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How do you shop/Shopping strategies

LJP

Veteran

I'd like to develop better strategies for shopping ....better habits and strategies , if you will, so that I make better decisions and get the job done.

My "problems": impatience, lack of time, aversion to trying things on , small clothing budget (relative to what I used to spend) , commitment to not having a huge wardrobe .

* impatience/lack of time - I have a limit to how much time I want to spend shopping; I work full time and have other things to do . Drifting through a mall or doodling around on-line for hours is not my idea of a good time. When I have a chance to do some shopping, I have maybe an hour at most. I also want what I've decided I need to have , yesterday. When I worked in the business, I was in stores every day and had more at my fingertips .

* aversion to trying things on - back in the day when I could fit into anything without any issues, it was fun to try on gorgeous clothes . It is not that way now . Fit issues are SO complex now and it takes the fun of out of the process. I realize you have to try things on at some point but honestly, I have been known to remove tags and wear something before really assessing it only to find it really uncomfortable.

*budget - mine is small now, and I also can't slam 5 pair of $200 jeans onto a credit card and then sort through them at home . It also means that I have to decide what I "need " the most and focus on that .

*commitment to a smaller wardrobe - this is where it all comes to a head. Because I'm not a great shopper, I end up with a lot of second-best items, which then puts me on that treadmill of the never-ending search for the perfect black pant (or whatever it is) . Before you know it, I end up with 25 pair of black pants. Which is ridiculous and I'm not exaggerating.

So what I'm interested in are your strategies for shopping . From planning to the actual search and how much time you devote to it, to your try-on process. Do you shop once a season and be done with it? Do you order everything on line and deal with it at home? Are you an in-store shopper and like to try on there? How do you eliminate a closet full of not-quite rights?

Bring it on . Thanks

Shopping

60 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Even if the end budget is smaller, could you put those 5 pairs of jeans onto a card *temporarily* so that you can bring them home and try them on when you're in a more relaxed mood, with the ironclad promise to yourself to return at least 4 of them? My son always made me get stuff out of here and back to the store on time; I'm a little worried about what will happen, now that he's gone, lol. But seriously, separating the "what do I like" and "what likes me" questions might help.

For the rest, I don't think I can be much use. You are far more into looking current than I am, and applying "commitment to a small wardrobe" to my stuff is laughable. I spend a few hundred $$ a year, but it's nearly always for the long-term. I also tend to be a much more impulsive shopper than you are--if it doesn't dazzle me enough to grab me in the store, why would I be into it over the years? Again, I get it that you have different questions. Good luck in your quest!

CarolS

Veteran

I can SO relate to not wanting to try certain things on - especially when it means running all over town only to be disappointed.

I have tried ordering things online that I know I can return in person, but then it's demoralizing and time consuming to take it all back. (for some reason I am better at in person returns than at shipping things back)

The challenges of finding footwear and coordinating pieces that fit is one of the reasons I shop Marshalls/Winners so much. I bring things home and hold on to them while I figure out which outfits or capsules can really be completed and which have to be abandoned.

Roberta

Veteran

Online shopping was invented for me - I was never happy trying things on for a hot minute under terrible lighting with whatever I happened to be wearing that day.

So I was the person who ordered five pairs of orange sandals to find the RIGHT pair (and speedily returned the other four). I don't do that much any more, because I have narrowed my likes and dislikes almost to the point of no return (pun intended). Ha, I tell a lie, I just returned five pairs of pure white sneakers.

BUT - I must try things on at home to be sure the item will go with at least three or four things in my closet, and that I can sit and bend and walk comfortably.

My clothing budget is down to a third of what it was two years ago. So I am very careful to not spend more than my allowance.

My thoughts:

Lists or spreadsheets, so you know what you want and what you already have. An investment in time, certainly, but it has been worth it to me. Knowing that I had FOUR navy skirts, or that half of my pants were corduroy, that kind of thing, has stopped me in my shopping tracks more than once.

Writing down what I want helps me think about why I want it. Did I admire it on someone else? Is it a genuine gap in my closet? Is the existing thing looking worn and tired? Is it just super cute and brings out the toddler in me? See the octopus wallets below.

Taking a break. It has always been helpful to me to take two months off shopping - usually February and September. I hit the sales in January, and September just feels like good timing to me.

