How to Buy Clothing You’ll Actually Wear
Don’t Buy Clothes for Someone Else
We’ve all been there. You’re jet setting off to a fabulous vacation, you open your suitcase and you realize you bought clothes for someone who isn’t you, how you normally dress, and doesn’t even apply to the weather. Now you’re stuck with a sequin top, palazzo pants and a halter dress that will never see it past the four walls of your suitcase--much less past this vacation.
Don’t fall victim to the “dressing for your alter ego” trap. Instead, think rationally “Will I wear this beyond my vacation, one-time event, or first week of my new job?” If there’s some hesitation, the answer is no. A temporary personality can lead to permanent shopping mistakes. Remember shapes, colors, and silhouettes that you love all the time, and go for those pieces instead. Dress for who you are, not what people are wearing on Instagram.
Splurge on Staples
Special occasions aside, the amount you spend on a piece of clothing should equate to the number of times you’ll wear it, or ROI (=return on investment). Tons of ideas can be found in our Perfect Outfit pinboards.
Think about this in terms of a pair of jeans. A great classic jean can be dressed up with a nice top and heels for nights out, and dressed down with a sweatshirt and sneakers for the weekend. These jeans you could--and probably will--wear every day. Their wearability justifies their price.
Then there’s a pair of burgundy cords that are more intriguing, but more specific. You know you have to stick to a certain color on top to keep the outfit clean, you’d struggle to dress them up or down, and they rest in a very specific middle ground that means you’ll reach for them a couple of times until you get sick of them. These pants will not become a staple, and do not justify an investment.
Bottom line: if you can picture yourself wearing it more than 3 different ways, then it’s a piece worth investing in. And if you need more guidance, you can download our Perfect Outfit Guide right here.
Don’t Get Tricked by a Sale
One of the biggest shopping traps is falling victim to the allure of a sale. Things that you never would have considered purchasing suddenly become a lot more intriguing with a big “40% Off” sign next to them. Don’t let the discount fool you--if you wouldn’t have purchased the item before it was on sale, then you’re not getting a deal.
Instead, look for pieces you love before the sale season starts. Put together a wish list of your favorite pieces when they first come out, and wait for the sale to hit to see if they’ve been discounted. These are the pieces that are actual bargains, and you can just ignore the rest.
Love it in the Dressing Room
Everything looks best in a well-lit dressing room. If you are trying to convince yourself you love something in a LED lit room with a three way mirror that shows off all your best angles, chances are you’ll like it even less when you take it home. It’ll become that top you leave in the bag with the receipt, trying it on once a week to see if you like it yet, until you eventually decide to return it--only to find out that you’re past the return window. If you can’t even imagine leaving the dressing room without that item, then leave it there.
Buy Clothes That Fit Now (Not in 10lbs from Now)
The truth is, most of us are trying to lose a few pounds. And there’s nothing wrong with having fitness as one of your goals! It can become a problem if you’re buying the size 8 you’re goal-ing for but you’re really a size 10 right now. While wearing a dress from a few years (and pounds) ago as a fit goal can be motivating, purchasing new clothes that will only fit you once you lose those few pounds can lead to pressure and disappointment. These clothes won’t fit right currently, and you may not even like the item or the fit, by the time you reach your fitness goals. Instead of aspirational buying, buy clothing that fits your body AS IS. You should feel great in what you’re wearing at any size, not just at the size you think you should be.
PS - Thinking about purchasing some investment pieces? Hold off until you reach your goals. In the meantime, scroll down our Shop page and get our free Perfect Wardrobe Checklist and get organized!
