Shopping can be nerve-wracking for some people. This is blamed on the various choice of clothes we can get from a single clothing line. Some people who are not familiar with buying clothes tend to make mistakes. They would regret their purchase as it could be wasting their money or just not something they would wear. But worry not as we have 11 tips for you to go through, so that you would make the best purchase ever!
1) Set a clothing budget
This is the best way to avoid overspending. All you have to do is, list all the items you might buy in a year and come up with the estimated maximum money spend on one single item. Hold on to it, and don’t spend more. When you have a limit of spending in your mind, it’s easy to track your cash flow, and this way too, you will know if you really need the item or not.
2) Use a mood board
Mood board is a collection of images of clothing you would wear. When you have one, it helps you see your personal style and it will help a lot when you are viewing clothes to take to the counter. You will want to find the similarities between the clothes in front of you and the clothes in your mood board. It could be in terms of color, material, and style. If it’s aligned with your mood board style, it is most likely to be the one you would want to wear every day.
3) Keep a wish list
Make a list of the clothing you are actually looking for so that you won’t be bewitched by all the clothes in the store. Even if you are, you can glance at the list and keep yourself on track. Find the clothes you’ve been wanting to buy and get over with it. As for online shopping, you can always bookmark the one that caught your eyes and come back when it’s cheaper.
4) Know your measurements
Every brand has different sizing. Some might use the same sizing but to play safe, keep your measurements noted in your device. The important three are the measurements of your chest, hip, and waist so that you can compare your measurement to the brand’s size chart. This tip applies to both online and physical shopping but for physical shopping, you can always bring a measuring tape to check if the size fits, before you try it on. Vintage sizing can be slightly different than modern sizing so it is recommended to follow this tip especially when you are thrifting.
5) Start broad, then edit
Whether you are shopping online or you are literally standing in front of the shop, add all the interesting items to your cart and review them from there. By doing this, you can compare them and figure out which one you like the most. You’ll see that there are pieces that look way better than the other ones and finally, you get the hidden gem!
6) Make a list of items you already own
Mix and match the items you’re buying with the items you already own by making a mental list of all the clothing you own. Unless you are starting afresh without a single cloth in your wardrobe, you might want the new piece to be flexible with your own clothes. This way, you can see that you probably want this specific shirt because it goes well with one of your khaki pants?
7) Diversify your wardrobe
Black dresses and dark-colored jeans are everyone’s safe pieces but there is only so much one does need. Having the exact color of the same style can be a cause of difficulty in choosing your outfit of the day. So, if you ever find yourself wanting to buy the same color you bought for 3 items of clothing earlier, ask yourself: “Is this one better than the one I have?” If the answer is no, it’s time for you to get a new color scheme. The one you are comfortable with, of course.
8) Bring a friend
Your friend’s which is a second opinion will help a lot while shopping. This is because they see us from their point of view and they can tell whether we look good in the clothes we are tempted to buy or vice versa. Other than giving you the encouragement you need, your friend might know more about hidden stores that sell the cutest fit ever.
9) Always try on multiple sizes
When you find something you like, try on size above and below of your actual sizes. Not to forget your actual size, of course. This helps you in buying stylish yet comfortable clothing. Other than size, try on different colors too. It can look bland on the rack but on you, it might compliment your skin tone.
10) Go window shopping
This activity is highly recommended for inspiration. Undoubtedly, it could help in styling your mood board. If something at the designer shop caught your attention but the price is unaffordable, you can always find something similar at a bargain price! Just remember to hold that image in your mind.
11) Put clothing items on hold
If you are battling over your inner self, whether you should buy the clothes or not, you can ask the seller to hold your items. Most of the shops offer the service to hold the items until you come back at the end of the day. By then, you can walk around and look at other deals. If you still think about that one piece of clothing, you can come back and purchase it!
Sources: MasterClass