Shopping for new clothes can be a fun experience or a daunting one, depending on whether you’re a confessed shopaholic or you detest the idea of spending your Saturday traipsing around clothing stores. No matter which camp you fall into, we can all fall prey to making some fashion faux-pas or just not picking up any of the items we need.
Here are some shopping tips you should keep in mind the next time you are purchasing new clothes.
A good return policy
You might find it best to buy clothes from places that have a good return policy. It gives you a bit more flexibility as you can comfortably purchase clothing knowing you can return if it doesn’t fit comfortably or you don’t like it as much as you initially did. You will avoid the hassle of buying items, never wearing them, and having them pile up in your room. With a good return policy, you keep your coins safe and prevent clutter from building up at home. It’s a win-win situation.
If you’re ordering online, you want to pick a site with a great returns policy and give you the option to return items within a reasonable window. We can all get a little overzealous when ordering online; this way, you can ensure you don’t get stuck with items you don’t even like or that don’t fit.
Try it on twice
Have you ever experienced trying on clothing in the changing room, loving them, and then coming home only to hate how it looks? Yeah, we all do. It can be easy to make a snap judgment when you try it on in the shop. You might feel a little stressed or frazzled from the day’s shopping, desperate to make a purchase and leave. Instead, give yourself some time to look at yourself from all angles. Try it on twice and get a second opinion.
Shop around
If you are a fan of a particular shop or two and only ever stick to that, you might benefit from going outside your comfort zone a little. There are plenty of places that you might not even think of that could stock great clothing you wouldn’t come across otherwise. Try your local thrift stores; thrifting has exploded in the last few years with many more options available. You can find great high-quality pieces and gorgeous, unique vintage items.
Dress to flatter
When shopping for new clothing, consider your body shape and the parts that you want to accentuate. This can help you build a flattering wardrobe and won’t have you rushing to find a great outfit at the last minute. Think about your body shape and personal style, and figure out what works best for you. You may want to try on different types of pants and tops to see what suits you best. This way, you can gauge what items suit you better and buy items that reflect your style and compliment you.
Think quality
It can be easy to pluck some items off the sale rack or grab whatever takes you fancy. While there’s nothing wrong with this, you may benefit from focusing your shopping efforts on curating high-quality pieces you can wear for years to come. This way, you can curate a timeless wardrobe that will dress you well for a long time. Add items that you genuinely love as opposed to whatever is trending. Focusing on quality and your style means you will waste less clothing as items won’t be discarded as soon as they are out of style.
Don’t buy an item merely because it’s on sale or at a low price point; this is how you are left with poor-quality clothing that just isn’t your style. Price is certainly a factor, but don’t let it be your only factor.
Don’t hesitate
If you hesitate, don’t buy it. This is a good rule of thumb when buying clothing. If you find yourself umm-ing and ahh-ing over whether or not you should buy an item, it probably means you shouldn’t. Avoid, if you can, buying clothing that you don’t completely love. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no. There are many clothes out there, you should only wear what you really like. If you have hesitations in the shop, chances are they will disappear at home.
Creating a wardrobe that encapsulates your style as well as being timeless can be a little difficult. It’s so easy to get caught up in trends, and the world of fast fashion has meant that buying and discarding clothes is as commonplace as eating. Instead, buy beautiful, high-quality clothing that makes you feel and look your best.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
The Health Benefits of Shopping for Clothes
8 Reasons to Shop During Sales
The Best Ways and Times to Shop
P.S. We want to hear from you! How do you shop for new clothes? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve? Do you prefer to shop online or in stores? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!