I hope this is helpful - I very much admire your personal style and approach to your wardrobe.

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LJP

Veteran

Thanks SF. I would say I'm far more impulsive than you ! I could certainly put a lot of stuff on a credit card (I know how it works, lol) ...but it's precisely what I don't want to do

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Strategies? There are strategies?

I have to be in the right mood to shop with a goal. I find the best stuff when I’m not looking for anything in particular so there’s no feeling of pressure.

Yeah, gotta try things on. Preferably in store before purchase, but the shift to more online shopping makes that difficult. I’ve made peace with the fact that my credit card will go up and down with purchases and returns.

A few things I do:

- put on blinders when it comes to colors, styles, prints, etc, that I know don’t suit me. Don’t get lured by pretty displays if they’re not my thing.

- if I find something promising, walk away and leave it behind (or leave the online shopping cart to simmer). If it sticks in my mind, it’s a good sign to go back for another look. If I forget it, it’s likely I don’t really need/want it that much.

- in the store fitting room or in a try-on session at home, really think through what the item will work with in my closet, AND the important question: where am I wearing this? For what occasion does it work? Is it versatile? Can I style it different ways?

That’s a start at least…

slim cat

Veteran

Since I'm a picky shopper I have a hard time finding things that work.
Pants/jeans - if it isn't low rise ( 8" 1/2 ) - don't do it.
Colors - if it isn't my preferred colors - don't take it.
Wish list on Nordstrom.com , Macy's and such. Price drop is signal to action ( or just more careful thinking about it ). Shopping on-line is still a gamble - easier with brands that are familiar to me.
Impulse buy - it happens from time to time. Don't cut tags until you tried it and maybe went outside for 10 min ( with tags - lol ) and felt it works.
Fabric - polyester or blends work only in bottoms. Tops should be cotton, modal, linen, viscose, silk, cashmere or mix of them.
I have very little social life - no super dressy pieces that don't relate to my current situation. Have somewhat difficult time putting together some "lunch out" looks.
In reality - very low success with a few items that worn often and some that barely worn. Almost no new exciting styles/trends - hope for the better in 2023.
You've got a lot of great strategies mentioned above - many of them work for me too.

LJP

Veteran

Do any of you sit down pre-season and figure out what you want/need, and then focus on getting that done? I don't shop aimlessly anymore, and pick up random things ...budget and a commitment to a quality /small wardrobe take care of that issue. Most of the time

cat2

Veteran

I use piece counts to keep track of what I actually need. So I know I need half dozen pairs of jeans to get through winter. If my piece count for jeans is under 6 I buy a new pair. The counts help me not purchase in totally filled up categories, like right now I have objectively too many tops. I shop online, but only from a list of brands I know are likely to fit. I shop discount so I am always shopping out of season. I set and largely stick to a budget, which helps me prioritize what I can get each month.

rachylou

Veteran

I really don’t have time like I used to (decades ago now, lol), nor a plethora of good shops nearby (which was once the case). I hate trying things on especially because of the time factor. And I also simply deplore online shopping - I don’t want five pairs of the same pants sitting on my card waiting to be returned… doing returns also figures into my time crunch calculations.

I have become much stricter about having a wardrobe proportional to my actual activities - I look for style after deciding on function. This may be the most effective part of the whole strategy. I used to buy much more in pursuit of anything and everything stylish.

I limit my ‘real’ shopping to one or two pilgrimages a year because of the time and distance problems. I sublimate the desire to shop for clothes with looking around Ross next to the supermarket and Target on the Diet Coke run, lol. 30 min max.

I’ve become sort of devoted to the idea, during the pandemic, of one spectacular spendy piece a year or so for which I try to go all out for fit and so forth. I mean I have a lot of good clothes after so many years, so I won’t be rag tag.

However, I must admit pants are an extreme problem. They always always magically expand one or two sizes - or shrink the same - when I get them home. I’m pretty close to just saying No to pants…

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Shopping is hard work- that’s why there are personal shoppers and stylists being paid!
That said, I think there are ways to make it less painless. I have certain requirements of the companies I shop from, as far as ethical practices and sustainability go, so I keep a list. When I hear about companies I would consider shopping from, I add them to my list. As I need items, I turn to that list and can then either cross them off due to lack of sizing, not liking the styles, etc. I then also make note about companies I have purchased from and the fit, quality, etc. So I have a narrowed down list of places that I know work for me.
I would start with making note of the companies whose clothes and quality have tended to work for you in the past and start your searches there. If you’re looking for a specific item, don’t get distracted by other things. Sometimes just a google search of the general item yields interesting finds when your go-to’s are coming up empty. And, of course- use your resources. By that, I mean YLF. There’s always great input here.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Janet, lol!

