We both adore and despise it. I’ve been around the retail block a few times as Teen Vogue’s online fashion editor, but you men fashion + write for us know what? Even I find shopping difficult. We can’t be generally all around as normally gifted as Cher Horowitz, attempt as we would.) Therefore, in an effort to put all of my training to good use and, hopefully, to reduce the number of anxious days you spend at the mall this season, I have compiled a few guidelines that you should follow.
Check them out down below, and if you still have any questions, let me know in the comments; I’ll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible!
1. Don’t wait until you have to to go shopping. This “rule” has proven to be the most significant and challenging to adhere to Start My Own Clothing Brand for me. We’ve all fallen victim to the perils of an unorganized wardrobe and reached the point where we suddenly require a new version of everything: dark siphons, dark jeans, pants with an immaculate fit, an exemplary bootie, a shirt, a jacket, etc. Or perhaps you have a family wedding coming up this weekend and need to find the ideal modest, cool, and elegant dress within two days. Regardless, if you’re looking for something particular, you probably won’t find it. It is simply how the universe operates. The key is to shop frequently and not in bulk. When you find a denim vest that you can literally wear with anything in your closet, you should buy it, even if you weren’t planning to. You will eventually discover that you have amassed a very well-balanced wardrobe over time. The saying goes, “Slow and steady wins the race,” right?
2. Don’t buy what you think you need; buy what you love. While I do agree that basics like black pants, flat sandals, and a white button-down shirt have their place, I don’t think you should buy something just because you think you should. In reality, a wardrobe can survive (and thrive) without a tailored blazer or a pair of plain black pumps. You shouldn’t buy or wear tailored blazers or plain black pumps if they don’t make you happy and excited. Simply ask yourself one question whenever you find yourself in the dressing room grappling with the should-I-or-should-I dilemma: Do I adore it? It sounds basic, however I swear it works without fail! You won’t believe how well all of the things you love can complement one another without a snooty white V-neck.
3. Picture it. Always try to imagine what it would look like in your closet before making a purchase. Certain individuals say you ought to have the option to consider no less than three things you can coordinate it with to make it worth the effort, yet I say as long as you can imagine one, you’re good to go. This is why: In the event that you’ve proactively got Tip #2 down, you love it, and that is overwhelmingly significant. You only need one accessory to complete the look from that point on. You will be compelled to shop outside of your comfort zone as a result of this, and there is a good chance that you will begin discovering additional items that complement that new piece. Styles develop — don’t keep yourself down by picking exactly the same things again and again.
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4. Dress for (shopping) achievement. Trust me when I say that I would much rather shop without makeup and in sweatpants. However, it simply isn’t a good idea. Consider it this way: You’re kind of setting yourself up for failure if you try on a pretty date-worthy dress over a sports bra with a nest of unwashed hair on your head and a shiny T-zone. That’s when you enter the never-fun “nothing looks good on me” zone, as we all know. This does not mean that you should cover up with a lot of makeup or dress up in a bodycon dress and platform heels for your trip to the mall. Instead, stick to your usual beauty routine and wear a chic, easy-to-wear outfit like a T-shirt dress and Nikes.
5. Try. It. On. It’s evident that you’ve heard it before. But it’s accurate! Until you try something on, for better or worse, you really don’t know how it will look on you. Sometimes a piece looks amazing on the hanger but doesn’t fit in your frame, or the other way around. It’s also important to try on a variety of silhouettes, such as midi skirts, high-waisted pants, boxy tees, crop tops, shift dresses, and so forth. so you can determine which fashions tend to flatter your body best. This will also be helpful when you shop online.
6. Be aware of when to spend and when to save. A mix of high- and low-end designers and brands is the key to a well-balanced wardrobe and budget. My proverb? Spend where the results are. As such, lovely prints, lu calfskin purses, carefully planned shoes, and cutting edge outlines look however extravagant as they seem to be. Conversely, designer T-shirts do not. Set aside your money for that ideal Christopher Kane print, and score your tank tops and stockings at H&M.
