On Tuesday, we discussed style personality. Knowing your style personality, along with your body type and style preferences, can significantly help you find your unique style.
When you understand your style personality and the components of your style, it also makes shopping much easier.
It’s always helpful to make two lists:
1. Things Missing in Your Wardrobe for the Upcoming Season
If you’ve followed a style course or read the articles on this site about finding your style and dressing after 40, you’ll have a good sense of your preferences and what suits you. You’ve gone through your closet and know what’s missing and what you need.
Before each season, go through your closet and create a new list of items that would truly enhance your wardrobe. This could include clothes, undergarments, shoes, or accessories.
2. Things to Avoid
Equally important is a list of things you should avoid buying. Look at the clothes you’ve worn only a few times. Were these impulse buys? Why aren’t you wearing them? Keep this list in your wallet for reference when shopping.
Several reasons some clothes don’t work for you might include:
– They don’t suit your body type (they don’t highlight your favorite features).
– They don’t match your style personality (they feel too different from who you really are).
– The fabric irritates your skin.
– You don’t have appropriate occasions to wear them (it’s essential to buy clothes suitable for your climate and lifestyle).
Some items on my personal avoid list are:
– No polyester
– No clingy fabrics
– Skirts not too short (should cover or come close to the knees)
– Clothes must be comfortable
Be as detailed as possible and include all your requirements.
Can you easily make these lists? Do you know what works for you and what doesn’t?
Impulse Buying
Now, let’s get back to the original question: should you buy on impulse? The answer depends on how good you are at impulse buying.
If you clearly understand your style and what suits you, impulse buying can be beneficial. However, if you’re unsure about your lists, impulse buying can lead to purchasing mistakes. Here are some pros and cons of impulse buying:
Advantages:
– It can add an element of surprise to your wardrobe. You can’t plan for everything, and sometimes you find things you didn’t know you wanted.
– It allows you to explore new directions. Something that appeals to you in the store might align with a lesser-known part of your style personality.
Disadvantages:
– It can lead to buying mistakes. Look at the clothes you don’t wear. How many were impulse buys?
– You may end up buying things you don’t need, leading to unnecessary spending. (Consider organizing and documenting your clothes with closet organization apps to avoid this.)
– Continuous impulse buying can fill your closet with attention-grabbing items but leave you lacking essential basics.
Finding the Right Balance
There’s definitely a place for impulse buying in your shopping routine. However, it shouldn’t dominate your buying habits if you want a sustainable wardrobe that always offers something to wear. Impulse buys can add spark and excitement, but ensure you understand your style and have plenty of wardrobe essentials that suit you.
Are you an impulse buyer? Is it working for you or not?
