When you shop in person, you can feel the fabrics and craftsmanship of each piece of clothing, as well as try items on and see how they fit. Asking questions is another advantage of shopping in person; sales personnel are a great source of information about various clothing designs, so don’t be afraid to ask them. Depending on where you travel, you can choose from a variety of store types, and your shopping experience will be unique.
Boutiques:
Clothes at boutiques are carefully chosen to adhere to a particular style. The fact that they are often tiny allows you to get to know the employees. Boutiques may feature a variety of designer brands and are excellent places to get unusual and locally made goods. One of the best ways to establish your style is to choose a boutique that reflects your aesthetic preferences.
Department stores:
Large department stores offer an enormous assortment of goods from many brands. There are sections for clothing, such as formal dress, swimwear, activewear, and sleepwear. Since department stores carry the largest assortment of products, they’re an excellent choice if you’re remodeling your entire wardrobe. Are you feeling overpowered? Take a look at the dolls. Ask a salesperson to assist you in getting the exact style or overall feel of an outfit you want.
Fast-fashion chains:
These stores sell stylish apparel at reduced costs. Fast-fashion retailers sell a variety of goods, such as sweatshirts and blazers, and they function similarly to department stores. Fast-fashion retailers typically carry only one brand of clothing, which means that size and costs are more uniform.
Thrift Shops:
The kinds of clothing that thrift stores carry range greatly, from vintage boutiques to consignment shops to cheap thrift chains. Thrift stores provide interesting vintage pieces in addition to high-quality clothing, but you might have to search through a lot of stuff before you locate your size and style. It’s preferable to go thrifting with an open mind, a mood board, and a wish list rather than with a specific item in mind.
Online:
Shopping online offers a vast selection. Start with a broad search and filter by preferences. Compare products from numerous brands online. The downside is you can’t try items on first. Use size charts and reviews for guidance. Check return policies before ordering.
10 Pointers for Clothing Shopping
Use these shopping techniques to ensure that the clothes you bring home are ones you’ll really wear.
Assign a budget for clothes
It’s simpler to schedule your shopping excursions and prevent overspending when you have a plan in mind. Making a list of every piece of clothes you believe you will need to buy in a year and estimating how much you want to spend on each is one way to create a budget. Once you’ve calculated the total, stick to it and don’t go over.
Apply a feeling board
Your mood board is an assortment of pictures of outfits you enjoy. It aids in the creation of your style and provides ideas for when you go shopping for clothes. Look for themes or patterns in the photos you’ve chosen. Do you have a favorite color scheme, texture, or style? Check to determine if the items you choose complement the mood board’s overall design.
Maintain a desire list
Create a list of clothes you need or want. Check it before shopping to stay focused. Making a list beforehand is more effective than searching all at once. You can check items off over multiple trips. Save favorite online items in bookmarks for sales.
Recognize your measures
Record your hip, waist, and chest measurements on your phone. Compare them with the store’s size chart for online shopping. Use a measuring tape to check the fit before trying on clothes in-store. This is crucial, especially with used items due to size variations. Check out our guide for measuring instructions.
Begin broadly, then refine
Add items you like to your cart, then refine your choices. Comparing them helps in decision-making. Expect some items not to work out, but also find surprises. Discover hidden gems by exploring different options.
List the things you currently own
Before buying, ensure the new item matches your existing wardrobe. Confirm it suits your style. If it doesn’t fit your current pieces, rethink it. Exceptions are special or standout pieces. Try it with your clothes at home; return if it doesn’t fit.
Add variety to your clothes
Relying on familiar staples is easy but leads to clutter. Too many identical items complicate choices. Assess if a new piece truly stands out. Limit duplicates to two, except for work clothes.
Invite a companion
Shopping with friends is more enjoyable, and getting a second opinion may be quite beneficial. A friend can encourage you to attempt a piece if you’re hesitant about it or tell you if it doesn’t seem like “you.” Invite a friend or relative whose sense of style you find appealing to go shopping with you; they will likely be touched.
Consistently try on various sizes
Once you’ve found something you like, make sure to get it in both your size and the sizes above and below. Consider trying it with a couple of other hues; as many garments as possible should be brought into the fitting room. Spend as much time as necessary there to feel how a piece feels when you sit, bend over, or spin around.
Take a quick look around
Inspiration can be found when looking through windows. Put something you’re eyeing at a designer store on your wish list if the price is too much and you can’t seem to find a better deal elsewhere. This is a fantastic approach to get inspiration for your mood board’s styling as well.