Nothing to Wear? 7 questions to ask yourself before purchasing new clothes.
/7 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy Something New
Continuing with our theme of closet filled with clothes and nothing to wear! The typical go to next step when you’re feeling like your jammed packed closet has no good options …straight to the store (whether a virtual or a physical location.)
In order to help you dodge those dressing room mistakes and hasty sale purchases, here are 7 questions to ask yourself before you add it to your physical or virtual cart.
1. Do I already own this?
We are creatures of habit and try to avoid being uncomfortable, so we typically go with an item that we know will work for us and will fit. Besides owning 7 v-neck black tees… this is also true for an item that serves the same purpose. Even if a skirt might be different in color and print, if it gives you the same styling options as the pieces you already own, it’s not really adding to your wardrobe… it’s going to worn instead of the item; which isn’t very useful.
To see what I mean, let’s take a look at my recent obsession with a puff sleeve… I just love how this detail makes your waist looks smaller and gives a modern twist to an outfit. The second I see a puff sleeve poking out from a rack, I run to snatch it up. But while I might get giddy over the pretty piece, I almost never buy it. Why? Because I literally already own 7 puff sleeve tops, I definitely don’t need anymore, even if that one in particular was in a different color or came in a new texture. Stop yourself from making repeat purchases by going mentally back into your closet and seeing if you have anything similar. If you do, step away from the piece.
Assignment: The next time you pick up a your version of the puff sleeve top, try and see if it’ll contribute a new “pop!” to your wardrobe. For example, if it comes in a color you don’t own, is it a color that will make a difference? Will it make old jeans feel new again? Does it have layering potential that your other shirts don’t? If the answer is no, put it back. Because even if it’s a little bit different, if it doesn’t give you wild new styling options, it’s just another item in your closet.
2. Can I build three outfits with it?
How many pieces do you have hanging in your closet right now that are absolutely beautiful…but you have nothing to pair them with? Avoid having a wardrobe full of clothes and nothing to wear by first seeing if the item in question will play nice with the rest of your wardrobe.
Assignment:
When you’re excited to buy a specific piece, take a second and see if you can create at least three outfits with the items you already own. If you find it too tricky or you can only come up with one or two, put it back. There’s no need to spend money on a piece that will only bring you two outfits a year because it doesn’t work with your wardrobe. It might be hard, but your wallet (and the back of your closet) will thank you.
3. Am I 100% comfy wearing this in life?
I can’t tell you how many pieces just don’t fit right once you start living your life wearing them…. When you’re bending over, sitting down, or layering it with another piece. What usually happens to those pieces usually stay in the back of your closet for a few years until you finally give up on the charade and give them away. In order to cut back on that, make sure you’re 100% happy with the fit. Be honest with yourself—don’t just say you’re fine with how short the hem is or how it kind of sort of gives you a wedgie, or that you’ll get it tailored, because you won’t be in the long run!
Another thing... if you need a special bra to wear with a top and you don’t already own that bra…it’s probably best to not bring that top home with you!
Assignment: When you’re in the dressing room, practice some yoga to see how the item moves with your body. Sit down on the bench… Cross your legs…Bend over…. Lift your arms and move them like you just don’t care…. Bend over and see what’s going on with the girls. If you feel anything off—a mini camel toe, a bra hanging out, a pinching at your sides, don’t even bother. You might be fine with it now, but just wait til you’re in 2 hours into a party and the entrée hasn’t been served yet and your feet are on fire. You’ll want to throw them in the trash and consider flip flops for the rest of your life.
4. Does this piece work for my lifestyle?
Do you keep buying sequin tops but always go out for pizza and beers on weekends? Do you have lots of heels, but can’t wear them as you chase after your kiddos all day? Do you keep buying off the shoulder tops, but have no desire to wear a strapless bra? We are trying to avoid having a closet full of items that you have no occasion to wear to them, shop for your own lifestyle. Not the one you want, not the one you had before kids, but the one you have right now.
Assignment: Even as your heart is tap dancing in your chest over the so-and-so item, take a moment and examine your lifestyle. Ask yourself questions like will you have places to wear that item to, are you okay running to the dry cleaners every other week, is a leather jacket too hot for where you live, are you not mentally prepared to wear that fringe vest out for errands? Think first if it fits into the life you have, not the one you wish you did.
5. Is it filling a wardrobe gap?
Think of your wardrobe as one cohesive puzzle, and each item is a piece that fills in the gaps to complete that jigsaw. Before you pick up that sparkly skirt, consider whether it’s filling a wardrobe gap or creating a new one.
Assignment: Envision what you could do with your piece in question. Will it be easy to layer with? Will it give some old top or blazer new life? Will its color work with your palette, or is it going to be tough to work into your style? If the piece fills a wardrobe gap, run to the grab and go home to make some new outfits. If it doesn’t do much of anything, put it back.
6. Can You keep up with the maintenance?
If it’s dry clean only and you have a bag to go to cleaners that hasn’t left your closet in months, I don’t think this item will inspire a change inside you. If you despise ironing, it’s best to steer clear of linens. You already have 3 pair of jeans that needed to be hemmed for a year… best to buy cropped or petite jeans.
Assignment: Always double check the labels! If you don’t mind a trip to the dry cleaners after work and it’s cost, then there’s no problem. But if you’re the type that just leaves it there for months until they donate your items, it’s best to put it back.
7. Am I buying this just because it’s on sale?
It was $300 and now it’s $30… you think what a deal and convince yourself you like it. if you don’t have much use for it or you’re not going to wear it, then it’s not much of a deal, is it?
Assignment: Before you going running to purchase, pause and think about if you actually need/like the piece, or if you’re buying it because it’s on sale. If you’re tired of editing your closet every year and tossing out huge hunks of purchases, don’t fall into the clearance trap! Only buy things you truly need and like.
Okay so there it is… if you’re still wanting to make a purchase after asking yourself these 7 questions, you have a keeper. Make sure when you get home to create a few outfits with your new item to make sure you’ll start enjoying it immediately!