It is undeniable that shopping is fun and satisfying, however, at the same time, this activity can cause frustration to most of us.
Whether you find it hard to pick the clothing items that you want, save money while shopping, or reduce your wardrobe, you are in the right place.
In today’s article, we’ve combined 6 steps to help you shop for clothes more effectively. This is very important, especially when we are living in a world where clothing is getting more and more expensive, not to mention so many trends and styles are currently available everywhere!
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into our guide right now!
1. Keep a fashion inspiration collection
It may come as a surprise to you, but smart shopping takes quite an amount of planning.
The first step in making shopping easier is to keep your fashion inspiration in one place. It can be your Instagram collection, Pinterest board, or any platform where you can save photos of the looks you like.
When you scroll through your feed, save pictures of anything that inspires you stylishly, such as the outfits of celebrities, style influencers, Vogue photoshoots, your friends, etc. As you have understood which styles you like, your collection will become a great reference source for your next time going shopping.
Besides, make sure you categorize your gallery carefully to avoid being overwhelmed. For example, you can break down the looks by season, price, or clothing type.
2. Take a closer look at your favorite looks
When you’ve had a place to keep your inspiration, it’s time you take a closer look at each outfit to see what you’re actually looking for. You can start by asking yourself a few questions.
First, figure out what from the look attracts you. Do you really like the clothing pieces or simply how they look on the models? If you are not quite sure, picture the outfit on you or someone else.
Then, analyze how often and on which occasions you think you’ll wear the pieces. If it’s the kind of thing you can only wear once or twice, eliminate it from the list. Depending on your current personal style and needs, you will also find out whether the outfit has the right color, material, and shape.
If you care about staying up-to-date, figure out how trendy the item is. Is it the kind of clothing that can only stay for the next few months, or a timeless piece that will never go out of style?
With those questions in mind, keep going until you decide the specific items you want to get and head to the next step.
3. Set a budget for each clothing item
This will be different for everyone as each person has a distinct budget and frequency of wearing something. However, there’s a basic rule for buying clothes that can apply to anyone.
If the items you love to get can be worn a lot, put their quality first. It can be more expensive, but you can keep them for years. A pair of dark jeans, a basic t-shirt, or a blazer are the typical items of this category.
At the same time, if you have to get something that you can only put on a few times, find a place where you can spend the least on it. Especially when it’s not for a really special occasion.
4. Decide where to buy your wanted clothes
When going shopping without a list, there’s a high chance that anyone will spend too much or buy things they don’t even like that much. So, remember to always be prepared before setting foot in the stores.
After having a budget for each item, start with online shopping if possible. If you know your size, you can always order your favorite designs of some basic items like t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, etc. Suppose you want to choose from a wide range of designs or even personalize a shirt online, visit websites like Hyperfavor. This will sure to save you a lot of time.
In case you are not sure how the pieces will look on you, don’t rush your buying decision. However, you can still use the source of online shops to compare prices and find the best deals.
Finally, note down where you can buy the items on your list, and you are ready to get what you want!
5. Go to the stores and try things on!
When you have decided on the places you want to visit, take yourself there whenever you have time. Shopping in-store allows you to feel the fabric, see how each piece looks in person, and choose the most fitted size.
So, when you get into the stores, make sure you only find what you’ve already put on your list. Otherwise, you will again fall into the trap of impulse shopping and overspending.
Next, get into the dressing room and try things on. If you don’t like how they appear on you, don’t hesitate to go to other places. By staying patient and committed to your list, not only can you save a lot of money but also fill your wardrobe with stunning pieces.
6. Repeat the process
If you love fashion and easily get inspired by new trends, you will want to update your wardrobe often. That is totally fine as long as your budget allows. If not, you must prepare your shopping plan accordingly.
This process of planning a shopping day can be done anytime and anywhere, so feel free to apply it on a regular basis. The more you do it, the more efficiently you will shop for clothes. It will also help you find the stores that suit your personal style best as well.
Moreover, make sure your shopping budget doesn’t crash with other elements in your life, such as bills or other basic needs.
So, those are the tips to help you shop smart and have a closet full of clothing you love. Don’t hesitate to take some time preparing and making your list. Good luck and happy shopping to you, folks!
