You know those pieces in your closet that you wear once a year? Maybe that item you never took the tag off of – but forgot to return it? Or maybe that item you have regret about a month after buying it? Me too, girl, me too. I’ve been there way too many times. But after 20 years (okay, realistically 10 years) of dressing myself, I have come up with some tips in the hopes that other girls don’t have to make the same mistakes I did (so many times). In my teens I went on some questionable shopping sprees and ended up with a high school closet of clothes I didn’t wear. I like to think that I have matured, make wiser choices while shopping, and am enlightened enough to educate the younger generation. I’ll probably look back in ten years and realize I knew nothing, but that’s fine too.
1. If it’s uncomfortable, you won’t wear it often, or at all.
2. Don’t buy something just because the salesperson says it looks good on you (it’s their job to sell you clothing).
3. If it’s just a little too small, don’t bother trying to squeeze (even if it is so cute). After a full meal, you won’t be able to squeeze anymore.
4. You don’t have to keep up with all the trends. Pick and choose the ones you like; your fashionista image will not suffer.
5. If you love it; buy it – but base your splurge purchases on how much use you are going to get out of it. Will you really wear those $200 sparkly heels often enough? If you're going to be rockin' them every weekend, go for it. If not, maybe leave them at the store.
6. If you’re really on the edge, buy it – but make sure to keep the receipt and keep track of the return window.
7. If it fits but you're unsure, take it home and try it on in your mirror. Store mirrors are often tilted to make clothing look more flattering than they are.
8. Makes sure to check the washing instructions, and evaluate whether or not you can afford all these “dry-clean-only” clothes.
9. Keep track of return policies! Put reminders in your phone, or I'll guarantee those 30 days will be over before you even realize.
10. Don’t buy heels you can’t walk in, or that are so uncomfortable you’re going to take them off 20 minutes into the party. Sure, they look good for pictures, but you stumbling and breaking your ankle, or trotting around with asphalt-blackened feet are not cute.
11. Buy the good quality basics. Trust me, myself of all people know that basics can be boring, but they’re necessary. Invest in some good quality ones.
12. Especially for business clothing. A quality button-down or blouse go a long way.
13. A quality pair of shoes will (and should) last for 5+ years. Cheap shoes are uncomfortable 80% of the time.
14. Don’t feel like you have to conform to fashion norms. I only own two pairs of blue jeans, which is a staple of the closets of most youths.
15. Strategically wait for sales. Patagonia and Steve Madden have great Black Friday sales, and many stores do spring sales around this time of the year.
16. Keep in mind that fast fashion is terrible for the environment; so try to invest in items you will wear for longer than one season.
17. Further, never throw clothes away! Poshmark is a great way to sell clothing in great condition to a new fashionista. Check out this article for more places you can donate.
18. It's always better to be overdressed.
19. If you are comfortable, you are confident.
20. Life is an occasion; dress like it!
