Here’s a challenge for you. Put down your phone or laptop and head to your closet. Ask yourself: Do I love every piece of clothing in here? And did I love it when I purchased it? Your answers to both questions are likely big, fat NOs, and here’s why… Those pieces you aren’t in love with were probably bought because A) They fit or B) They were a good deal. But neither of those two reasons alone is enough to justify a purchase. Here are three questions to ask yourself before purchasing any piece of clothing. These smart shopping tips will transform your closet from just OK to a haven of amazing pieces.
Outfit Details: Thifted Blazer, Loft Top (similar), White House Black Market Jeans (similar), Report Shoes, Stella & Dot Clutch, Engravable Necklace, Layering Necklace, Earrings and Bracelet | Photos: Jennifer Hubbell Photography
It’s easy to get roped in to buying every piece of clothing that kind of fits or is on sale. I’ve been there. I’ve purchased countless items without truly loving them. I end up wearing those pieces in my closet once (maybe two or three times) before they ultimately get shoved to the back. The pieces I wear on repeat are the ones I feel comfortable in and that make me feel like my best self. So, why not make your main goal when shopping to find those types of pieces? Here are three smart shopping questions to ask when buying clothing (or anything, really.)
1. Do I absolutely love it?
This is the most important question and your answer must be an overwhelming, “YES!” The piece you’re trying on must fit perfectly. It must make you feel beautiful. It must be something you can’t live without. But unfortunately, most people don’t start with this question. They look at the price and if it’s a good deal for the item, it works. Well, friends, I’m asking you to change your thinking here. If you put on a piece and your first reaction isn’t: “Oh my gosh, I MUST have this,” set it aside. Trust me, if you don’t love it now, you won’t love it tomorrow and especially not in six months.
2. How many ways can I wear it?
Again, this is an important smart shopping question most people don’t ask. You may try on a sweater and think it looks good with the jeans you have on. Great! But what happens is every time you go to throw on that sweater, you’ll pair it with the same jeans. I want you to challenge your creativity. Think of different ways to wear a piece before purchasing it. This will make it even more worth the price because versatile pieces give you the most value for your money.
3. Is it worth the price?
See? I’m not saying price doesn’t matter, because it absolutely does. But it shouldn’t be the first consideration. Once you’ve fallen for a piece and considered the styling possibilities, it’s time to calculate the cost per wear. This is something I’ve talked about before and always think about when shopping.
Cost per wear = cost of the item / how many times you wear the item
Basically, the more you wear an item, the less the cost per wear is. This system works whether you’re looking at a $10 white blazer at the Goodwill or a $100 dress from the department store. No, you shouldn’t spend more than you can afford on clothing. But if you’re in love with a little black dress that’s $100 and you know it will be a staple piece, it’s easier to see its value when you find “the one.”
