Buying Clothes – 5 Handy Tips

We’ve probably all had a bit of a fashion disaster at one time, whether we bought into a trend that far from suited us, or were optimistic with sizing, buying something we hoped to slim into.

So many of us have clothes in our wardrobe that we have never worn and are never likely to either. So how can we stop making these mistakes? Here are a few handy tips.

1. Try before you buy. There are times when this may seem like a bit of a chore, but taking the trouble to try clothing on is the surest way to avert a fashion disaster. What looks great on the hanger may just not suit you at all. On the other hand, I’ve often taken a garment into the changing room to ‘make up the numbers’ only to find it’s the item I fall in love with – better worn than viewed on a rail. These days we don’t have to use crowded, communal (remember those nightmares) changing rooms, but are provided with comfy cubicles, often equipped with seating, ample pegs and a button to summon an assistant for help – or at least have an obliging individual within calling distance. So do try everything on!
2. Ignore the size labels. Ok, you do have to select a size or two in order to try things on in the first place, but don’t worry about sticking to sizes too rigidly. Sizes can and do vary between stores and even styles and ranges, so be prepared to be flexible with the size you buy. My wardrobe contains garments spanning three dress sizes, all of which fit properly! If you don’t like seeing clothes with larger size tags in your wardrobe, then take the advice of fashion guru Gok Wan and cut out all the offending labels!
3. Dress for the occasion. If you know what you’re setting out to buy, then wear (or take) the most appropriate items to go with that garment/outfit. For example, heels and tights if looking for a dress (the effect just isn’t the same with fluffy socks – I speak from experience).
4. Get a second opinion. If you’re setting out to buy something special, it’s always a good idea to take a friend whose opinion you can trust, to help decide whether it’s the outfit for you. Failing that call on an assistant, they may want to make a sale, but it’s not in their interest to send you away looking awful, so they should make some helpful suggestions. If you really struggle with choosing the right clothes, enlist the help of a personal shopper.
5. Opt for what you feel good in. Don’t buy into a trend, just because it’s a trend, choose clothes that actually make you feel good, and are suited to your lifestyle. Stocking up on fashion fads and clothes designed for occasions/situations that don’t apply to you, is a sure way to blow your budget, whilst being left without ‘a thing to wear’.

Happy shopping!

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