How To Become An Efficient Shopper

• Striped shirt: Primark • Off-shoulder top: H&M • Real suede skirt: Stradivarius • Perfume: Miss Dior Eau de Toilette •

Using a smarter approach when it comes to buying your clothes will help carrying out most daily wardrobe-related tasks such as selecting new outfits, packing for trips and organising your closet. As a matter of fact, this requires taking some time to define what you want your wardrobe to look like and what to spend your money on. It might be a little bit frustrating at the beginning as you don’t really know what you want or what to begin with, but eventually with some effort put into it you will notice a real shift in the way you consider your sartorial purchases.

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:

• 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 :)

So on your side, are you more of a spontaneous shopper or quite the opposite?