It’s the dead of winter and you’ve already changed your hair, your jewelry, and your shoe collection. It can be pricey to switch up your wardrobe all at once, so you’ve got to be reasonable. Keep these tips in mind while you’re shopping for new clothes.
Back to Basics
Do you have your basics covered? If not, head to a store where you can snag tees, tanks and cardigans for under ten dollars each. This will give you the foundation for different outfits and you won’t have to break the bank trying to set yourself up for success.
Thrift Finds
Thrift and consignment spots may give you a deal if you routinely sell clothing and shop there. Often, these places have member discount cards or you can use the money you make selling clothes toward your next purchase. Thrift stores often have unique pieces that aren’t available elsewhere. You’ll score items for a fraction of what it would have cost at the original brand location.
Change up Accessories
Accessories like jewelry, makeup, scarves, ties, and belts can take an outfit from work to play and everywhere in between. If you’re headed out for drinks after work, you might put a darker lipstick in your bag to apply as you’re leaving the office for the day. Switch up your workday pearls for a long pendant and kick off your flats and slide on suede platform heels. Take advantage of accessories to completely transform your look in a matter of seconds.
Investment Pieces
Know which pieces are worth an investment. For example, a winter coat or a cashmere sweater, might be worth the extra money for added quality and longevity. To get an idea of which pieces fall into this category, take note of what you wear for a month. Do this several times throughout a year and you’ll have a better sense of your style tendencies.
Shop the Whole Store
Sometimes pieces hide in the most unpredictable places. Men’s t-shirts, button downs, quarter zips, and hats are just a few places for outfit inspiration. Kids’ large and extra large shirts and accessories are also great to look through. Branch out from the women’s department and see what gems await in the rest of the store.
Trade Before You Buy
Swapping outfits or individual pieces with friends is a perfect opportunity to try out different trends, styles, and shapes of clothing before you commit them to your own closet. Maybe you’ve admired a friend in her shift dress for weeks, but are unsure how it would look on you. You might ask to borrow it for your cousin’s upcoming wedding to try it out with different accessories. Maybe you find that the shape works great, but you’d like a different color.
Dress Your Shape
Understanding your own angles and curves is helpful when deciding which clothes are worthy of the fitting room and ultimately your closet. If you happen to be tall and slim, a bodycon dress is going to sit on your frame differently than if you are short and curvy.
Resist Trend Temptation
Remember, trends are fleeting and classics live forever. Make sure you’re invested in the particular trend before you shell out money for it. You might also factor in timing; the same item might be available at a consignment store in a month or two, if you’re willing to wait.
Give It Time
You’ve seen the ultimate dress at the store, but it’s way out of your price range. Give yourself a week to think about it. If you’re still set on the dress, go back and buy it. Hold on to your receipt; if you buy it and are freaking out about your spend in two days, you can still return the item.
Sign Up For Promotional Offers
Sign up for email distribution lists from your favorite stores so that you’ll always know when sales are going to happen. Once you get a feel for the types of promotions that they typically run, you’ll be able to spot the good ones.
