The Source
I recently finished a fantastic book called The Curated Closet. The book is the ideal step-by-step guide to honing your personal style.
(You can read more about it in our Curated Closet series!)
Among the many other lessons, the book detailed the mission required to overhaul your current closet for a new wardrobe you adore.
One large step in doing so is learning to shop better.
I Suck at Shopping
I write this post out of empathy. I’m also a terrible clothing shopper.
I get easily persuaded to buy a shirt I’m so-so about simply because it was a good deal. I get overwhelmed by the lines at dressing rooms.
In short, I make hasty shopping decisions. The clothes I buy as a result of these hasty decisions are often relegated to the back of my closet.
They collect dust there. And I avoid them despite recognizing their dusty sheen.
We could all benefit from learning to shop better so we don’t add more of this clutter to our closets.
How to Shop Better
Have a list and make a plan. In my opinion, the majority of your shopping time should be spent before you’re actually in a store or browsing online.
Our 2 posts about honing your personal style dive deeper into your wardrobe needs. Also, which exact pieces you need that abide by your wardrobe’s aesthetic and color palette.
Hopefully you’re working off this “wardrobe plan” so your shopping remains focused. If not, you can still use the below tips to make buying clothes easier and more fun!
Have a List: Lists make everything better. They organize your thoughts, give you time to reflect and focus you.
Buying clothes should be a conscious, slow process that considers a lot of factors. A list is like your roadmap to keep you on task.
It has everything you need to make the most of your time while shopping.
I’ll tell you now, the list you’re going to make will be long. It will have a lot of questions and priorities.
But, I guarantee you’ll feel more confident shopping once you make it!
Make a Plan: This works hand in hand with your list. In fact, your plan may also be a list.
Or it could just be in your head as you shop. Plans focus you in the same way lists do.
Before you go shopping, you need to be clear about what you need and why. This is again where having a wardrobe plan would be ideal.
With your wardrobe plan, you know exactly where the gaps in your closet are. Plus what’s of highest priority to fill.
Make note of those deficits in whatever way suits you.
What to Include in Your Shopping List
Like I said earlier, this list will be long. But that’s okay!
That just means it’s thorough. The questions and points here are intended as guides. You can copy them verbatim or edit based on your closet / shopping needs.
After all, this is your shopping list.
Consider the purpose of your shopping trip. Are you looking for casual clothes? Work clothes? Date night clothes?
It’s best to shop for one category at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.
If you’re shopping for work slacks let’s say, make a list of priorities for them.
Consider your work environment. What are your requirements for these pants? Warmer material? Wrinkle-free? Dry clean only?
Be clear about what you want in your pants and what you definitely don’t want. Write everything down so you don’t forget.
Ask yourself these kinds of questions for every item you want to purchase. Consider the environments you’ll wear them in, the amount of care you’re willing to put in them and other specific preferences.
Write down these general questions for every clothing / shoe buying decision:
- How is the fit? Do I feel confident in this?
- Is this a high quality material that will last for years?
- Is this a flattering color? Will it go with a lot of other items in my closet?
- Can I see myself wearing this for many seasons in the future?
- Do I love this?
Consider 3 outfits you can pair this item with in your current wardrobe.
By answering these questions, you’re avoiding the trap of making hasty purchasing decisions.
Take your time with each item you’re considering. Ask the relevant questions and consider deeply.
Your thorough shopping list teaches you both how to shop and how not to buy clothes on flimsy reasoning.
Don’t feel pressured by long dressing room lines or clearance stickers. If you’re unsure about a garment just give yourself space and time from it.
More often than not, it will still be available to purchase after a few days of reflection.
Let’s Make a Shopping Plan
Another key lesson in how to shop is having a plan. A plan is similar to a list in that it’s best to be written down.
Plus it organizes your thoughts and focuses your shopping trip. The difference is the plan is more about considering your current closet in preparation for shopping.
Versus a list is more about guiding you during your shopping trip.
For the plan, you need to be intimately familiar with your closet. Take a look at your current wardrobe.
What do you need? Consider the biggest gaps in your wardrobe.
Do you need more of a certain color? Do you need more for a certain occasion?
Prioritize those pieces.
List specific items you need under every category, color, etc. For example, I need more casual clothes. Specifically light wash high waisted jeans.
Be as specific as possible to further focus your shopping.
Your plan should give you a clear understanding of what your wardrobe actually needs. By making this clear early, you make the most of your shopping experience.
Final Word
Shopping for clothing is a skill developed over time. It takes conscious effort to avoid the traps of clearance stickers, bright lights and long lines.
By making a shopping list and plan you have more control over your shopping experience. You will avoid buying unnecessary garments you don’t even like that much.
I hope these tips were helpful!
Now, get organized then get shopping!
References
More Resources we Love
- How to Have a Conscious Closet
- Want to know if a brand is fast fashion? Just answer these questions!
- Find Ethically Made Brands with Good On You