https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 01:14:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-560691 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:34:47 +0000 mama23 560691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to say Thank You to Alicia &amp; all others who posted on this - I have the exact same experience &amp; its SO frustrating. I feel like sometimes I am style dyslexic or something. But bit by bit I can do this - and so can you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-559199 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:00:15 +0000 Meredith1953 559199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Alicia,<br /> As you can see you are definitely not alone! Many of us (certainly myself) go into sensory overload in large stores. I can' shop for more than a couple of hours before I have to stop. I take pictures of my outfits or individual articles of clothing on my phone and keep them there so I can refer back to something when I am in a store. Keeping a list of needed items on my phone is also a must for me. Pinterest and Polyvore (which wasn't mentioned) are great websites for creating visual style boards and I have just started using them myself. I loved Sharon's 5 guidelines Having a good feel for "your colors" is super important. The main thing is take it slow and build a little at a time. None of us make great choices when we are tired or feel pressed for time or are discouraged. You'll get there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-559038 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:09:56 +0000 krishnidoux 559038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your shopping day wasn't in vain. You actually gained from this experience. Don't think you waisted your time because you didn't. I think it's actually a good sign to come home empty handed. That's what happened to me in the beginning of YLF when I started to make progress with my wardrobe. It's confusing, but there is a logic. </p> <p>You have received a lot of excellent advice here. Hang in there!<br /> *Hugs* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558930 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:25:25 +0000 goldenpig 558930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so with you! I felt EXACTLY like you before YLF--shopping was not fun, it was overwhelming and intimidating and so I avoided buying any new clothes for at least 5 years (I've since more than made up for it, though ;P) In fact sometimes I still get overwhelmed now when I walk into a store and I don't know what I'm looking for (check out my recent TJ Maxx thread where I was just saying the same thing <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kr-tj-maxx-navy-floral-spring-dress" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ring-dress</a>). </p> <p>I understand the frustration of walking away empty handed, but it's better than getting something that you later regret. I find it's easier for me to shop online because there's less pressure of feeling like you have to get something. Sometimes I will make a list of things that I'd like to try, print it out and go to the store to try those items--this works for me at places like Nordstrom, Anthro, White House Black Market. That way I'm just looking for a few items and don't feel like I have to look at everything in the store. Also, focus on just one outfit or one type of item to look for and you won't feel so overwhelmed. Be patient, it does get better! I am much less intimidated about shopping now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558884 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:52:01 +0000 Anonymous 558884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, this link is super helpful, especially if you like lists :)</p> <p><a href="http://www.collegefashion.net/shopping/how-to-shop-like-a-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-shopping-for-clothes/" rel="nofollow">http://www.collegefashion.net/.....r-clothes/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558857 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:30:55 +0000 Shana 558857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been lurking, but I had to sign up to let you know that I understand completely! I love shopping and clothes, but I get easily overwhelmed. Add to that the fact that I usually need petite sizes because I'm short and also the town I live in is so small, all we have is JCPenney and Walmart.</p> <p>I've spent the last couple of years building a working wardrobe and I'm happy with the progress I've made, but it did take some time and a lot of thinking and planning. My advice is to first write out a list of what you currently have. I did this in an Excel spreadsheet, but you can do it anywhere. Break it down into categories: dresses, pants, tops, sweaters, etc. You can also use this time to remove any items from your wardrobe that don't fit or are stained or you don't really like and get rid of them. Don't second guess. If it doesn't make you happy, out it goes! Then go through your list and highlight or otherwise mark anything that needs to be replaced soon. For example, I really need new white camis to replace the old ones I have, so on my spreadsheet those are marked in red. I can see at a glance what items I need to find replacements for and I can build a shopping list from those. You can also use the list to then look for holes in your wardrobe. Maybe you have two items that would look great together, but you need one other thing to complete the outfit. Add those to your shopping list.