Regarding what #5 said about resale shops, I'm totally on board with that approach. Finding designer stuff for cheap is great, but adding a DIY element makes it even better. If you find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly but the color is off, it's such an easy fix. I've had a lot of success using Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye Navy Blue to refresh old denim or even change the color of a cotton dress. If you find something at a thrift store that's a size too big, a basic Singer M1500 Sewing Machine is a solid investment. It's really not that hard to do a simple hem or take in the waist. It works way better than settling for low-quality fast fashion that falls apart. Plus, you get a custom fit that you just cant get off the rack. Its definitely a decent option if you have a little bit of patience.

I usually stick to the big retailers for Black Friday because the return policies are more reliable if the quality turns out to be junk. For jeans and dresses, I have looked at a few spots that are decent for a beginner wardrobe.

• Old Navy Sky-Hi Straight Leg Jeans

Pros: Very affordable during sales and the sizing is predictable. Cons: The denim is on the thinner side, so they might only last a season or two of heavy wear.

• H&M Rib-knit Midi Dress

Pros: They usually do 30 percent off everything. Cons: You have to check the seams because the stitching can be hit or miss. If you want things to last, I would suggest looking for higher cotton percentages in the jeans. The super stretchy ones tend to lose their shape after a few months of washing, which isnt great if you are trying to keep them long-term.

Forget the mall, check ThredUp. Got like-new Levi's for $20 last year. Be careful of sizing!

Forget fast fashion! Check out Uniqlo's Black Friday deals. Their selvedge denim is usually around $50, and lasts WAY longer than those other brands. Think cost per wear!

Forget fast fashion. Outlet malls are your friend! Last year, I snagged $15 jeans at the Gap outlet. Better quality, lasts longer, and saves you money in the long run.

Forget fast fashion; prioritize safety. Jeans and dresses near exhaust manifolds? Consider flame-retardant workwear instead. Bulwark FR offers decent options for heat protection.

Forget fast fashion; consider resale shops. My wife's had luck finding nearly-new designer jeans (think Madewell) for dirt cheap. It's like a treasure hunt, but way more sustainable. Plus, you avoid the fast-fashion quality drop-off after a few washes. Worth a look before hitting the mall!