When I buy clothes, I want to make good investments. I want the clothes to be timeless in style, to last a long time, and to spend more time on me than on the hanger. I have learned how to do this well the hard way. There isn’t anything worse than making a purchase, then regretting it and feeling like I just wasted hard earned money.

I've fallen into several traps over the years. I bought outfits for “that event” that I thought I might attend. I've purchased things on vacation I didn't really need. I have also been drawn in by designer names at times. These kind of heat-of-the-moment purchases are what leads to fashion regrets.

Clients often tell me they regret buying heels that are too high. They may look great, but being able to walk in them comfortably is important. Online ordering is another pitfall. Have you ever ordered something and been surprised by how different it looked in person? This is also similar to not trying things on in the store while shopping. There’s no way to know if it will fit well, or suit us, until we get home. Add a sale to the mix and you’ve got yourself a minefield of bad ideas.

So how do we avoid these regrets? How do we go shopping and come back with good investments?

Here are some things I like to think about before making a fashion purchase...be sure to download my free “stylist in your pocket guide" below. I use it myself and it’s a huge help.

Fit.

There have been many times in the past when I have purchased an item of clothing, only to realize it doesn't fit properly. If you're buying clothes that need countless alterations, you may never be satisfied with the final product. Be sure to try things on to save you the hassle of a return. If you are between two sizes it may be best to not purchase at all and pass on items that need more than a quick hem.

Comfort.

When I’m deciding what to wear for the day, I often pass on wearing an outfit that is uncomfortable. Is the jacket too snug in the shoulders making it difficult to drive? Can I walk more than 10 steps without holding onto my husband? It’s important to make sure your purchase is comfortable. Wear shoes around the department store and don’t just walk on carpeted areas, walk on hard floors too. Move around in an item. Sit, cross your legs, bend squat do whatever you do on a daily basis to be sure the item you are contemplating is comfy. If there is any doubt, leave it at the store!

MY style.

Many of my clients have told me that they have made purchases based on styles they admire on other women, rather than styles they know and love. Experimenting is all well and good, but when it comes to making a commitment to a new look, experiment with one item at a time. Get to know your own style first and think about if you would really wear this new look.

Does it fit my lifestyle?

The early morning school run, cleaning the house, sitting at a desk all afternoon; are your clothes built for this? If you’re not likely to wear your pearls and Chanel to the grocery store, it may be best to stick to some basic staples. On the other hand, if you’re always out on the town or at dinner parties, do you really need another pair of jeans?

Can I afford it?

Working out if you can afford something goes deeper than the money in your purse. Can you afford to wear the outfit regularly without fear that you’ll ruin it? Can you afford to get it repaired if you do? Sometimes we treat ourselves to clothes that we never end up wearing, because we’re afraid of wasting that money. But clothes are made to be worn, so find a comfortable price range and stick to it.

Do I have a place to wear it?

A big factor in why a lot of our garments lay unworn, is because we buy them for an occasion that may never come. I see many formal dresses that I feel are perfect for weddings and dinner parties, but I tell myself to hold back until I actually have the event to attend.

Does it fit a purpose, and fill a gap in my wardrobe?
Only going to the store when you need something will save you a lot of time and money. Pinpointing what you need and why you need it, will help you avoid repetitive buying. Hold the item you’re interested in and ask yourself; what purpose will this item fulfill? Where will I wear it? Will I wear it often? Is it something I don’t already own? Is there a deeper reason to purchasing it than ‘I just want it’?

Can I wear it with at least 3 other things in my wardrobe?

Before you buy an item, think about what you have at home to pair with it. Imagine what the garment will look like with 2-3 other pieces. Does the top fit with your favorite skirt? Can you wear that jacket with your favorite trousers or jeans? If the item can’t be paired with at least 2-3 items, you may want to leave it behind.

Do I really want this item, or is it just part of a tempting deal?

There may be a correlation between impulse sale buying and the clothes you don’t wear. How often do you buy clothes that are part of a buy-one-get-one-free deal? That free item...do you wear it often? Deals often trick us into thinking we are saving money, but if you weren’t planning on buying the item anyway, you’re only spending more money, and giving up more space in your closet.

Brand Name.

It can be easy to be drawn to an item because it’s a name brand. The newest “It” bag or The must have designer shoes of the season are so beautiful and on everyone’s wish list. Does it mean we have to have them or are you drawn to them because of the logo? Imagine taking the name/logo off the item. Would it still be as appealing?

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