</p> <p>I agree with Sharon about colors. Figure out what colors flatter you best or what you like. The biggest thing that helped me create a cohesive wardrobe was to build it based on a core color group. I used to just shop and buy random things and think, "Oh, I don't have anything orange in my wardrobe, so I'll buy this orange top." But the problem was, the orange didn't go with anything else in my wardrobe because it was so random and it didn't flatter me. So I decided to focus on a few certain colors and build a wardrobe based on them. I find black too harsh on my skin tone, so my neutrals are browns, grays, and whites/creams. My colors are pinks and purples, with accents of yellow. These are my favorite colors and the ones I feel best in, so I focused my shopping on those. It can sound kind of boring, but I allow for a wide range of these shades, so my wardrobe includes anything from pale pink to coral and even the occasional red, and pale lavender to deep plum. I have pale yellows and bright yellows also.</p> <p>This doesn't mean that I never buy anything in another color. I have a few navy items, and even a couple of black items (a dress and a cardigan), and the random outlier such as a mint green cardigan or a blue skirt. But I know that my core wardrobe can be mixed and matched because the colors I choose work together and are ones that make me happy. Whenever I go shopping, I know what colors I own and can determine if a new addition will work with everything else. If it doesn't, I put it back and find something that will. I have a great outlet mall about an hour away and I love it because my little town doesn't have any of the stores I like, but the outlet mall does. But still, I do the majority of my shopping online. I like having the items neatly laid out on the screen in front of me instead of crammed into racks. It makes me feel less overwhelmed and I can easily pick out items I like. </p> <p>Mary also mentioned Pinterest and I have to agree! I LOVE Pinterest. I read various style blogs and I always pin outfits and items that catch my eye. It really helps to get a good look at what styles and colors attract you so you can figure out what to build your wardrobe around. I always knew I had a romantic fashion sense and my Pinterest clearly reflects that with all the ruffles and pretty dresses I pin, LOL! I also pin specific items from online stores that I like and sometimes I'll go back and actually buy the items I've pinned. I consider it my "thinking it over" board, LOL. I pin the item and then if I still love it the next day, I know it's a good addition to my wardrobe. :)</p> <p>I hope that helps! Good luck!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558816 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:45:09 +0000 Isabel 558816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG ! I am you ! I HATE shopping, especially in large places. That is why I do really well at places like the LOFT. Even JCrew is too big for me sometimes.</p> <p>Outlet malls send me into a coma. Remember, many of those people "snapping" things up are doing it indiscriminately and will not wear what they buy or they will not look so great. I find that many of my friends shop outlets by price and not by item or fit or utility. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558483 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:49:29 +0000 Anonymous 558483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Color analysis! Color goes a long, long way in determining how you feel/look. It's also a HUGE help in filtering out the wasteland that are malls. </p> <p>There's this book I read: "The Color of Style" by David Zyla which was AMAZING in helping me figure out the best colors + neutrals (he gives out groupings, don't worry you aren't limited to only 8 colors especially since there are different hues of every color) for me, and also very, very simplified style descriptor that matched my personality. This is a huge help for shopping since I don't bother going near the clothes that don't match the colors. The colors that don't match me don't feel fab so I feel no desire to go near them anyhow! </p> <p>Color combinations and a very filtered down view of what your style is really helps with outfit inspiration and helps you figure out how to put outfits together. </p> <p>Also, with jewelry figure out what you like! Do you like a lot of jewelry or more minimalist? If you like the look of a lot of jewelry, maybe go for more dainty jewelry and just layer it on. If you prefer minimalist looking jewelry, go for just one statement piece that you just absolutely ADORE. Factor in your lifestyle too. If you're on a keyboard all day, maybe it's not that great of an idea to wear bracelets. If you have children, avoid the really dangly necklaces and earrings. </p> <p>Shopping--only 5 guidelines I really have: </p> <p>1. Does it flatter? Right colors, cuts, etc?<br /> 2. Do I LOVE it? Either it rocks my world or it doesn't. No in between. If you're 'ehh' not worth it.<br /> 3. Is it in my budget?<br /> 4. Do I want to rip the tags right off and wear it RIGHT NOW? That kind of excitement is good :)<br /> 5. Does it portray the image I want to represent? