• Striped shirt: Primark • Off-shoulder top: H&M • Real suede skirt: Stradivarius • Perfume: Miss Dior Eau de Toilette • |
The perks of
adopting higher standards mean that the range of clothes which fit your
criteria will shrink. Being able to select items that truly reflect your
choices ensure that those who fail the test get filtered out early in the
process; plus, you won’t have to deal with bad buys frustrations later on and
your wardrobe will only contain items that fit your personal style. Below are
several pieces of advice to reckon when shopping for clothes – about the
questions you should ask yourself in the process, try to only buy items that
tick all boxes.
1. CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE AND DRAW A LIST OF WHAT YOU NEED
The title is
quite explanatory isn’t it? After you've cleared your wardrobe, the amount of clothes hanging in
your wardrobe should have largely decreased. You are now able to see the items
which are essential to you that you already have (from leather jackets
to white trainers) and picture those are cruelly missing (a fluid beige
trench-coat and a blush pink bag, just saying). To know your basic pieces, just
think of what you wear every day. To get extra inspiration, my absolute
favourite is Pinterest. Whether looking for minimalist wardrobe staples or how
to style stripes prints, the answer to your questions in on there.
2. DEFINE WHAT YOU INTEND TO PURCHASE
Unfortunately, the list of items that you need to complete the perfect wardrobe is generally
going to be longer that what you are going to buy in the short-term, especially
if you decide to invest in higher quality – so more expensive – clothes.
However it is completely feasible in the long-term if you stick to your wish
list and don’t splurge on the side. My last examples were a double-breasted
navy-blue blazer with a gold buttoning (yes very precise indeed), a light blue
off-shoulder top and white trainers. The only reason why I could purchase
something else than items featuring in my list is that the item in question is
a basic that will last me. Keep in mind a fit and colour but be flexible enough
to avoid disappointment if you don’t find the model you are looking for; it
happens sometimes. And when it does, I refuse to make any consolation purchase
as I know I won’t be totally satisfied in the end. Once you have a list of
clothes you’d like to put your hands on, move on to the next step!
3. START SHOPPING
Go to different
clothes shops to get a wider range of your targets. Now two things before you
go: 1. decide whether you prefer to go shopping on your own or with family and
friends; 2. trust your feelings. Take your time to try on the items in the
fitting rooms to know how you feel while wearing them. Below are the questions
you should ask yourself before buying:
• Does it match my style? If one appeals to you then compare its shape, colour, pattern, texture and details to the looks you’re trying to achieve. Think about what you could match it with and consider whether the item support the look or distract from your overall look. In fact every addition should harmonise with your wardrobe concept, around which you can build up different pieces that work with one another without clashing.
• Do I like the
quality of the fabric? Inspect the fabric carefully to check on
its quality, then decide if the price tag is worth it. Most people forget about
this but it is also important to both check the laundry requirements and have a
good quality washing powder! (And don’t feel lazy when committing to wash items
by hand.)
• Does it match my style? If one appeals to you then compare its shape, colour, pattern, texture and details to the looks you’re trying to achieve. Think about what you could match it with and consider whether the item support the look or distract from your overall look. In fact every addition should harmonise with your wardrobe concept, around which you can build up different pieces that work with one another without clashing.
• What place will
it have in my wardrobe? Do you plan on wearing it several
seasons, every day or would you reserve it for special occasions? Is it a key
piece you can pair with bolder items or an original piece you will have to tone
down with neutrals?
• Do I really
need this? Depending on your lifestyle, the space you grant to
different sort of clothes will not be the same. If you live in the UK, it is
highly likely that jumpers are jam-packing your wardrobe, whereas you’ll enjoy
wearing airy day dresses in south Italy. In the same way, try to optimise your
purchase. For example, if you already have five turtleneck jumpers in every neutral
colour, you might want to reconsider whether you could not make better use of
the money and closet space to stock another area (both bringing
diversity and functionality into your wardrobe).
• Can I think of
a couple of different outfits to wear it with? Brainstorm
(quickly hein) and try to come up with different outfit ideas. If you
are not sure but really like the item, bring it home and keep the receipt to
give it a try with your key pieces. You’ll soon notice if you need it or not.
But above all, be honest with yourself: if it doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to
take it back to the shop. If you love it, keep it!
This
long-detailed process of buying an item looks overly complicated but actually
isn’t, I promise! When you become accustomed to shopping, you know what fits
you and suits your personal tastes. In others words, the better you know
yourself, your style, your wardrobe and what you want, the easier your shopping
will turn out to be – which means that you will be soon a good
decision-maker. Also, don’t forget to have fun – buying things without
overthinking them is completely necessary :)
Great!
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