Shopping for your wardrobe can be a task. Especially when you don’t know what to look for or how to look for it. Knowing your personal style takes time. Most people don’t really get into their “adult” style until sometime in their 20s.
Once you know what style you seem to lean towards, then it’s important to look at these five tips. I’ve compiled some basic tips that I use when buying clothes. Hopefully this will help you become an informed shopper and fashionably dressed.
1. Fit
How does the item fit you and your body shape? The number of the sizes in the stores, are not 100 percent reliable, so it is always important to know what your own measurements are. Fit is super important in determining whether something will look stylish or frumpy. Too tight and too loose is not the best. It has to fit just right.
The key is balance. If you are wider at the bottom, you want to “balance” out the look by bringing attention away from it. For example, an A-line dress would work perfectly and give a slimming effect. If you want a form-fitting dress and you have a slim waist, wearing a dress that highlights your waist would give a slimming effect. Obviously, this is only one type of example. The first step would be to learn your body shape and go from there.
2. Fabric
What fabric is it made of? Synthetic or natural fibers? Some synthetic fibers include polyester, acrylic, rayon and nylon. Some examples of natural fibers are cotton, wool, silk and cashmere. Natural fibers require more care but they also last longer. Always try to find pieces that have a higher percentage of natural fibers in it. Natural fibers can also be more expensive.
However, don’t be fooled, more expensive or a brand name item doesn’t mean it will be a better item. The fabric content will tell you the truth. You can totally find quality pieces in lower-priced stores. The way you know if you got a good deal is if the fabric is more natural. Also, if you are allergic to certain natural or synthetic fabrics, you need to find out which ones you are allergic too.
3. Finish
Are the seams finished properly? Did someone cut corners on the stitching? The stitching and the “finish” of the product need to be well done. After the fabric is considered, you must look at how the clothing item was put together.
Higher-end items usually have better stitching, but not always. So, it’s important to notice this factor in the stores that you go to. If you remember that an item doesn’t have good stitching in a particular store, check their other products to confirm whether it’s a good store to go to or not.
4. Functionality
Is this a multi-functional item? In other words, is it versatile? Versatility is one of the most important things you need to have when you invest in clothing pieces. Is it neutral enough that you can use it with multiple outfits? Or is it the right pop of color that works for a few looks? Versatile options, can vary from person to person. However, there are staple looks and items, every person should have.
Your base wardrobe should have timeless neutral colors and pieces that can be used over and over again. If it is not very functional then why get it? It’s important to buy consciously so that we don’t contribute to the material waste that is piling up in our garbage dumps. Be a conscious shopper.
5. Fee (Cost)
How much will this cost you and is it worth the price tag? Price is everything. Budgeting should not get thrown out the window. I will put it out there, and say that most things are overpriced. After considering the four factors above, fit, fabric, finish and functionality, one must consider the cost.
If the cost is high, but it’s a higher-quality product, it might be worth it. If it’s a low-price item, but a high-quality product, it is definitely worth it. Quality and high cost do not necessarily go together, sometimes they do. It all depends. One of the best ways to get higher-quality products at a low cost, is to buy when the stores are having a huge sale or to buy second-hand at a thrift shop. You’d be surprised what you can find.
And that’s all folks!