| Here is a different kind of Christmas list: shorts, | | | | of July and think of the extra cash in your pocket. |
| tank tops, flip flops, sundresses, swim trunks. | | | | Fashion mavens take note: Buying clothes |
| Yes, Santa Claus and sunscreen typically don't | | | | off-season means you probably will not get the |
| mix. But buying summer clothes in the winter (and | | | | latest style. On the other hand, requesting |
| winter clothes in the summer) can save you a lot | | | | summer clothes items from friends and family for |
| of money. You can bolster your own wardrobe | | | | Christmas can help you overcome the winter |
| through this practice or buy for friends and family. | | | | blahs and dream of summertime at the beach. |
| Many off-season items are half off or reduced | | | | One drawback comes from buying clothes for |
| even more. Buying off-season is a common | | | | young children who may outgrow clothes by the |
| practice of the budget-conscious consumer, | | | | time they are in season. Plus, you probably |
| especially those who are trying to get out of | | | | shouldn't do buy clothes too far in advance for |
| debt. | | | | people who plan to lose weight. |
| Many retailers are gearing up for winter's blast | | | | Off-season shopping is an offshoot of waning |
| and are putting coats, scarves, clothes and | | | | consumer confidence which has Americans wary |
| jackets on the shelves. That leaves little room for | | | | of any extra spending. People cannot avoid rising |
| summer gear and retailers often sell summer | | | | costs associated with housing, food and |
| stock to clear space for cold-weather items. | | | | transportation. Plus, plenty of hard-working folks |
| Summer gear may be a bit harder to find at | | | | are strained by consumer debt such as |
| retailers this time of year. It will probably be | | | | mortgages and credit card debt. That leaves little |
| tucked in a corner far away from the horde of | | | | cash for clothing and that cash has to go a long |
| holiday shoppers. | | | | way. |
| It is also good to pick up winter clothes, such as | | | | Retailers, in turn, are bracing for the smallest gain |
| parkas and ski caps, in the summer. Just ignore | | | | in U.S. retail sales in five years, according to the |
| the curious stares as you haul that bag of | | | | National Retail Federation. Therefore, there are |
| sweaters through the mall parking lot in the middle | | | | probably deals to be found. |