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558335 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:44:21 +0000 DonnaF 558335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alicia; I've gone shopping many times and returned with nothing. It's okay. On that particular day, there may not be anything out there that you need that is carried in your size and flatters you. IMHO, it is better to refrain than to buy for the sake of buying. After all, Stacy &amp; Clinton did not just hand you $5,000 + a deadline. There WILL be other opportunities! I am trying to distinguish between wants and needs and to tell myself that just because something is a bargain or on sale (not necessarily the same thing!) and it fits, I don't need to get it. </p> <p>Maybe identifying one to three stories with clothing you like will work better for you than an outlet mall. The outlet malls I've been to are more expensive than regular stores on sale and sometimes carry inferior merchandise never sold in their regular stores. In both cases, they are often out of my size.</p> <p>Shopping can be like finding a partner: When you look too hard for something specific, you rarely find that special one. When you are not so stressed out, the perfect one pops up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558207 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:18:35 +0000 Alicia 558207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh! Great ideas. Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558122 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:25:47 +0000 Mary 558122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'll jump in on this topic (my first post) since I've experienced the stress of shopping. What's helped me most is the website Pinterest. I've been able to clarify outfits I like and what I like about them. After that, I can "shop my closet" to see if I have any of the components. And whatever I don't have, well, then I can shop.</p> <p>Best of luck!</p> <p>Mary </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558094 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:51:40 +0000 rachylou 558094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I know! It's a visual blur out there. That's why I now only do one or two shops at a time, or one or two departments in a big store at a time, and treat myself to an Auntie Anne's pretzel after. LOL. No, but I'm serious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558034 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:59:42 +0000 Sunita 558034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You can definitely do this! I share your problem of getting overwhelmed while shopping. That's why I usually have a mental or written list of what I am looking for...it also keeps me from buying more than I need.</p> <p>I'd pick one look at a time to work with and make a list of the items you'll need. </p> <p>For example, I wanted to try skinnies. So I made a list that had on it skinnies and longer tops. I ended up buying Gap and Levi's skinnies and couple of striped t-shirts from L.L. Bean.</p> <p>The next time I go shopping, my list will have on it handbags and summer skirts. I'll probably start at Nordstroms.</p> <p>Also, places like Bloomingdales and Nordstroms have stylists that will pull items for you, but it will help to give them some idea of what you're looking for. A work suit for example. Or a cocktail dress. Do double check, but I believe you do not pay a fee for that service (they earn a commission based on what you purchase from the store). </p> <p>Also look for liberal return policies. I often buy things that I plan to mix &amp; match with items in my wardrobe...sometimes it works out, other times it fails spectacularly!</p> <p>Good luck and have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558018 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:45:57 +0000 Alicia 558018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh thank you for all of the ideas! I live in Tampa and there is a nordstroms and nordstroms rack here. I think they have stylists. Not sure of the cost but worth looking into. Ok. First step is to get a full length mirror. Shocking. I know. So I can get some photos of what I have and then purge the closet. Ok. Deep breath. I can do this!! Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-558009 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:39:37 +0000 Liz 558009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel your pain! Outlet malls do that to me, too. The last time I went to one I left totally frustrated.<br /> I like the idea others have suggested of starting with one outfit. Here's an option: Why don't you choose one item from your closet that you really like (shirt, pants, jeans, whatever), and tell us about it -- or show us a picture. Tell us how you would like to look (edgy, casual, approachable, tough, warm, elegant, whatever) and then ask the women here to suggest an outfit formula (or point you to one of angie's formulas) that would incorporate that item. You might then be able to shop your closet for that outfit, or you might then have a way to get started with real shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-557899 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:08:41 +0000 Sarah A 557899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find outlet malls completely overwhelming too! Shopping in general actually is very stressful for me. I choose one store and 1 item (top, jeans etc) to shop for in an outing. After an hour I am usually ready to go home whether I've found anything or not so all day at a far away outlet just doesn't make sense. I try to know myself and how sensitive I am to stimulation (fluorescent lights, music, scents, etc) and how much pressure I feel to decide on an item to purchase. I have found the support I have received here in only a short ti me very helpful and hope you will feel the same! