6 Tips to be a better shopper: How to Change Your Life
Ah, shopping. It is both our love and hate. Teen Vogue’s online fashion editor, you’ve seen the retail scene more than once. But, you know what? Shopping can be difficult even for me. (We don’t all have the same natural gifts as Cher Horowitz. In an effort to make my practice more useful and less terror-filled shopping days this season, I have compiled some tips. You can check them out below. And if you have any further questions, leave them in the comment section. I will be sure to answer!
Don’t wait until you need to shop before you go. This “rule”, while the most important and difficult to follow, I found to be the best. We all have fallen on the slippery slope of having a less-than-perfectly-kept up wardrobe. Now we need to buy new versions of everything. Or maybe you have a family wedding this weekend and need to score that perfect modest-but-cool-but-also-elegant dress in two days. It doesn’t matter what you’re searching for, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to find it. It’s the way the universe works. You need to shop often and not bulk. If you see a denim vest you like, buy it. Even if it’s not what you were looking for. Over time, you will find a well-balanced wardrobe. Slow and steady wins. That’s what they say.
Do what you truly love and not what you think is necessary. I believe staples like black pants, flat sandals, and a white button-down are important. But I don’t believe it’s wrong to buy them just because they’re what you think you should. It’s true that a wardrobe can survive without a pair if black pumps or a tailored jacket. If you don’t feel happy or excited by plain black pumps or tailored blazers, then you should not buy them. Whenever you find yourself in the dressing room grappling with the should-I-or-shouldn’t-I conundrum, just ask yourself one question: Do I love this? This sounds so simple but it works every time. You will be amazed at how everything you love can complement one another without the use of a white V neck.
Imagine it. It is a good idea to visualize the item in your wardrobe before making a purchase decision. Some say that you should be able think of three things you can pair it up with to make it worth the investment. But I think as long you can think of one, you are good to go. Here’s why: Once you have Tip #2 down, you will love it. That’s the most important. Then you will only need one accessory to pair it with. This will encourage you shop outside your comfort zone. You may find that you are able to find other items that go with the new piece. The styles change, so don’t be afraid to try new things.
Dress for (shopping!) success. Trust me, there isn’t anyone who would rather shop in her sweatpants without makeup. This is a bad idea. It’s a bad idea. You can fall into the “nothing fits me” category, which is something we all know to be very unpleasant. It doesn’t mean you need to wear layers of makeup, or dress up in platform heels and bodycon dresses for a trip to the mall. Your daily beauty routine will be fine, as well as a simple outfit that can be worn with a T-shirt, Nikes, and sneakers.
Try. It. On. It’s obvious you’ve heard it before. But it is true! You can’t predict how something will look on you unless you actually try it on. Sometimes, a piece looks great on the hanger but doesn’t fit well on your frame. Also, it’s important to test on many silhouettes: midi skirts. You will be able to determine which styles are most flattering for you by doing this. This information will be helpful when you shop online.
You need to know when to spend and when to cut back. Mixing high- and low-end brands is the key to a balanced wardrobe. My motto: Spend where it is visible. Beautiful prints, handbags made from lu, well-designed shoes, and avant-garde silhouettes all look expensive. Designer T-shirts are different. H&M has the perfect tank tops, leggings, and Christopher Kane print.
Fashion to Always Look Stylish
Get fashion advice that will inspire confidence and style every outfit in your closet.
- Build your capsule wardrobe. It is important to have a small collection of mix and match basics, and to learn how to style them.
- Be sure that your clothes fit properly. A good tailor can make any piece of clothing look great. Tailored clothing is not only more stylish, but also more comfortable. Don’t wear pants that fall to the ground or dresses that are too tight. If you have a well-fitting capsule wardrobe, you can play with larger and smaller items to make your capsule look fashionable.
- Learn how balance proportions. Styling your outfits to create an overall aesthetic harmony. Wearing clothes that fit you is the best way to achieve this. You can make oversized or unusual-shaped clothes fashionable by wearing the rest of the outfit fitted. You can pair a crop top with wide-leg pants or a puff-shoulder blouse with straight-leg pants.
- Create a moodboard to help you find your own style. Your personal style is an experiment. Once you are in the dressing area, you will never know what stunning looks await you. Shopping for menswear and womenswear shouldn’t limit your choices. It is important to experiment with colors and shapes in order to find the best fit for your body.
- Be a better shopper. Avoid buying unnecessary items and filling up your closet with things you don’t wear. Your wardrobe should be filled with items you love and it will make styling outfits easy.
- Add the belt. This is a great way to make your outfit more professional. This is a great way to bring balance to an outfit that might otherwise not work, like a long cashmere sweater with a billowy skirt.
- You can play with color. Keep the rest of your outfit neutral. As you become more comfortable using colors, you will discover which combinations work well for your style. A color wheel can be used as a guide.
- Mix patterns with textures. Gone are the days when you could match your handbag and shoes. Clashing textures, prints and patterns make bold fashion statements. You can start with simple neutral patterns, such as stripes, and then add the sequins or paisleys gradually (like a scarf, tie or clutch). Until you discover what works for your style, you can experiment with different textures, like leather and knits.