Roberta, I, too, like appeasing my inner toddler.

When I “sit down pre-season and figure out what you want/need, and then focus on getting that done” the results are not pretty, or workable. For me, it works far better to pick up whatever appeal to me, check the price & fabric content/comfort level, and then think about whether it fits and how it works with the rest of my wardrobe later. If I already have a similar item at home, it’s very unlikely that I’ll keep the new one. Even if I don’t have a near duplicate, if it’s a category that’s over-represented, I don’t have much of a problem saying no thanks.

Pat_P

I do sit down before each season (for me, fall/winter and spring/summer) and make a list of what I want/need. I think about what I felt was missing from my closet the previous year and what I still want. Sometimes that’s specific (flat white sandals) and sometimes it’s more broad (ie, a really great sweater). I also set my budget for the coming 6 months. Then I start to shop, in store when possible and online when I see a good possibility.

A couple of things have been key for me - first and most important, not buying something unjess I really love it, even if it meets all my requirements. And the other is accepting that shopping online is paying for something in order to try it on. That’s why I’m really trying to order less. But I live in a relatively small town, so most of my shopping options are at least an hour away.

I’m trying something new this year and have booked a shopping appointment at my closest Nordstrom, about 90 minutes away. I’m curious to see how helpful it will be.

Sorry, this was longer than intended. I hope some of it is helpful!

JP

Veteran

I relate to you in aversion to trying things on , small clothing budget, commitment to not having a huge wardrobe, but luckily I have the patience (developed it). I have had to basically start over my entire wardrobe after getting to a certain age for two reasons, gaining weight and lifestyle change.

There are a lot of great strategies suggested already. Here is my shopping strategy:

I always have a list and since I'm a very visual person I like to also have a mood board. Pinterest is great but it's still not focused enough for me. I take a screenshot of the items I own and the missing items I need to purchase and make sure everything works together.

The first thing I did after I had to gradually change my wardrobe, I made a list of all the classic/basic pieces that most of us need based on my color palette (Winter) and body analysis (B0) - so I could purchase the items that are right for me. I like shopping online because of the number of options. I order one piece at a time of the item that I'm shopping for, if it fits & it checks all the boxes I keep it, otherwise return and order the next one (requires patience, lol).
When the basics were covered I started making a mood board for each season based on the trends and colors that I wanted. It's been a little bit of trial and error to find my style again, and what looks good on my new body. I get bored with just classic styles and I can't go all edgy & trendy - so, I'm learning how to add a touch of trendy/edgy so I feel it's appropriate for me and has enough happy factor. (Shoes are great for this)

If I can't find the right color, style, or fit of an item I'm looking for then I put it on my sewing list.

I also make a note of an item that I wished I had when I'm putting together an outfit for a specific look. And, if that item will improve other outfits then it goes on my shopping list.

I used another strategy last spring that I was happy about. I went through Angie's outfit formulas and saved the ones that appealed to me, then I went through my closet and noted which pieces were missing to create each look. I made a spreadsheet with my budget and started shopping. I bought quite a few "new with tags" items on ThredUp and Poshmark. I have never been a thrift store shopper before, but somehow I liked the online experience. This way I can stick to my budget. I also try to buy from stores that I can return the items in store, like Nordstrom/Rack, Mayc's, etc. Amazon Try before you buy is another good option for me.

Irina

Veteran

(Random order)
1. I have a list of things I think I need. Well, I actually “need” very little yet somehow manage to put some of my wants into this category.

I admit, I feel satisfied when I find an item from my list and cross it off.

And every year I promise myself to stay on the list. Sadly, it never happens. But it is important for me to have a wish list which is more like a reminder to be on a lookout for things that are essential to me. Like black pants
2. When I browse sites and see something promising, I put it on my wish list in Pinterest for consideration. If I buy and keep, I move the image to a yearly purchases board.

