Earlier this month, I shared candidly with you guys about how I felt I overbought last year, and didn’t make some of the smartest purchases. It’s so hard to look back without feeling some level of guilt or frustration with myself. And when I feel that way, I like to take notice and do whatever I can to avoid choices that make me feel that way in the future. There is almost always something to be learned.
In this case, I’ve pinpointed a handful of bad shopping habits. Some of these I’ve left in the dust, but others I still battle with. I am sharing this list just in case it helps you, and so I can reference it for myself in the future! If you want to be a strategic shopper, read on for some habits to steer clear of.
Bad Habit #1: Shopping out of season.
It’s hard to predict the future. How do you really know which type of shorts you’re going to want to wear when it gets hot? Tight denim shorts might look cute in photos now, but in reality, loose linen shorts might be more practical. Or furthermore, if styles are evolving (and they always are), you may feel inspired to wear loose, trouser shorts instead.
It’s also hard to predict your body. As women, our shapes can easily change from seemingly small choices in what we eat or how we move. Weight gain and muscle gain can affect the clothing size you wear.
As I always to say, most rules have a caveat. Buying out of season can be very beneficial if it’s something you’ve had on your list for a long time and it goes on sale. Or perhaps you were waiting for an end of season sale to grab a new winter coat. But proceed with caution. There is a time for purchasing out of season, but in my experience it’s usually the exception and not the rule.
Bad Habit #2: Shopping when you are feeling emotional.
Goodness, we have had our share of emotions lately, haven’t we? And lately = the last two years. But we cannot buy happiness no matter how hard we try. I’ve noticed I really want that ‘add to cart’ endorphin rush when I am feeling down. (And winter is the worst because the sun barely comes out.)
But there are two reasons why emotional shopping is a bad idea. It’s emotionally unhealthy. It’s like junk food for our feelings. It feels good in the moment, but it does not nourish or sustain us in the long term. In fact, it can even do us harm by causing us to spend money we don’t intend to spend. And it can lead to purchases that don’t really help us out in the first place, ones that aren’t aligned with our style and end up adding clutter to our closets.
Tip: When you are down, develop a handful of go-to ideas that give you a boost. I like to go for a walk with my husband (especially if the sun is out!), call my mom, engage with my kids, pet my dogs, or go out for a coffee.
Bad Habit #3: Buying something the first time you think about it.
Impulse shopping is rarely successful. Sleep on it. Give it at least 24 hours. Or, better, give it a week to simmer. Longer if it’s a big purchase. I cannot tell you how many times I have put something on my wishlist, only to strike it off a few weeks later. The wish list items that remain long after the initial urge has passed are much more vetted for adding to your closet.
Bad Habit #4: Buying something that immediately makes you ‘need’ to buy other items.
This should immediately raise a red flag for you. If an item (especially a pricey one) doesn’t already go with what’s in your closet, this is a sign that it might not be a good style fit, especially if you need to get jeans, shoes, etc. to make it work.
Tip: See if you can make mental outfits with the new item in your mind. If you can quickly and easily do this, it’s a much better indication of a purchase aligned with your style preferences.
Bad Habit #5: Buying a bunch of things at once.
Boy have I been guilty of this one, especially in the fall. Adding too many new items to your wardrobe at once can result in ‘style confusion.’ It creates a steep learning curve of trying to style and integrate several new items at once. This might not be the issue for a seasoned styling veteran, but for most of us, we can easily be thrown off.
Tip: It’s best to buy items slowly and learn how to style them with your other closet favorites. And then when you feel ready, add more.
Bad Habit #6: Ignoring red flags.
We’ve all done it. Had that itty bitty thought that questions something, and then quickly stuffed it down in our excitement. Maybe the color on those sneakers isn’t quite right, or the sweater fit is slightly off, or some other ‘small detail’ doesn’t sit right with us. It’s so easy to push those thoughts aside, only for them to resurface when the newness of something wears off.
Tip: Listen to this tiny voice. It’s your inner style helping you stay on track. And I swear, the more you listen to it, the easier it gets to hear it.
This was really a good, helpful post. I fall prey to #6 too often when something is on sale that is “so close” to something on my wish list, and then I regret the purchase later because it isn’t actually really what I wanted. Thanks for the tips!
Yes! Thank you! I decided to start buying more sustainable and I’ve been keeping tabs open on the things I like. When I return to those, there’s always a few of them I’m already no longer interested in. So yes to thinking longer about purchases!
Lived rhe article…all great points and boy am I guilty!!
I find that trying on items saves me so much time and money, especially not having to make time to return it. Although online purchases aren’t too difficult to return as well.