Tips for Successful Shopping

Shopping for clothes should be fun, exciting, and an experience to look forward to.

For many people, it instills fear, trepidation, and dread. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Below are some helpful tips to help you embrace shopping, find pieces that augment your existing items, and align with your future goals and self-image.

Before the Shop

Before you shop, identify what items are missing from your current wardrobe. To do this, conduct a wardrobe edit and organise your existing items by category (tops, jackets, pants, skirts, etc.), colour, outfit combinations, or any other arrangement that makes sense to you. We all process information differently, and this includes visual data and cues.

The aim of a wardrobe edit is not to get rid of as many items as possible. It is to eliminate items that no longer suit your lifestyle, brand, goals, and aspirations, or that don’t fit, are worn beyond repair, aren’t in your best colour palette and don’t enhance your body shape.

Gain clarity on why you are upgrading your wardrobe (and therefore your self-image) and what you want your clothes to say about you. You will always be on point if you understand what you want, who you are, and how you want to present yourself.

If shopping isn’t one of your favourite pastimes – and for many of us, it isn’t – go shopping online first.  Do your homework before you shop.  Find items that meet your criteria, and note down the label, where it can be purchased, and the cost.  Set a budget and prioritise the items on your list based on need.  

Start a Style File. Pinterest is great for this. Collect and save images of items you love. You can adapt the colours and styles to suit you specifically, but look for images that inspire you. 

Need help editing your wardrobe? Visit my Services page and check out The Art of the Edit. In-person and virtual sessions are available.  

During the Shop

If clothes shopping has previously been something you’ve avoided, remember your thoughts are simply that.  Thoughts. 

You’re off to a great start if you have conducted your wardrobe edit and made a comprehensive list of the essential items missing from your existing wardrobe. It’s even better if you’ve done your online homework first. This list will guide you as you move from shop to shop.

Below are some simple tips to help you make the most of your shopping trip,

• If something works, repeat it.  Create a Style Formula that suits you, and stick to it.
• Stay true to your own opinion.
• Save time by keeping your eyes open to the essentials.  It’s easy to be distracted by pretty colours and patterns, but if you’ve identified the need for an elegant pair of black trousers, a hot pink top will be no benefit.  It will only further add to the clutter of your wardrobe, and potentially be another item left unworn.
• Give yourself time.  Don’t rush this experience.  Leave the kids at home or with friends.  Pack water and snacks, but don’t carry a heavy bag.  A cross-body bag is best, leaving your hands free to feel fabrics, and grab items as you see them.
• Look your best.  Style your hair.  Wear makeup if you usually would.  Wear comfortable shoes, and tops that unbutton or are easy to remove.  Remember to wear appropriate and well-fitting underwear.
• Try things on.  Can you move freely?  Does the shape suit you?  Is the garment well made?  Do the seams pull?
• Focus on your colour palette.
• Consider garment care.  Do you have the time or budget for dry clean items only?
• Consider price.  Can you afford this garment?  Do not go into debt for clothes.
• Ignore the size label.  Buy what fits and cut the label out if it bothers you. 
• I’ll say it again, buy what fits.
• Ignore the brand or label.  Buy what you like. 

Remember, you don’t have to buy.  If you don’t love it, leave it where it is and move on. 

Focus on your essential items first, and don’t rush to fill your wardrobe with pieces you don’t love.  Building a wardrobe takes time.  Be intentional about each item of clothing you allow into your wardrobe.  Pause before you buy.

After the Shop

Just as important as the shopping, is what you do afterwards.

When you get home, try things on again.  Create three outfits and take photos.  If you’re not convinced, take the unwanted item back as quickly as possible.  Don’t leave it lying around. 

If you purchased something knowing it requires tailoring, do that as soon as possible.  Otherwise, it will get moved to the back of your wardrobe, and the clutter will begin again.

Once your wardrobe is 80% essentials and core pieces, begin looking for character pieces; pieces that enhance your style and add character.  Buy that hot pink top if you want to!

Getting dressed should not be stressful. By following a clear process and establishing ground rules based on your style preferences, lifestyle, self-image, and goals, your perfect wardrobe will soon come to life.

If you need help, please visit my Services page. I offer wardrobe editing and shopping experiences tailored to your specific needs and budget. 

“Style is not just about the clothes you wear, it’s about a reflection of your character, attitude, and individuality.” 

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