Do you think you can over think shopping

Debbie

I need several things to update my closet. I go shopping but I feel that I'm so unfocused I look and look but go home with nothing.

I feel like fashion has left me behind. Everything looks so young and as Angie said this morning there are ruffles everywhere. I love ruffles but I don't want to overdo and look like I'm dressing like my daughters.

I did order the cardigan from Ann Taylor Angie had in her blog post. I needed a S/M and store didn't have it. I also bought another top there.

Do you make a list? Do you research the internet first? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Right now I feel like I have fashion ADHD.

16 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Misia

Louise

Veteran

I've previously been a see it, like it, buy it shopper regardless of whether i needed it or not. Recently however i've started keeping a list of things i want, denim shirt, shaggy waistcoat etc. So when i'm shopping i've got an idea of what i need. x

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

For sure you can over think it! MAking a list is a great tool. Go through your closet and write down where your gaps are- that will help to keep you focused.

16 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I find as well when i get dressed and think 'i could do with a blue top for this outfit' that goes on the list too x

16 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Hi Debbie! This is an interesting question. I think if you are in a position where you haven't purchased anything or thought alot about your wardrobe in some time (or maybe haven't ever done this), you will probably spend more time at first figuring out what you like, and what fits. I don't really consider this "overthinking" because you are going to save yourself time down the line once you are very familiar with your personal style, esthetic, and fit. You can look online to a certain extent, but you really need to try things on. I have helped a couple of friends do a bit of a wardrobe makeover, and they were in the same position as you are now. My advice to both of them was to try things on. Don't rule anything out, and plan on spending some time trying this without the pressure of needing to buy anything. You may find something during these exercises that you want to buy, but you shouldn't feel like you have to buy something. It's important to not consider this to be time wasting, because you are browsing and trying things on with a purpose--you are figuring out your needs and taste so that you can more easily recognize when an item might work for you in the future, which will eventually save you time. It's a bit of a learning curve, and requires a bit of a change of mindset if you consider shopping without buying to be a timewaster, but the forum helps a lot with narrowing things down. If you don't have a friend who's opinion you trust or tastes you share, take a camera into the fitting room and then post the photos here for opinions. Does that make sense?

Sorry for typos, I'm typing this on my phone.

16 years ago

shiny

Veteran

Yes, I keep a list. It's done in Excel. It includes general wish-list items ("trench," "ponte knit pants," "moto jacket" etc) and also specific links to possibilities found on the internet - with prices. This spreadsheet also keeps track of my coupons so i use them before they expire.

I do browse online first at the stores that are near me and which, through experience, I know generally work well for me (size, fit, budget). But usually I like to try on in person before I buy. If I'm looking for something specific to go with something I already own, I wear that item to the store.

With that said, I am also known to buy impulsively. Some of my favorite items are ones that were never on my wish list and I saw them in the store and they just called my name!

I usually have more fun with the shopping trips that are "just for fun" - i.e., I am not on a concerted hunt for a specific piece. I can get REALLY frustrated if I'm looking for, say, a cream trench coat with black buttons. I'm hard to fit and I'm picky so such a shopping excursion will only end up in a trail of tears. I do much better when it's more of a "I will check the coat section first, then swing by and see what they have for pretty blouses next, and maybe browse the jewelry if I have time" kind of trip.

16 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

That's an interesting point, I have a wish list, I know what I like and I'm learning fast what works for my shape. I'm also on a tight monthly budget and rebuilding my wardrobe after losing my baby weight.

With two children aged 26 months and 8 months and a double pushchair that resembles a train, I find shopping on the internet an absolute dream.

This month I sourced a coat after six weeks of searching, last month I sourced a pair of micro check trousers. I can't wait to have the basics in place so I can start to shop impulsively.

However, I think it will always suit my methodical nature to have a wish list to fill gaps in my wardrobe and ensure it remains current.

16 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I definitely think you can overthink it -- but there is also a lot of advertising and talk and opinions around, especially if you hang out on fashion boards and read magazines, and that can get overwhelming too. It's a lot of information from so many directions, and distilling that into figuring out what works for you and for your life can be challenging. Then, walking into a store and being bombarded by their marketing and sales techniques, when you're not quite sure what you want in the first place...oh yeah, that can get you spinning around until you start overthinking. It happens to me all the time.

Just keep a steady head, and remember, this is supposed to be fun, to help you feel good and confident about yourself.

16 years ago

agrace

Active Member

Oh, I can completely identify! I feel that in the world of fashion blogs and tv and magazines I have lost that finite ability to just hone in on something that *I* love. I used to just know when I loved something but now I question my own judgment entirely too much. This one litmus test is what I always come back to: Am I itching to put it on tomorrow? Am I excited to wear it? If that is the case then it is probably deserving of my money. If, on the other hand, I buy it bc I saw it on someone else or it was written up wonderfully but then it hangs in my closet, it is not 'quite me' and back it goes. I find the more I try to listen to myself and my first initial instincts I tend to do better. But yes I have fashion ADHD! What drives me bonkers is when I swear something off (most recently skinny pants) and then later not only end up in them but end up having to stalk them bc I am a late bloomer!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Shopping for clothing and deciding what to purchase and which looks to go for can be a totally overwhelming experience, Debbie. That’s why I do what I do! And sometimes it *can* be over thought - just like body type identification can be over thought.

You need to start from the beginning. Have you read my post on wardrobe capsules? Start there and break things down. Also, sometimes you actually need to road test a look before you can love it.

16 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

Thanks everyone! It does make me feel better.

Ana you are right I just need to go and try things on and not worry so much about finding things.

Angie I will look at the wardrobe capsules.

I know I will have more questions.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

We are here to help you Debbie, so fire away those questions.

16 years ago

shana

Veteran

In my case, I think I have spent the last few years "under" thinking it. I've been buying things just because they were on sale at one of my favorite stores or because they appeared to be "in style" or they were supposed to be "classic" without thinking enough whether they fit my body shape or with other items in my closet etc. This is how I ended up with 2 closets and at least several huge bins of clothing in my attic (lots of wardrobe orphans & ill-fitting items) and still struggling to figure out what I was going to wear on a given day.

I think an organized, methodical approach - assessing every single item that you have, getting rid of what doesn't fit and flatter, figuring out what does fit & flatter and then going shopping with a list is the way to go. You have to be ruthless & discriminating! This is not to say that I am quite there yet - but I'm getting better

16 years ago

Misia

Veteran

Oh,I sooo feel like you.I just had a coffee with a good friend -- she looks totally stunning,gorgeous,chic.I asked her how does she know what looks good on her - her anwser was -practice,practice and more practice!And I guess many mistakes along the road. We will get it sooner or later,I'm taking her shopping in the couples of days and maybe she can steer me in the right direction. Do you have a someone that you can trust in giving you a honest opinion. But don't forget all the girls here !

16 years ago

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