Shop with a Plan and Love What You Buy

A beautiful item catches your eye. The price seems reasonable, the colour is lovely and you can imagine wearing it somewhere special. Yet a few months later, it is still hanging in your wardrobe with the label attached.

Shopping with a little preparation can help you make choices you enjoy long after the excitement of buying has passed.  Before visiting the shops, identify a specific need.  Perhaps you need comfortable trousers for work, a blouse that goes with two skirts you already own or shoes suitable for everyday walking. A clear purpose makes it easier to stay focused.  When trying something on, ask yourself where and how you will wear it. Can you picture at least three outfits using pieces you already have?  If the item needs several additional purchases before it becomes wearable, consider whether it belongs on your list.  Move around in the fitting room. Sit down, raise your arms and walk a few steps. Notice whether you keep pulling, adjusting or worrying about the fit. Read the care label too. A garment that requires more maintenance than you can comfortably manage may spend more time waiting to be cleaned than being worn.  

Finally, allow yourself time to decide. A sale price can be tempting, but an item offers value when it earns a useful place in your wardrobe. Thoughtful shopping helps you build a collection of clothes that work together and support your daily life.