.

1. Shop sales. Apparel and early everything else eventually goes on sale. Sales also cycle around much sooner than in the past, so end-of-season clearance events have become mid-season clearance markdowns. That means you can wear you’re the bargains immediately.

2. Shop around. See a pair of shoes you can’t resist? Google them, check various retail stores, and scour online gold mines such as eBay. With some persistence, you’re likely to find a better price than the first one you encountered.

3. Shop discount department stores. These are places such as Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Ross. Get familiar with the delivery days for the categories of clothes, accessories and other products you like. If you ask a sales associate, they’ll gladly tell you what those days are.

4. Get on retailer mailing lists. This can be done online or at a store counter in a matter of seconds. You’ll be among the first notified of new merchandise, sales and special promotions and may even get special coupons sometimes.

5. Shop resale and consignment stores. Big chains such as Plato’s Closet and independent local stores have some great finds in excellent condition. Don’t forget Salvation Army, Goodwill and other thrift shops. We recently scored two vintage-style women’s necklaces and two men’s brown leather jackets — one a distressed bomber, the other a soft-as-buttah blazer style — for a total of $60 at the Salvation Army on 46th Street in Manhattan.

6. Don’t be afraid to dicker. Even on new, non-sale items. Ask the clerk to knock off $5, $50 — whatever seems reasonable to you based on the price tag. Your request may be deferred to a manager. Be willing to walk out the door empty-handed if they won’t deal. In this economy, if they don’t, it’s their loss. You’ll be alright — some other merchant will be glad to get some of your money immediately rather than settle for a possible sale at bigger discount down the road.

7. Ask for price checks. You may be pleasantly surprised, especially on sale and clearance items. We recently nabbed a debonair, European-cut men’s overcoat at Century 21 in Manhattan. The original price was $645, the mark-down ticket price was $149, but the item scanned for $99.99.

8. Organize a trade party. Contact some stylish friends, have them round up theirs and have everyone bring clothes and accessories that they no longer need or want. Of course, the items need to be clean and in good condition. Then guests can trade with each other — a different way of “shopping” and getting something new. One person’s trash is another’s treasure.

9. Sort and sell. Like virtually everyone else, you have all sorts of clothes and accessories that you don’t, can’t or shouldn’t wear. Separate those in good condition and sell them at a yard sale, garage sale, even on eBay. Use the proceeds to fund new purchases, including those impulse buys that often leave you feeling guilty.

Check this page regularly for updates, advice and tips on how to stretch your hard-earned dollars while maintaining great style. You’ll also find sales and special promotions at many of the merchants on Style Avenue.