There are several ways we can transform our shopping habits to be more intentional. In the continuous quest for the perfect wardrobe, the most common dangers are impulse buying and a lack of familiarity with our existing wardrobe and style. The end result of a hasty and careless shopping spree is often a significantly reduced bank account, a hint of guilt, and early morning desperation before our wardrobe, because we have “nothing to wear”, even though it’s overflowing with clothes.
But with some smart and savvy strategies (and some self-restraint) shopping can be fun, mindful, and practical at the same time.
Actually, sometimes the planning part is half the fun in itself.
Smart shopping strategies
Never go shopping without a plan
Smart people say you should never go food shopping hungry and without a shopping list, otherwise all hell will break loose and you will return with a lot of unnecessary purchases. The same applies to clothes shopping. Know what you’re looking for, have a vision, be strategic, don’t get overwhelmed with all the other options, and don’t settle until you find exactly what you want.
Pre-shop
A good and smart shopping strategy to evade being overwhelmed in the store is to know what you can find there. Put together a list of what you’re looking for and browse the online shops of your favorite brands. Find your favorites, maybe compare them, and choose some options. Then go and see them in person, if possible. It makes shopping faster, more strategic, and leaves less chance for on the spot impulse buying.
The seasonal re-evaluation strategy
Two times a year, at the end of spring/summer and fall/winter, I go through my wardrobe to see what I wore the most and what remained untouched for some reason. I make the cuts, if anything is unused or won’t get used for some reason, it leaves my wardrobe and goes to charity or, if it cannot be saved, to the trash. I switch to the new season, see what I have, and make a list of any potential additions, based on needs and my seasonal aesthetic preferences.
Be your own stylist
A perfect wardrobe is versatile, mixable, and practical, meaning it fits both your aesthetics and lifestyle. Building up the perfect closet takes a little time and involves some test and try. Be your own stylist. Take some time to put together outfits that you’re comfortable in. Take photos. This way, you’ll have a working knowledge of what works for you and what you actually have. With a little practice, you can have a pretty clear idea whether a new item can actually fit into your current wardrobe.
Have a need list and a wishlist
Do try to separate what you actually need, because the previous one is torn/broken/too old etc. and what you’d just like to buy, because you love it, but it’s not an absolutely necessary purchase. The need list is obviously easier to justify and fits more into a conscious shopping routine. However, it is OK to spend on wish items.
The niche strategy
A niche item in my wardrobe is something that is a little bit unique or has a distinctive function or aesthetics. These are the not simple or basic pieces, like a statement jewelry, a special color, or a unique dress. I might not use them everyday, but they do have a function and can add some flair for an outfit. I usually put niche items on my wishlist every season, try to find the most versatile ones, and go for it. Trendier pieces or something out of your comfort zone are usually good candidates for a niche item.
Do the truth test
Adopting a bit of a dramatic tone here: Shopping can make you vulnerable. We receive a myriad stimuli and decision-making is never easy (#firstworldproblems). So being honest about the real value of a purchase is critical. Try to use these questions to decide whether it really makes sense to spend money on an item.
Wait it out
Try not to buy on the spot. Leave the items in your virtual basket for some time if you shop online, or leave the store for a little while. There’s a good chance that as you step out of the store, the attractiveness also diminishes. If it’s still on your mind a little while later, and still looks like a good idea, you’re more likely to make a purchase you won’t regret.
Put one item back
Because who goes into a fitting room with just one item? Try them on, compare and pick your absolute favorite(s) that you would really like to take home and leave the rest of them there. It will make you appreciate the chosen ones much better.
Beware of sales shopping
While all of us love a good bargain, I do think sales shopping is a dangerous thing. Usually the sight of X % off somehow magically overwrites any other potential practical viewpoints. The simple fact that something is a little bit cheaper doesn’t automatically make it a valuable purchase. Ask yourself, would you really buy that for the full price as well? If not, forget it. Here are some more smart sales shopping tips.
Do you have other smart shopping strategies or savvy shopping tips?
