second hand stores are great. we have one here called Plato's closet. They buy old clothes too, so when you outgrow them you basically just trade them in for new ones! It works well when you are in transitional sizes. Kohls sales racks are great too . I usually invest in a pair of jeans and a few shirts each size. Now that it is winter i have a few nice sweaters too which i got free from a friend who already lost weight. Thrift stores can be good too, but you have to dig.
Having clothes that fit you can make such a big difference in how you feel, so if you have the money, i say go for it.
