Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying More Clothing
I’m a recovering over-shopper. Fun detail to share with strangers on the internet, huh? I share a bit about my transition to find more contentment in less here and it’s most definitely a journey I’m still on. I think if more of us were honest with ourselves, we’d discover that a lot of us over shop for a variety of unhealthy reasons. If this is an area you want to improve as well, I hope you’ll find this post helpful.
Remember: It’s not that shopping is bad, it’s that we’re likely using it to fill a void that can’t be filled by more stuff.
Not only do I want to make purchases that are more than a simple dopamine hit, but I also know that having more stuff can ultimately lead to more stress. Something none of us need more of in our lives, am I right? (Not to mention unnecessary spending can quickly wreak havoc on your finances.)
As I move towards a more mindful closet, here are some of the questions I’m asking myself before making a new purchase for my closet.
*Read about my 12 in 2022 Shopping Challenge here. It’s proving to be a true challenge.
1. Have I thought about this purchase before now or am I buying on a whim?
Typically if it’s a “omg, I gotta have that” type purchase, you haven’t thought it through which is more likely to lead to a worn once and forgotten scenario. These purchases are usually more about the instant dopamine hit of buying something new rather than finding a great investment piece for your wardrobe.
One way to avoid this type of shopping is to keep a running wish list on your phone (or in a notebook) so that as you see those “gotta have” items they can be added to your list. Then if you still desire it in a few weeks, you can go back to grab it.
2. Can I style this piece in 2 ways or more?
The key to having a wardrobe filled with items that you wear over and over is to be able to use your items in a variety of ways. If it’s a one and done item, think through if it’s really worth the cost per wear. If not, leave it behind.
*Cost per Wear: A way to break down the initial upfront cost of a garment by how many times you're actually going to wear it. Example: You buy a dress for $130 and wear it twice. The CPW is $65. Or you buy a dress for $130 and wear it 20 times. Then your CPW is only $6.50.
3. Is this piece filling a void in my closet or is it a repeat?
I highly recommend keeping a list of voids in your closet. Are you dying for a great fitting blazer? A go to dress for date night? Keep those things top of mind when you shop so that when find those great missing pieces you know it’s a solid investment. It can also help you avoid buy items that you already have too much of in your wardrobe.
Note: Having similar items isn’t a bad thing if it’s something you wear regularly. But if you rarely wear skirts, then you don’t need 4 in your closet. Make sense?
4. Does this piece fit my current lifestyle? Am I dressing my true self?
One trap I’ve noticed I can easily fall into is buying an item because it’s cute on someone else. Just because it’s a cute item doesn’t mean it works for my life or that it’s something I’ll reach for in my closet.
Some of my culprits? Graphic tees and skirts. Love them on others, but I rarely wear them myself so that tells me that those items aren’t a great purchase for me. Doesn’t mean I won't ever buy those types of garments, but if I do, I need to really consider my cost per wear and make sure I have a variety of ways I can style those pieces.
5. Is this a quality piece? Who created it?
This is a big one, friends. Purchasing quality clothing will help you create a wardrobe that lasts for years to come. More importantly, selecting garments created by fair-trade businesses will ensure that the person that made your clothing is being treated and paid fairly.
Shopping based on the lowest price point can often result in poor quality pieces that you have to replace regularly plus it continues to encourage unfair treatment of garment workers. If you can save for better quality pieces from companies known for their ethical practices, it’s well worth the effort.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of fair-trade, please read this blog post.
6. Does this work within my budget?
Final and maybe the most important question - is this purchase in your budget? Will it mess up your other financial goals? If it’s not in the budget, WALK AWAY.
Even if it’s on sale. Extra clothing is not a necessity and purchasing something that it’s in your budget at the moment isn’t serving you or your goals well. Make a note of the item and price point and save. Make a plan to purchase it at a time when you have it in the budget.
Already have the cash available and it fits into your budget allowance? Yay! Enjoy your thoughtfully purchased garment knowing you can style it a few ways, it fits your current lifestyle, and you can wear it for years to come!
I also shared a blog post titled “Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying More Home Decor” which helps you make wise choices for your home. Jump over there to help with impulse spending and buyer’s remorse.
Looking for outfit inspo? My first two Capsule Wardrobe E-Books are now available! Winter Layers and Date Looks are both available for purchase via the Lovely Etsy Shop.
A PDF E-Book with Clickable Shopping Links to fair-trade products and 30+ example outfit combinations (in each guide) to make getting ready in the mornings easy and fun! Whether you'll be using the clickable shopping links or pulling your own versions, these outfits will have you looking stylish with ease.
There’s also a Free Capsule Starter Guide PDF you can get by simply entering your email address on my website. Go to the Wardrobe section of my website to find it.