Shopping –The Do’s and Don’ts and the Golden Rules

To ensure you have the right wardrobe of clothes to suit your lifestyle and budget, the best thing to do before you go shopping is to plan, give yourself a budget. It is a good idea to work out what you spent on clothes last year including your lingerie.

Cost per Wear (CPW)

You need to spend the most on the items you are going to wear the most and where you want to look the best e.g. work. The more you wear an item the cheaper it comes, as we say in the business – “Cost per Wear”. An example would be a suit that costs you £500 and you wear it 1 day a week for 3 years, it will have cost you less than £3.50 per wear, whereas a shirt you bought for £30 and wore once has cost you £30 per wear.

Shop with a list of items you need. Carry your colour wallet. Be aware of impulse buys and remember Love it Madly, Need it Badly or do not buy it.

10 Do’s and Don’ts

1. Make a list in order of priority.
2. Decide where is the best shopping centre to go to suit you.
3. Dress appropriate for your trip – wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to take on and off, but dress smart and be well groomed.
4. Take any items that you need to match or wear with.
5. Make sure the items will mix and match with the rest of the wardrobe.
6. Buy the best quality accessories you can afford
7. Think of alterations and what needs to be done. Allow for the cost.
8. Keep receipts and do take back anything that you find is a mistake when you get home.
9. Don’t buy “bargains” that you will not wear. They are not bargains.
10. Do not wait until you need to buy, desperation will lead you to the incorrect item.

7 Golden Rules

1. Keep it simple
2. Buy shades of colours that suit you natural complexion
3. Buy styles that suit your body shape
4. Buy what suits your wardrobe personality and not your friends.
5. Shop on your own is best or a reliable partner.
6. Ensure the item will fit you correctly, allowing for alterations where needed.
7. Buy within your budget and don’t get tempted to overspend on your credit card!

Having too many clothes and nothing to wear does not make you any happier or life easier when getting dressed. An ideal wardrobe is one where the clothes are used a lot and your choice of what to wear and when is easy.