Shopping is always fun – the wide array of clothes and accessories, the little thrill of rushing home to try on a new outfit…but we can often feel overwhelmed and buy things without thinking.
Tempted by sequins and Pinterest-worthy looks, we scramble to purchase items, afraid of missing the opportunity, not considering if it will fit or work with our lifestyle. And, if you’re too busy or forgetful you don’t remember to return it. How many items sit in your closet collecting dust? How many items do you put away for that “perfect event” which never transpires?
In an age of mindless consumption and growing landfill, we should consider how we can shop mindfully to save money, time and waste.
1) Fits Like a Glove
Finding the perfect size can be a struggle.
We often buy something knowing we have another item in the same size, but this does not necessarily mean it will fit. Sizes can vary based on brand, material, and style. This means you can simultaneously be a size 8, 10, and 16. It can be very frustrating.
Knowing your measurement is key to finding items that will fit. Important measurements will include your chest, hips, and inner and outer leg. You can also check the measurements of some pieces you already know fit really well.
If you’re able, try clothes on while at the store. Take a couple of sizes to compare them and ask yourself: Is it comfortable? Does it fit well? Is it practical for my lifestyle?
Buying online can be even more difficult as you’re only seeing pictures, but here are some useful tips:
- Check the size guide and compare against your own measurements.
- Read the reviews to get the gist of what people are saying about the clothing item.
- If you’re buying on second-hand websites (such as Depop), ask the seller what the measurements are and/or how the item fits.
2) Don’t Be Tempted by a Sale
“I may as well get it because it’s on sale” is a too common phrase – we get tempted by big red tags and the opportunity to save money, but we shouldn’t put price before need. Look for clothes first, then look at the tag- this will put in your mind what you like. If it is too expensive, you can make notes about what you want (style, color i.e.), then look for something similar elsewhere, or you can just wait for the item to be reduced. If you buy things simply because of the price, not because you actually like them, chances are they will sit unworn.
Assess what your budget is and how much you’re willing to spend on certain items: t-shirts, leggings, sweatshirts, you may be more comfortable paying a lower price for while shoes, denim, and coats will be slightly pricier. See where you can purchase clothing items for a lower price (but still good quality), such as second-hand stores or websites, find brands, then go see if there’s any discount available (such as StudentBeans or UNiDAYS)
3) Finding Your Own Individual Style
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but… You don’t need to buy something just because you saw it on Pinterest or on a celebrity/influencer. Buy something because you like it, because it represents who you are, and is wearable for your everyday life.
That being said, experimenting with new styles is perfectly fine -you are discovering who you are every day. If you see a new aesthetic or style you want to try, you should, but you should still assess:
- Does it work for you?
- Will it work for your day-to-day life?
Don’t buy copies of something you saw online; find items that you will wear based on the aesthetic. For example, if you like a beach style but prefer modest dressing, go for maxi skirts and long-sleeve flowy tops.
Make the style work for you.
4) Quality Is The Best Policy
Ensuring what you’re buying is good quality will help your clothes last longer, which means you’ll be less likely to toss them. Good-quality clothes can be hard to find (especially within a budget), but there are things you can look for, primarily: material and how the item is made.
Material: Look for high-quality fabrics such as cotton, silk, wool, and linen. You can find this information on the wash label inside garments. Your clothes don’t have to be 100% cotton or silk, but if they’re made from any percentage of these materials, it may mean they’re a nicer item.
Check the seams on items as well, as this will give you an idea of how well it is put together and how well it will last. Seams that are loose or coming away will be a sign of low quality.
Higher-quality materials are pricier, but they should last longer, which can save you in the long run. For example, for shoes it is better to choose a high-quality pair (especially if you’ll wear them almost every day!)
5) Pre-Planning Your Shop
Spontaneous shopping is fun, but if you don’t have an idea of what you’re looking for, you’ll either end up leaving with things you don’t need or nothing at all.
Take the time to go through your clothes and figure out what you have and what you’re missing.
Look at your favorite/most worn items: what do you like about them? The style, brand, fit, or color? Whatever it may be, apply this to things you see in the shops or online.
Sometimes, we don’t look at our wardrobe as a whole, so we don’t see what we actually have, and actually have too much of. Do yourself a favor: if you have loads of t-shirts, don’t buy anymore; if you have dresses you rarely wear, think about why.
6) Dress For Your Lifestyle
Make your clothes work around your lifestyle. For example, buying items that comply with the dress code at your work or school (if you have one!) will ensure you can get the most wear out of them.
If you’re on your feet every day (maybe walking a lot) buy comfortable shoes; this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. You can get lots of fabulous shoes that don’t kill your feet.
Do you have events or holidays coming up? Do you have something you can wear? Look at what you’ve got. If you can’t find anything, think about purchasing clothes you can wear for special occasions as well as on other ordinary days. Pieces which can be dressed up or down are great staples for any wardrobe, such as smart trousers, jeans, or dresses, you can pair with a jumper and tights for casual days.
If you’re struggling with making any outfit look fancy, accessories can change the whole look (shoes, jewelry, bags, i.e.)
7) The Best Places To Shop
Supporting ethical and sustainable brands can not only help the environment but also help you feel good when shopping.
You can find suggested brands all across the internet.
Barriers to ethical and sustainable shopping often include price. It is not always possible to buy from certain brands, and that’s okay. There are many alternatives, such as second-hand stores (Depop or Vinted), where you can filter brands.
Bigger purchases (such as coats or jeans) can be reserved for larger brands, as these are items you will want to last longer and would consider a lifetime investment. While smaller items (t-shirts, socks, i.e.) bought from fast fashion stores may be preferable, especially for the price.
Final Advice
Curate a wardrobe that represents you entirely: your personality, your lifestyle, who you are in every way. Then you will love all your clothing, and you will love how you look and feel in all your clothing!
