The Ultimate Guide For Intentional Shopping
As consumers, we're inundated with an endless stream of advertisements, promotions, influencers, and sales pitches enticing us to buy more, often at the expense of our wallets, the environment, and even our personal style.
What if we took a step back and reevaluated our approach to clothing shopping? What if, instead of mindlessly chasing the latest trends or succumbing to impulse buys, we adopted a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to building our wardrobes? This is where intentional clothing spending enters the picture, offering a roadmap to navigate the pitfalls of overconsumption and cultivate a more meaningful relationship with our clothing.
Creating a deliberate and intentional process for clothing spending can help you make informed decisions, avoid impulse purchases, and ensure that your wardrobe aligns with your personal style, values, and budget. Here's a step-by-step guide of my process to ensure my clients make thoughtful decisions and keep their closets tidy:
Inventorying + Editing Your Closet: Begin by taking inventory of your existing clothing items + Clea . Identify pieces you love and wear frequently, as well as those that no longer fit, are worn out, or don't align with your style (& those pieces can be sold online, to consignment stores, or donated).
Define Your Style and Needs: Consider your lifestyle, profession, and personal preferences to define your clothing style. Determine the types of clothing items you need for different occasions (work, casual, formal, etc.) and any specific gaps in your wardrobe. For example, when I’m in New York my clothing needs are much more elevated and structured than my wardrobe when I’m in Texas.
Set a Budget: Establish a clothing budget based on your financial situation and priorities. Determine how much you can comfortably allocate to clothing purchases each month or season.
Research and Plan: Create a list of items you're interested in, prioritizing essential pieces first. (We can uncover those gaps while doing the closet edit).
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on purchasing high-quality clothing items that are durable and timeless, rather than opting for cheap, disposable fashion. (I know its painful to pay $$$ for something you can get on Amazon for $$ but I promise, the right pieces will last years and never go out of style)
Shop Mindfully: When shopping, stick to your list and avoid impulse purchases. Take your time to try on items, assess their fit and quality, and consider how they complement your existing wardrobe. (Just because you need a new black top, doesn’t mean you need to purchase the first one you see)
Consider Versatility: Choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched with other pieces in your wardrobe to maximize versatility and create multiple outfits. (Working with me, we will develop style plans to help you make outfits with your closet).
Evaluate Cost Per Wear: Before making a purchase, calculate the cost per wear by dividing the item's price by the estimated number of times you'll wear it. (I splurged on a VERY expensive pair of shoes and I have worn them on 40 different occasions in 2 years, and because they are pricey, they still look fantastic).
Regularly Review and Edit Your Wardrobe: Periodically review your wardrobe to identify items that no longer serve you or align with your style. Consider donating or selling these items to make room for new additions. (I do this every season and use any money I make selling my clothes to purchase new pieces.)
If you're ready to take your fashion journey to the next level, I invite you to schedule time with me . I'm here to help you curate a wardrobe that truly speaks to who you are.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's collaborate to unlock the full potential of your style and make every clothing purchase count. Book your appointment today.
