How To Shop For Clothes Like A Stylist

3 Simple Habits That Will Make You A Better Shopper

In this post, you’ll learn the 3 easy habits I use to shop for clothes. Make fewer shopping mistakes and have no regrets with these tips. These are the shopping rules I live by and that I teach my personal styling clients. If you’re anything like me you hate having shopping regrets. I have had many shopping regrets in the past and I try hard to not have any new ones.

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Read on to learn how to shop for clothes like I do and create a wardrobe you love.

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The 3 Simple Habits To Shop For Clothes And Be A Better Shopper

1. Don’t Buy Anything You Can’t Return.

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Get in the habit that you’re only shopping from places that accept returns. This is so key. Before starting to work with me, a lot of my clients had items in their closets with tags still on them. Many times they don’t know how to wear them and don’t even like the piece but they were final sale. So they have the guilt of getting rid of them.

This doesn’t make for a pleasant experience in your closet getting dressed. Only buy things that you can return.

2. Have A Shopping List.

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The second shopping tip to make a habit out of is to have a shopping list. Would you go to the grocery store without a shopping list? You might, but chances are you’ll probably end up forgetting something you need. It’s the same idea when you’re shopping for clothes to add top your wardrobe.

Have a running list on your phone, on a pad near your bed, or somewhere that’s easily accessible. When getting dressed, pay attention to any gaps. Things you’re missing in your wardrobe. Like a shoe, a bag, or something that will go with other pieces. Write down what you’re missing. It’s super helpful to know what a foundational wardrobe or a capsule wardrobe is. It’s so important to know the foundation pieces that you need in your closet to get dressed easily.

Related: “How To Shop Smarter Live Virtual Workshop“

3. Would You Buy It At Full Price?

When you’re looking at an item that’s marked “sale“, make a habit out of asking yourself if you would purchase the item if it was full price. That’s how you’re going to know if you love it or not. If you look at an item on sale, and you think this is such a great deal, are you only excited about it because you’re getting the deal? Would you pay full price for that item? Some of us love a great sale. I love a great sale but I have learned to make it a habit to not just buy something because it’s on sale but to buy it because I love it. Being on sale is the cherry on top.

You want to make sure that you actually love the item and that it’s on your shopping list. That is more important than what the price tag says. When you see an item that’s on sale, get in the habit of asking yourself if you would buy the item if it was full price. If the answer is no, then don’t buy the item. You don’t love it enough.

According to Joyner Martinez in the Washington Post, “Buying clothes should be thought of as a long-term commitment”. Not only will this help save time, frustration, and money but looking at shopping this way will benefit the environment as well.

These are my three quick habits to make you a better shopper and have no regrets when you’re buying something. Practicing these tips when you shop for clothes, will help you love what’s in your closet.

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SHOP FOR CLOTHES WITHOUT REGRETS | How I Shop

How To Shop For Clothes FAQs & Expert Tips

What do you consider first when buying clothes?

Look for high-quality pieces that will last.
Have a shopping list of missing items from your wardrobe and shop for those first.
Find the pieces you need to create a capsule wardrobe before shopping for trends.
Go through your wardrobe and see which pieces you love and wear regularly. What about them makes them your go-to’s? Plan to look for similar qualities when shopping.
Make sure the pieces are practical for your lifestyle.
Check to see that there is a good return policy in case you change your mind.
What is the immediate feeling when you put the item on? If it’s not a strong yes, you probably can leave it.

How do you choose what clothes to buy?

14 Tips for Shopping for Clothes You’ll Actually Wear

Know your personal style. Spend time researching what style you love.
Look for inspiration for outfit ideas that you can see yourself wearing.
Ask yourself if the item will work for your present life.
Have a running shopping list of missing pieces.
Make sure you can return the item if you change your mind.
Shop for high-quality clothing staples first.
Avoid fast fashion.
Invest in classic pieces.
Choose 1 or 2 trends at most per season to spend on.
Work with a Personal Stylist until you know what works for your body.
Skip emotional or impulse shopping.
Set a clothing budget or save for a period before spending.
Try everything on when possible. If you have to convince yourself about the item, it’s a “no”.
Read the care instructions on the item and ask yourself if you are willing to follow them. You may not want to purchase clothing items that need to be dry-cleaned.