You pick up that blouse from Free People’s new collection. Your heart is racing and you’re feeling almost giddy. Every woman has experienced moments like this. Why shouldn’t you be excited? This is the moment you’ve been waiting for since last season! In your mind, you’re thinking, “I’m going to wear this all the time.” But then the outfit just sits in your closet.
How do we end the vicious cycle? Simple. We need to identify what we actually want and learn how to dodge trend pitfalls. Here are some simple questions to ask yourself before your next fashion splurge.
Following trends is a great way to keep your wardrobe up-to-date and looking fresh. However, many of us get trapped in the constant flow of different designs. Many trends only last a few months or even a few weeks. Before buying an item, try to identify whether or not you’ll still think it’s cute when the next big trend comes around. Will you still be wearing platform shoes when all your favorite bloggers are wearing strappy sandals? Use your best judgment before you make the purchase.
It’s easy for your vision to get fogged in the dressing room during a shopping spree. You’re high on adrenaline and dizzy with excitement. You’re thinking less about each item in your changing room rack and more about all the options you’ll have when you go out this weekend. In this state, how’s a girl supposed to make snap decisions that could change your style life forever? Don’t get carried away and take every hanger on your arm to the register without a second thought. Ask yourself, “Does this actually look good on me? Will I like this as much when I get home?”
Many women only think in the short-term when they’re shopping. They think about this weekend, this birthday party or this bridal shower. The trick to loving everything in your closet is to think long-term. Don’t buy something because it will be great for your vacation or for your friend’s birthday party. Buy something because it will be great for your vacation and your bestie’s birthday. The more times it can be used, the more value it has.
This doesn’t mean that your wardrobe has to have a set theme. If you’re planning on buying an item, think about how many diverse outfits you can mix and match to create different unique outfits. Do you have anything that will match this already, or is this purchase going to set off a chain reaction shopping spree just to make the item wearable?
You may go to a store and find something you think is perfect for a wedding or other formal event you might go to in the future. However, try using self-restraint before deciding to buy these items. The last thing you need is a closet full of clothes that are completely non-essential to your lifestyle.
Think about what you already own before purchasing new items. If you go to a store and find a cream blouse you really like, think about your closet back home. Do you already have two other cream blouses? Do you really need something that looks the same as clothes you already own?
If it doesn’t fit you, don’t buy it. It’s as simple as that. Instead of convincing ourselves that the item is so beautiful that it will basically wear itself, remember that this almost never comes true.
By asking yourself these questions before you splurge, you’re sure to find success! Put down that sequined blazer and think about what you’re about to do. Will you wear it? Will it still be relevant? #WomenWhoDo are always dressed for success, so we hope to see you repping your new duds for seasons to come.
