7 Ultimate Tips For Shopping Smart

Since successfully completely a self imposed two months no shopping challenge I have spent some time reflecting on how to shop smart. I started out jotting down numerous notes which I have narrowed it down to 7 ultimate tips.

ONE // Determine what works for you. Your clothes should reflect who you are and your wardrobe should suit your coloring, personality, lifestyle, and your body shape. Take note of what styles flatter you and stay away from those that don’t.

TWO // Organize your closet and take audit. Organizing your closet allows you to take stock of what you already own. I recommend placing all dresses together, all pants together, all skirts together, etc. I have found that by organizing my closet I often rediscover previous favorite pieces that have somehow worked their way to the back of my closet and I also realize how much clothing I actually own. While organizing your closet keep two separate boxes. In one box place clothes to donate and in the other place clothes that are ripped or stained to throw away.

THREE // Plan ahead. Keep a list of the items you need to fill gaps in your closet. I also add to this list items that I really want (meaning items that I don’t necessarily need but have been wishing I had for a while).

FOUR // Know when to splurge. Build the majority of your wardrobe around high quality, investment pieces (even if you have to do it slowly). When something seems very expensive for my budget I ask myself what the cost per wear would be. A pricey item that I would wear over and over and for years is a better purchase than a poor quality item that I only get a couple wears out of.

FIVE // Set a budget. Trends are fun. Instead of advocating skipping all trends I tend to set a strict budget for them and purchase a few items every season in the trends that look good on me.

SIX // Try clothes on. I cannot tell you how many times I have purchased items that end up just sitting in my closet with the tags still on them simply because they do not fit me correctly or are not flattering. Typically once something makes it into my house it does not get returned. Try items on in the store before purchasing them. If you are ordering online as soon as the package arrives try everything on and if you are not satisfied immediately repackage to return.

SEVEN // Think about the item before purchasing it. Consider outfits. How does this item fit into what you already own? How many different ways can you picture styling this outfit? How many different situations can you picture this item being useful? If you can only picture one way to incorporate this item in your wardrobe it likely isn’t a good purchase.

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