Have you ever spent four hours at the mall looking for the perfect outfit only to come home empty handed? Or worse yet, have you been so desperate to find something to wear, you bought the first thing you saw even though you really didn't like it? With a little planning, you can make your next trip to the mall, effortless, enjoyable and money-saving. Here's how:
1. Know What You Have In Your Closet Before You Leave The House
Take an inventory of what's currently hanging in your closet. Do you have items in there that are too small or too large? Are there articles of clothing hanging in your closet that you haven't worn in a few years? After sorting through your wardrobe and trying things on, decide to either throw things away, repair or alter them, or donate them to charity. Then make a descriptive list, by category, of what is left. For example, write "two black V-neck sweaters".
2. Make A List Of What You Need To Purchase
Now that you know what is in your closet, complete a shopping list of the items you need to supplement your current wardrobe. Things to consider when compiling this list might be work and lifestyle requirements, colors that flatter you, colors that coordinate with items already in your closet, and styles that reflect your personality.
3. Determine Your Style
Many women find it difficult to communicate a personal style. Rather than filling their closets with a wardrobe that reflects who they are, they collect a hodge-podge of clothes that sends mixed messages about their style. For example, a woman might own a bunch of long prairie skirts but the style she wants to communicate is urban chic. In order to get a good grasp of what your personal style looks like, look at magazines, television, or people you admire to get ideas on what you should purchase.
4. Determine Where You Want To Shop
Sometimes just saying "I'll go to the mall" is not good enough. Identify the stores that carry the items you want to purchase. Spend the bulk of your time at these shops before venturing out to other stores in the mall that are less likely to have what you want.
5. Make Time For Shopping
Set aside a block of time for shopping. Rushing through a shopping trip because you only have 45 minutes before your next appointment, will result in impulse buying and ultimately leaving you dissatisfied with your purchase.
6. Dress To Shop
Wear clothing that is appropriate for shopping. Since you will be doing a great deal of walking, avoid wearing high heels or shoes that are uncomfortable. Dress in clothes that are easy to unbutton or unzip, to make trying on clothing effortless. Make sure you have on the right type of bra if you are purchasing items like a halter top, strapless dress, etc...
7. Forget Size, Remember Fit
Don't get hung up on what size you wear. A size 4 can come in different cuts, therefore, sometimes you might need a size 6 or even a size 2. Don't buy clothes that are too tight across the chest, that bunch up in the crotch, or that makes your arms look like sausages just because the tag says it is your size. Clothes that fit you well will always make you look thinner, regardless of your size.
8. Stick To Your List
Be faithful to your shopping list. Avoid buying items on a whim or because they are on sale. Purchasing clothes that are not on your list will result in you spending more money in the long run, since you now have to build an outfit around these things.
Leslie Smth is a self-proclaimed fashionista and lifestyle strategist. She believes it is not how you grow old but, how you live young. Get more free tips on how to plan your wardrobe at http://closetquest.org Learn how to live younger at http://lifesnextpage.net
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