3. I like to have fun with fashion and about once a month, I go shopping to my favorite stores. Sometimes I come empty handed but I find it’s important for me to see what is out where, try and assess it, look at a store’s inventory. And to have some “me” time.

4. I make myself to do an outfit creation session with a new item, even a short one. It must be done within a return window. It happens that I like a garment in a store but it doesn’t work with clothes I own. I think this is the most important step for me.

5. Also, every time I pay a full price for any garment/shoes/accessories, a little part of me dies. I’m that cheap! Not counting clothes from Winners or gear, I bought 4 pieces of clothes at the full price this year. I think I’m going to cry a little now!

Sal

Veteran

It’s not easy Lisa- especially when you have a real interest in clothes fashion and style! And changes in budgets are hard.

I tend to think at the start of the season what I might need. For the upcoming season this is where I am at. I do know that a casual dress last year got a stain on it so I have a hole there. I also know that I am a bit bored with my sandals. I have also seen blues and greens online that appeal to me. So I have a loose list usually with a few holes and a few ideas. Sometimes I will buy online, and the rest of the time it’s opportunistic.

For gear now I am pretty much one in, one out. I have the right amount of gear and don’t need more.

I do find having a wardrobe list helpful. A list of what I have, what I buy and what I edit out.

I get it wrong sometimes - I have added things that I rarely wear or that I tire of quickly. I suspect almost all of us on the forum do.

I could see one in, one out working for your work clothes.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I was a big online shopper before the pandemic…now I’d say I shop online 99% of the time. Better selection, more colors of certain items, ability to compare prices across different stores, etc. I also spend time searching out online reviews of items I want, and have gotten very good at culling my “list” this way, depending on what I read. I’m a good researcher! In-person shopping/trying on exhausts and overwhelms me the older I get.

Also, I hate the skinny mirrors in dressing rooms and have been fooled too many times into thinking my butt looked good when it actually didn’t…

I don’t really sit down and make a list *before* a season starts. Rather, I assess *after* a season and note what I wish I had, what didn’t work, what needs replacing and keep a list of those items for next year. Sometimes I decide the item is no longer necessary or my taste changes…my list is fluid.

Kathie

Veteran

I keep a list of items that I need in my head, and notice the wardrobe holes, or what is making it hard to pull together and outfit. Those are the items that I'll deal with spending $$$ on a few choices and returning what doesn't work. I find shopping in-person to be overwhelming, but I prefer to try on items in the store, so at this point, I only shop at places that have ship-to-store or at least in-store returns. The Happy Returns service is a close second. With few exceptions (Birks, my wooden clogs) I don't shop on-line at places that require me to box up items and send them back.

DonnaF

Veteran

I recognize that your constraints in Canada are a bit different from mine in the urban U.S.

First, I found that when I have a list, all too often I talk myself into thinking something is a 10 when it really isn’t, just because it feels good to cross something off. A very vague and general idea works better for me.

I hate to try stuff on in stores because it makes me feel pressured and can lead to mistakes. Thus, I rarely shop in bricks’n’mortar stores.

Nearly all my purchases are from Nordstrom.com. No deadline on returns. I have low expectations because almost nothing is in a Petite size. I make all my returns in person and they have a dedicated return place. I can also make returns at Alterations which I will probably do in a few weeks if the pants I ordered fit elsewhere and only need to be shortened.

I check the Nordstrom.com site when I watch the news or otherwise watch tv. I stick stuff that interests me in my Wish List and watch for markdowns. I’ve also been known to purchase price-matched and sale items directly; more recently I’ve bought (gasp!) items at full price if I don’t think they will be marked down. Even after I’ve purchased but not worn something, I watch the price to get a price adjustment or even re-order at the lower price.

I’m pretty good at returning items that I don’t think are 10s on me. No shame. BUT I recently wore a $19 T-shirt that I should have returned as too long because yes, I felt I needed/wanted a simple white T-shirt.

It’s a process. Also, because our tastes/preferences change or evolve, not to mention our bodies, I think shopping smarts can be a moving target.

Anonymous

I can definitely relate- and do lots of the strategies other fabbers are suggesting! Paper lists of what I own/want, Finds, a firm color palette, shopping for my actual needs and climate, etc. And I still make mistakes, shop out of boredem/ depression, and try trends that really don't quite work.

