We’ve all made those insane shopping purchases that left us wondering, “what were we thinking?” You know what I’m talking about. That time you bought three evening dresses when you had no occasion to wear them. It’s only when you clean out your closet you those purchases end up going in the donate pile, unworn.
However, is that really how we should be shopping? No, it’s not! We need to start making smarter purchases to end up with a wardrobe that we can wear regularly. Now buying something for a special occasion or a vacation is an exception. However, for our everyday purchases, there are a few questions that we should run through before hitting that purchase button.
8 Shopping Questions
1. Do I Want It Or Do I Need It?
Do you want or need the item? Of course, this seems like an easy question on the surface, but it can not be apparent. Your brain can talk a “want” item into a “need” item quickly. If you have created a prioritized list of the items you need (see here), you should know if it’s a need. However, if you haven’t made a list, think to yourself, “Is this something I can live without?”
2. Does This Item Match My Lifestyle?
Think about where you spend most of your time; home, work, etc. Is this purchase appropriately fit into those lifestyle buckets? For example, if you spend most of your time at home, you may not need office wear. Climate is another consideration. If you live in sunny California, having several winter coats might not be the best purchase. Buy based on the lifestyle that you live.
3. Does It Fit My Body?
If you’re able to try on the garment before purchasing, you’ll want to make sure it fits and is comfortable to wear. Can you move around with ease in the garment? If you’re purchasing online, you’ll want to read reviews and the size guides. Don’t be afraid to size up if needed.
4. Will I Be Able to Wear It Again?
Make sure this garment matches your personal style so you can wear it with several items in your existing wardrobe. Does it match your existing color scheme? If it’s a classic or trend piece, that will also give you a guide to how long you’ll be wearing it. A good rule of thumb is that any new purchase should be used as 3-5 outfits.
5. Am I Sacrificing Quality?
Think about if you’re sacrificing quality for a lower price or trends. The quality of a garment will often indicate it’s longevity and fit.
6. Do I Already Own Something Similar?
Check your existing wardrobe to ensure that you’re not buying something similar to what you already own. You’ll want to make sure that you’re not accidentally buying duplicate items that don’t get worn.
7. Will You Still Want This Item Later?
At TRC (The RELM & Co), we believe that you should wait at least 48 hours before hitting that purchase button as a best practice. So before you checkout, think if this is something that you can wait on. Do you think you’ll still want the item in a few days?
8. Does Purchase Work With My Budget?
Above all, you’ll want to make sure that what you buy works with your budget. Purchasing clothes can be a slippery slope and add up quickly. If it doesn’t work with your budget, you can always set aside funds in savings to purchase it at a later date.
Closing Statement
The goal of these questions isn’t to prevent you from shopping. It’s to create an awareness around how and why you shop. In order to build a wardrobe that you love and use, you’ll want to create smart shopping habits.
For tips on changing your shopping habits, you can find them >>here<<.
Any of the brands mentioned above does not sponsor this article. However, some of the links may contain affiliate links which may generate revenue for the site when clicked, or when a purchase occurs. The information in this post is my thoughts and preferences.
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