How to Avoid the “Fashion Regret”

Have you ever experienced a fashion regret? Trust me you’re not alone! I've fallen into several traps over the years. I have been drawn in by designer names at times and I've purchased things on vacation I didn't really need. I even bought outfits for “that event” that I thought I might attend. These kind of heat-of-the-moment purchases are what leads to fashion regrets.

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 shop for good style investments?

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 have a few questions to keep in mind while you’re shopping to ensure that you won’t make another Fashion Regret.

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Here are some questions I like to think about before making a fashion purchase.

Does it fit my body well?

I can’t even count how many times in the past when I have purchased an item of clothing, only to realize it doesn't fit properly. One recommendation I consistently share with my clients is to try things on to save you the hassle of a return. If you are planning on making countless alterations, you may never be satisfied with the final product. If you are trying to make a decision between sizes it may be best to pass on the items and not purchase at all.

Will I be comfortable wearing this item?

I often pass on wearing an outfit knowing that is uncomfortable. When I decide what to wear I will ask myself a few questions. 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? When you make a fashion purchase you want to make sure your purchase is comfortable. 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. Wear shoes around the department store and don’t just walk on carpeted areas, walk on hard floors too. If there is any doubt, leave it at the store!

Does this match MY style?

Have you made a purchase based on styles that you admire on other women, rather then the style you know and love? My clients have shared so many similar stories about their fashion regrets based on that same feeling. I encourage my clients to experiment with style, but when it comes to making a commitment to a new look, experiment with one item at a time. Know YOUR OWN STYLE first and think about if you would really wear this new look before making the purchase.

Does it fit my lifestyle?

Take a moment to really think about your 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? When you know YOUR style that matches YOUR lifestyle you will see yourself making less mistakes.

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?

Now here is a tip for you that will change your shopping experience. Go 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’?

P.S I offer a Virtual Styling App that you can load your entire wardrobe and scroll through as you’re shopping!

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

Three is the magic number! 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. Can you match this item with your favorite jacket? Or does the top fit with your favorite skirt? If you can pair this item with least 2-3 items, you will be more satisfied with this purchase.

Don’t fall for that BOGO sale every time! Do I really want this item, or is it just part of a tempting deal?

Impulse sale buying can definitely lead to fashion regrets and 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! Don’t fall for it if you weren’t planning on buying the item anyway, you’re only spending more money, and giving up more space in your closet. Closet space is so valuable so think about that when a sales sign catches you.

Does the brand name matter in my closet?

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? This might save you a few dollars when you get tempted by that favorite brand name.

Fashionably Yours,