Re: trying things on- I don't buy without trying first, but I am Lazy In winter when I have to wear layers, I'm much more likely to 1. Shop online or 2: Only buy things that don't require stripping- accessories, coats, shoes. In nice weather I buy much more in stores, cause trying on is less of a PITA.

Having a number of items budget this year has helped, as I too try to keep a smallish wardrobe. This year it was 25, which I'm near maxed, but without that number I may have bought many more pieces and been less picky. The $ stays low in that case, cause I have a max what I'll spend per piece. Whether something is on sale or not has minimal influence, as long as the cost is reasonable (aka how many hours of work did this thing cost). I'll probably keep approximately the same guidelines with a bigger budget, as styles/my preferences and body change, and pieces get damaged and wear out whether they cost $5 or $5000!

Peri

Veteran

I dislike shopping so take all this in that context! I wouldn't say I have a strategy but I have the kind of shopping I can tolerate.

I limit my choices to certain retailers I already know I have success with...Athleta and Nordstrom online have kind of been it lately. I used to include Talbots, J Jill and Ann Taylor but it's been a few years since things there interested me. "Leave no retail stone unturned" is great for those who like the hunt but it's too overwhelming for me and I accept that.

I'm so hard to please..really, don't be like me, I'm a PITA for real. The one time I tried a personal shopper I hated everything she showed me and walked out with nothing. I doubt she cried over me never coming back. Even if I was in the PNW I would never inflict myself on Angie, she doesn't deserve such angst. But the one upside to this is that I don't spend much time looking at clothes. If the stores I use don't have what I want I basically give up. Well...you did want a more minimal wardrobe! Giving up is not a trait I'm proud of but endless searching is its own problem.

With this in mind I use Angie's finds and the finds of other members here to sort of shop for me. At least I can skim and see if there's anything I'm interested in exploring further.

If there's something I really need...currently a very light weight jacket...I'll ask the board for suggestions.

Finally, when I do have an item that hits all bases I tend to buy in multiple colors. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm a uniform type dresser and if I like a look, then that's what I wear.

I think you expect more out of style than I do so I'm not saying this will help at all. But this is my (lack of) strategy.

LJP

Veteran

I think I have to reword my question / dilemma . How do you find what you’re looking for ? For example : my jeans quest ( which I’m always on ) . Nothing from the obvious brands fit . Everything is too high waisted or the wrong cut . So do I persevere and start ordering a bunch of stuff to try on ? And spend yet more time on the process ? Or do you/ I just let it go for now and hope things change in a few months ? This is exactly where I start settling for second best and end up with a drawer full of Gap jeans that aren’t quite right but have worn maybe a few times . I’m interested in the process itself - how much time is spent and whether you let it become an obsession . Does that make sense ?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Now I get it. You’re looking for how to do the thing that totally doesn’t work for me. I’ll stick around & see if I learn anything.

Irina

Veteran

That, Lisa, depends on a particular need. For example, I needed to get a second swim suit for the pool swimming and get at least one for a beach. I’m hard to fit for one piece swimsuit due to being short waisted. I ordered probably about 10. I decided to keep 3. If I wasn’t successful, I would’ve kept going since it is a must item. And the fit is important, so I didn’t compromise on it, colors are OK, too but it was not as important.

Last year I ordered probably 8 pairs of white jeans. I should’ve let it go but I got obsessed and bought what was close enough. Paid for alterations. But it was not great. I let it go and just came across a good pair when I wasn’t looking.

LaPed

Veteran

I hear you on lack of time. There were periods in my life when I had "down time" that happened to take place in high density areas where I could just window shop, browse, paw through consignment racks... That's simply no longer the case. And when I do have a free hour, I don't want to spend it shopping or trying on clothes. I've definitely gotten more targeted. I keep a list of high-use items that are wearing out and will need to be replaced soon, and also a list of "wants" -- things that might fill holes, open up new outfit possibilities, maybe increase the versatility of my current wardrobe. I don't really shop in person anymore. I'd say 99% of my purchases are made online, from brands with which I'm already familiar (and the pool keeps shrinking, as quality from a lot of my previous go-to's seems to have dropped over the past couple of years).

