The more mindful I’ve become about what I add to my wardrobe, the more time I seem to spend thinking about potential purchases. So I thought it might be useful to share some of the wardrobe shopping tips and habits I’ve developed which help me decide what to buy.
Wearing Everlane cotton turtleneck, Karen Walker houndstooth skirt (old but I like this one), Grana alpaca coat (s/o but similar here), Sam Edelman loafers (also here), Oroton icon clutch, Holly J pearl earrings
I’ve been shifting away from the impulsive mindset of my twenties, to a more considered approach. While I want my wardrobe to be well-curated and functional, I also crave an element of fun and playfulness. Essentially, I want to feel excited when I fling open the wardrobe doors and get dressed each morning. Which sometimes feels a little at odds with the minimal colour palette and pared back designs that make up the bulk of my closet.
So these are the wardrobe shopping tips I use before I pull the trigger on a new purchase.
Do I need this?
Nine times out of ten, the answer to this question is usually no. I’ve got a healthy-sized wardrobe as it is, and one could argue that there’s no need to add anything new to it. I think it’s healthy to be conscious of whether you’re buying an item to fill a supposed gap in your closet, or because it’s something that will bring you joy. While clothing fulfils a basic human need, fashion should be fun, so I try not to take this question too seriously (within reason – of course!).
Does it fit well or can it be (easily) altered?
When I was younger, I was swayed easily by deep discounts and low sale prices. It’d be enough for me to buy a clothing piece that was perhaps a size too small, or a pair of shoes half a size too big. These never got worn, and were a constant reminder of wasted money hanging in the back of my closet.
I make a point now of only buying something if it fits me well and makes me feel good. If the fit is off slightly, I’ll take a few things into consideration; is it well made? Is it worth paying the additional cost of alterations? And can it be altered easily? If the answer to any of those three questions is ‘no’, then I won’t give it a second thought.
Will it work with my existing wardrobe?
Can I wear it at least five different ways? Does the colour scheme work with what I already own? Part of whether you’ll actually get your cost-per-wear out of a purchase is how easily you can incorporate it into your outfits. I favour more muted hues or your classic take on neutrals, so the last think you’re likely to find in my closet is a bright orange sweater (though I am partial to the odd pop of red).
Silhouette is another thing I keep in mind. Though I’m 172cm tall, I carry a lot of my height in my torso. While I think that you should wear what you like (rather than focus on how it makes your body look), I like to accentuate my best features with my clothing, while balancing out my upper and lower half. I will avoid anything with a low rise, and generally don’t go for tops that are cropped – they end up exposing more of my midriff than I’m comfortable with.
Does it fit my lifestyle?
I like to start this one off with a little bit of homework. Identifying what activities I’m likely to do on a weekly basis, and how much of my wardrobe I should be dedicating to each ‘activity’. For example, how much of my wardrobe should be made up of casual clothing, office attire, active wear, evening dresses, etc.
Particularly when you’re having a browse, the reality of our day-to-day lives can quickly be forgotten in place of the life we wish we led (actual or imagined). As much as I love fancier formal-style dresses, I attend very few special events, so I’m conscious that this isn’t an area of my closet that needs to be replenished often.
Instead I focus my purchases on what I’m likely to wear on a day-to-day basis.
Is it comfortable to wear?
How you feel when you’re wearing an item can be make or break. If it’s too fussy, doesn’t fit quite right, or is just downright uncomfortable, it’ll probably be one of the last things you reach for. Comfort is two-fold; both how the garment feels on, and how it makes you feel. I’m not suggesting that you run out and buy sweatpants (which I’ll admit, are so comfortable for lounging), but I would recommend testing that you can bend and sit comfortably in the item (without any pulling or tugging) before heading to the cash register.
What’s the fabric content?
In my wardrobe, natural fibres are king. It’s one of the first things I’ll check if I’m not 100% sure on an item. Natural fibres like cotton, silk, wool, and linen (among others) are breathable, and tend to be higher quality and last longer than their synthetic counterparts. Not to mention, better for the environment.
I will consider some polyester, but it’s on a case by case basis as it can be a part of some technical fabrics, even from high end designers. I like to judge this by feel, and how it contributes to the overall design and look of the item.
What shopping tips do you live by? x
The big one you didn’t mention that I consider is: am I willing to take care of this piece? Silk and cashmere are lovely, but I can’t just throw them in the washing machine. Do I like the piece enough to do the work caring for it properly, or will it sit unused because I can’t be bothered to take it to a dry cleaner? Am I willing to iron this complex structured cotton blouse properly or will it never be worn after the first wash?
I wash all my silk and cashmere clothes in the washing machine without any problems. I use a washing bag and a special detergent för silk and wool. I absolutely agree that you have to be willing to care for the clothes you buy but sometimes it doesn’t have to be so complicated.