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-557758 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:26:32 +0000 Tina 557758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First of all you need to calm down:) I know how you feel, you sound overwhelmed. Do you have any friends that could help? You need to take inventory of what you have, what you actually wear that is in your closet and what you don't wear and then take it from there. Start by shopping for 1 top or 1 bottom to go with something you already own make 1 outfit and then look for another piece to go with said top or bottom. Don't try to go out and purchase 'whatever', it sounds as though very specific guidelines would be very helpful for you. Go shopping armed with 'rules' for yourself.<br /> I have bought and discarded so many items over the years because I could not focus when I was shopping but I loved buying new things. There is always he option of returning as well. Make sure you know what the store policy is, this way you can take it home away from the craziness and decide if it is really a keeper. Hope this helps.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-557751 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:22:36 +0000 Transcona Shannon 557751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear your frustration Alicia - even though I love to shop, I don't love it in outlet malls. There is so much "visual clutter" that I get completely overwhelmed. Maybe it would help to start out in a smaller store that you know carries things you like and fit your lifestyle? Go to the store with just a couple of things in mind that you are looking for so that you limit what you are trying on. Would it help if someone went with you who could assist in keeping you on track? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-557749 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:21:53 +0000 Andrea W 557749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deep breath - don't stress it! I used to feel the same way. </p> <p>Are there any shops/department stores in your area which offer free personal shoppers?</p> <p>They can offer you a unique experience where you answer questions about your lifestyle and therefore get help with putting items together (which they'll choose for you from their shop floor). However, there is generally no obligation to buy.</p> <p>I hope this might be of help to you. I have used personal shoppers in the UK at Debenhams &amp; John Lewis (department stores) and if you get an advisor who is on your wavelength you might think differently about your choices. </p> <p>Hope this is of some assistance in your time of stress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-557747 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:20:01 +0000 Suz 557747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alicia, I feel your pain. This is what sometimes happens to me, too. </p> <p>Deep breath. You are not broken. </p> <p>A stylist might indeed be a great option if you can find a good one. </p> <p>But in the meantime, how about picking just ONE of the formulas and deciding to shop for that formula. Go with a mission. You may come back empty handed from this as well, but at least you will feel a bit more focussed. </p> <p>And you might also narrow down the stores you are going to go to. Pick four or five only for a first mission. </p> <p>It is easy to get over stimulated and to forget what we want. Go with a list and you will be better armed. </p> <p>Do you know what colours flatter you most? That is also another way of narrowing things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-557746 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:19:31 +0000 modgrl 557746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi and welcome Alicia! Many of us have been where you are - we have felt your pain and made it to the other side and you can too. It takes an investment of time, effort, focus, and of course some cash to build a stylish wardrobe. I was shocked to realize that it wasn't going to happen overnight! I wanted to be a stylish creature from day 1! But it took a whole year's cycle for me to finally feel like I was in control of my wardrobe. </p> <p>What is your lifestyle? What is your body type? Have you done a serious unsentimental purge of your out of date, ill fitting or worn out clothes? That is the first place to start!</p> <p>Good luck! It will be hard and painful at first but it will get easier and it will be worth it in the end! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-dont-know-how-to-shop#post-557739 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:14:20 +0000 Alicia 557739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Arrghh!! I'm so frustrated!! I'm trying so hard to become fashionable and build a wardrobe. I've looked at all the formulas. Etc. But now, im at a fantastic outlet mall and I get overwhelmed and leave! Everyone else is snapping up stuff. I don't know how!!! I can't put things together. Can't figure out what I'll actually use. I can't look through racks and make an outfit. I'm so upset! A whole day and nothing! Everyone else looks so cute. I can't even pick out jewelry I dont know!!! I wish I could afford a stylist. Maybe it's worth the money. Anyone know any in Florida? What do I do?? Am I stuck with jeans and t shirts forever??? </p>