If you check out Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, clothing falls under physiological needs. It’s an essential part of our survival in this world. With that said, finding the right clothes can be a challenge. It is why you need to get with the program and figure out how to shop for clothes.
Shopping Spree 101
Shopping for clothes should be a fun thing to do. For some people, it’s even a therapeutic activity that lifts the mood.
However, if you don’t know how to shop for clothes, it can get a little stressful. Imagine going around in circles in the mall and not knowing what to buy for yourself.
There are no strict rules or anything like that when it comes to clothes shopping. If you need help, here is a guide that you can check out that would make it easier for you to shop for clothes:
Check Your Closet
Before you go shopping, try checking out the contents of your closet. You’d be surprised by the number of clothes you own and the pieces you can still use. It also helps to audit and edit your closet.
It would be easier for you to figure out what you need and what to get rid of. If a piece of clothing no longer fits you or it no longer gives you sparks, you can take it out of the running.
It’s also good to determine if you need specific articles of clothing. If there are clothes that you can still wear, you can always use them as reference points when shopping for other stuff.
If you have a top that needs a cute skirt, you can focus on finding the perfect one when you are out shopping.
If you have a lot of time in your hands, you can even document or photograph the clothes you currently have. If you are out shopping, you can think of the pieces you already have at home and what you can get at the shops that would go well with them.
You should be able to mix and match your clothes. You should have pieces of clothes that complement each other in the best ways.
Be Ready
If you have made plans to go shopping for clothes, you should prepare for what’s to come. If you already have some clothes in mind that you want to get, you can make a list of them. You don’t have to write it down. Making a mental list is fine as well.
If you know what you should be looking for, you don’t have to check every nook and cranny of the shops to look for them. Of course, you can still check out other stuff.
But if you have some clothes that you need to get, prioritize them first. Head over to their sections as soon as you are at the shops!
Do this before you get sidetracked and purchase something else altogether! If you are at a mall, remember that you are surrounded by so many temptations!
Know Your Personal Style
The clothes we wear can reflect our personality. It can give people a little of an idea of who we are. If you have a personal style, then that’s great!
Shopping would be so much easier if you know the styles and look that work for you. It’s important to shop for clothes you like and want so you won’t have any regrets once you get home.
If you have not established a personal style, you are, of course, free to experiment with clothes. And even if you have become comfortable with certain styles, it doesn’t mean you can’t explore or buy other looks.
Fashion is all about risks. You should express yourself via the clothes you shop and wear.
Know Your Size And Measurements
Human beings come in all shapes and sizes. It’s why clothing brands have size options for the garments they sell.
If you are going to shop for clothes, you should, at least, be familiar with the size you wear and your statistics. If you don’t know what your measurements are, don’t worry. You can always measure yourself at home using a cloth measuring tape.
If there are particular brands that you love, you might be familiar with their sizes. You might not have a hard time figuring out which sizes to try or to buy.
However, there might be some brands that are inconsistent with their sizes. If you aren’t sure about them, you can try as many sizes as you can until you find the right one for you.
Get The Basics
If you don’t have basic pieces in your wardrobe, it’s high time you invest in them. There are a couple of things you should have in your closet. If you don’t have the following, you should get them the next time you go shopping for clothes:
- Plain White Shirt
- Little Black Dress
- Good Pair of Jeans
- Button-Up Shirt
- Black Pants
- Trench Coat
- Blazer
- Denim Jacket
These are just some of the basic pieces that should be staples in your wardrobe. If you have these, you can just work around them and buy items that complement them. They can be worn any season and even every single day.
Try The Clothes On
If you have picked out some pieces at a store, don’t pay for them just yet. Make sure they fit you! Even when you know your size, some clothes might not fit you as well as you think. It’s better if you go to the dressing or changing room and try them on.
If you don’t try them on and they don’t fit, you have to go back to the store to return them. It can be a hassle to keep doing this. It’s better to buy clothes in the correct sizes than to be sorry.
Think Before You Pay
Before you head over to the cashier to pay, you might want to ask yourself if the clothes you picked up are what you really want or need. Sometimes there’s a part in your brain that pushes you to buy something impulsively.
Don’t let your impulse take over. However, if it’s something you really want and need, then it’s up to you! It’s your decision at the end of the day.
Shopping For Clothes Online
Over the years, many people have opted to shop for clothes online. Since you can’t physically touch or check the clothes that you are eyeing, there are some things you remember before putting anything in your shopping cart.
Legitimate Retailers
If there’s any piece of clothing you need in your life, you would find that online. However, you have to exercise some caution every single time you shop online.
There are so many e-Commerce websites now, and you have to know which ones are legit. You might come across websites that sell clothes, and you might be tempted to make a purchase.
Do a little research and check their legitimacy if you aren’t familiar with the retailer. You don’t want to throw your hard-earned money away if you get scammed.
Check The Size Charts
Buying clothes online can be tricky. If the retailer has no physical store, it would be hard to determine if something would fit you or not. Before buying clothes, check their size charts. There are conversion calculators to help you out with your sizing issues.
Check Return/Refund Policies
Some clothes might look good in the photos. But once you get them, they either don’t look as good or don’t fit as well. Don’t waste your money and opt to return them.
Most e-Commerce retailers have return and refund policies for their customers. If you are returning something, you just have to follow the instructions and wait for your refund to be processed.
Make sure you don’t damage the clothes and their packing so you won’t have a hard time getting a refund.
Be A Responsible Shopper
You have to be responsible and conscious of your spending when it comes to shopping. Knowing how to shop for clothes is one thing. Spending within your means for these clothes is another.
Before buying any clothes, you should weigh your options. Should you save or splurge? It depends on you. How much are you willing to spend? Do you have the money to do so? These are some of the important questions you have to ask yourself.
In a world dominated by overproduction and overconsumption of clothes, you might want to think about your shopping and spending habits. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat yourself to new clothes, it’s about shopping for clothes with sustainability in mind.
Shop Smart, Shop Well
Consider yourself lucky if you have mastered how to shop for clothes both online and offline! With this skill, you should make sure you get your money’s worth and rock those clothes like there’s no tomorrow!
Jessica Oliver is a fashion enthusiast with more than ten years of experience in the industry. She previously managed her own clothing store in New York before becoming a mother of three. With a passion for sustainability and a desire to share clothing care and recycling tips.