We have all experienced shopper’s remorse: Spur-of-the-moment purchases from a too-good-to-resist sale; desperate, last-minute buys for an occasion; and making-do with something after a day of not finding what your wardrobe really needs. Many of us would sheepishly admit to owning more than one mistake buys that were never worn, while others simply give them away after wearing them once or twice. Being more shopping-savvy can prevent more of such impulse buys and save you plenty of time and money! Say goodbye to costly shopping mistakes with these 10 useful tips:
1. Prepare Shopping List
Before heading out, quickly assess your wardrobe and list down the items that you need. Note down the different colours and styles you are looking for to match the majority of your clothing.
2. Dress Comfortably
Wear comfortable shoes and versatile underwear. As you will be changing in and out of your clothes often, choose convenient tops and bottoms, and avoid those that crease easily, unless you want to look like you just got out of bed.
3. Shop With Your Colours
Always bring along your personal colour swatch. This instantly eliminates colours that do not suit you and saves you plenty of time and money. Many underestimate the importance of knowing the colours that suit you. Get your personal colour analysis done with a qualified image consultant and start wearing colours that totally flatter you.
4. Stay Focused
Remain objective and shop only for the item(s) you need. Do not get distracted by a sale or enticed by other items.
5. Invest In Quality
Buy the best quality clothing material you can afford. Look out for a flattering cut, comfortable fit and good stitching.
6. Perfect Fit
Your clothes should fit you well. Otherwise, check if they can be easily altered to suit your figure. Pick clothes that fit your current body shape: it is impractical to buy ill-fitting items and pray they will fit after you’ve shed or put on some weight.
7. Buying Into The Latest Fashion
Don’t be a fashion victim. Just because some items or styles are in vogue doesn’t mean they are sure to fit your body shape and personality. If you want to purchase some fashion items, avoid forking out sky-high amounts since they are likely to become passe in no time. Focus on wardrobe staples and classic cuts.
8. Extend Your Wardrobe
As a rule of thumb, your new purchase should match at least three other items in your wardrobe for easy mix-and-match.
9. Avoid Impulse Buys
If you simply can’t resist sale items and tend to buy on impulse, first ask yourself if you would buy the same item at its original price. Take one step back and reconsider if your wardrobe really needs it.
10. More Time For Shopping
If you are shopping for a special occasion, allow yourself more time to shop and browse. Having insufficient time to window-shop and compare prices and options could result in another shopper’s remorse, which wastes time, and is bad for your wardrobe and wallet! You can now take the hassle out of shopping and engage a personal shopper to do the legwork for you. Image consultants, who are trained in colours, style and body shape, offer the expertise and knowledge to help you find the clothes you need.
