Don't go shopping without asking these questions
Ah, mindless shopping. Much like its cousin, mindless eating, it can often lead to regret and an upset stomach. So, while you're updating that fall wardrobe I'd encourage you not to make another purchase until you ask yourself these five questions.
Am I shopping to fill a need—or a void?
Yep, we're starting off on a high note. This one can be tough, especially if you're accustomed to emotional shopping. Some additional questions to ask yourself here are:
Am I frequently shopping online when I'm bored or upset?
Do I make purchases because "I deserve it"?
Do I buy certain things not because I like them, but because I want to be noticed?
Try to be more aware of your thought process the next time you hit "add to cart."
How many times will I wear it?
You might know that I like to think of purchases in terms of Cost Per Wear (CPW). If I buy a pair of $30 heels that fall apart after three wears, that’s a cost of $10 per wear. But if I invest in a pair of $218 Nisolos that I wear twenty times a year for five years, my CPW is $2.18.
Fads might be cheap, but they are fleeting (and often unflattering). Trends set the tone for a few years, whereas fads are gone in a matter of moments.
When you shop according to the fad that’s on the mannequin, you seriously run the risk of that piece being out of style next season (let alone next year) and not being a smart addition.
I have found working with clients one-on-one that we often adopt fads, even if they are all wrong for us, because we want to fit into some mold we see on Instagram. After all, if H&M says it's in then it can't be bad, right? Wrong. I recently helped my sweet, sweet client detox her client and she had, hand to God, at least a dozen cold shoulder tops. And we got rid of every.single.one.
Beware the fad, friend.
How many ways can I wear it?
Versatility is key to a more minimal wardrobe. A great example of a brand doing this superbly is VETTA. They release a mini capsule wardrobe each season consisting of five pieces that can be mixed and matched 30 different ways and often worn many different ways (front to back, buttoned and unbuttoned, you name it). Can you imagine how versatile our wardrobes would be if we always shopped with that kind of intention?
Also, whether you're shopping or doing a closet detox, never let a piece be contingent upon another piece. I've seen this with a lot of my style coaching clients.
Picture this. You have this tank top that you like, love, but you safety pinned the straps shorter (because, like, who has time to sew?) and so now you can only wear it with this one specific cardigan so that safety pins don't show.
Don't act like you've never done this, lady.
If you're considering buying a piece that you can ONLY wear with another piece (and I don't mean a jacket or a sheer top that requires a tank so you don't give children an education) then I'd move on and look for something more versatile.
Is it the size I am or the size I want to be?
Oof, another toughy. I have to keep it 100 though, friend. Torturing yourself by purchasing clothes because "they'll fit in 10 pounds" is killing your spirit. Looking at jeans you want to fit into truly isn't a motivator, it's a soul crusher. Dressing the size you are now helps you feel more comfortable in your body, and thus more confident. No one ever commanded a boardroom in pants two sizes too small (I hope).
Does it align with my values?
Sometimes the easiest way to think of values when it comes to clothing is in terms of mission, people and planet.
Maybe you love ABLE because they focus on ending generational poverty through providing economic opportunity for women; maybe you love Everlane because of their transparency; maybe you love Reformation because of their dedication to sustainable practices. Or maybe you'd rather shop secondhand because of its low impact on the planet and people (and it can benefit some amazing non-profits).
Whatever most strongly aligns with your values, try to find brands that represent that.
Make a wish list
Now that you know what to ask yourself, it's time to make a wish list. Failing to plan is planning to fail, so don't swipe that card until you know what you truly need to add to your closet. If you need help, I already made a shopping list for you.