If you're not in a "wardrobe building" phase, and it sounds like you're not, I don't think there's any reason to feel like you need to buy five pairs of jeans at a time with the intent of returning at least four. If you see one pair that you absolutely love -- right inseam, right rise, different from your existing options -- bring it home and see if it works. If it's 100% love, keep them, and if anything about them makes you hesitate, send 'em back! Seriously, with a bigger wardrobe and all of your bases more or less covered, you have the privilege of not needing to settle. Or rather, you can "settle" for what you already have, and add/replace when you find just the right thing.

"I have what I need; what do I want?" has become a little bit of a mantra for me. The fashion industry, of course, needs us to to think updated silhouettes/colours/etc are a "need" -- but they're not! So get real about what you actually want. This is Angie's whole "organized emotional" thing, I think. It comes down to getting real about how specific items make you feel -- not the idea of the item, or the category, but the specific thing itself, if that makes sense. I don't know if that counts as a strategy, but it's certainly helped me become more discerning and send things back that I would have kept if I were adhering to more of a checklist/"I need X" mentality.

Oh, I'll also say -- I set up Poshmark and Mercari seller accounts a few years ago, and I've joined a couple of online clothing swaps. Keeping those updated with things I want to get rid of (mostly outgrown kid stuff at this point, but also some of my own things), has significantly cut down on how much time I spend browsing for myself. It takes a little mental manipulation to turn wardrobe maintenance from an additive project into a subtractive one, but it is possible! Clearing out a holding zone is every bit as satisfying clicking the buy button, if not more so.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lisa, to answer this question:

"Do any of you sit down pre-season and figure out what you want/need, and then focus on getting that done?"

Yes, I do. Twice a year.

I set style goals in January, and try to stick to them. I add goals during the year if I need to ......(which happened this year). My shopping list and strategy flows from my goals:

I identify and fill wardrobe holes (I've had some items on my shopping list for 15 years! My list is very fluid).

I decide how I want to evolve my look and set about doing that (this can take years to achieve because of time, resources, and making sustainable choices!)

I identify the trends, and decide which tickle my fancy - if any.

I make a "not allowed to buy" list.

I am patient.

I have a budget and stick to it. For the last 15 years, I've kept a spreadsheet of my purchases and returns so that I know exactly how much I spend, and for how long I've had the item.

I live in a loft with limited storage space so I stick to a medium sized wardrobe. I neither have space for a holding zone, nor to swap out and store off-season items. I therefore have a "one-in-one-out" policy that is pretty strict.

I do 99% of my shopping online these days. It has become the only way I get exactly what I want from the retailers that I like, and for the price that I am willing to pay.

I create a seasonal collection of items in FINDS that I keep tightly on my radar because the items have been very specifically chosen to reflect and honour my style goals. This is the Fall & Winter 2022/23 Collection that I add and subtract from. It works for early Spring too. I've bought some items already:

https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....tion=11690

I'm a big PRODUCT person - (ex specialized fashion buyer, here!) - so I focus on very specific products from retailers as opposed to pinning looks from Pinterest. Hence my collection of PRODUCTS in FINDS. That helps me stay focused and build a look that is about me - and not someone else.

I am not in a rush to shop. I prefer not to be pressurized to shop for anything. I relax into it all and keep it fun! Fashion and style must remain my happy place because I stress a lot about other things. I wait for pricey-to-me items to go on sale. If I loose out - oh well! Not meant to be. Next! There will be something else fab around the corner, or next year, or the year after

I shop early in the season, AND shop off-season.

Unless I'm travelling and purchasing, I MUST try on items at home. See how they look, feel, and go with what I have. I do an outfit creation session with the item to make sure it works. Things have to earn a place in my wardrobe. I like to sleep on it too. I make my best decisions in the morning so I wait to finalize a shopping decision then. If I'm unsure, I ask hubs Greg.

I absolutely make shopping mistakes - especially with shoes - but far fewer than I used to now that I have an organized and focussed yet flexible and emotional plan.

Fit and comfort issues absolutely happen - especially with shoes - but I try to minimize them.

I never shop in August and December. Sometimes I don't shop in June and November either. I sometimes shop in January. My big shopping months are March, July and September. Some seasons are better than others!

Sorry for the novel. I tried to be concise and failed

LJP

Veteran

Irina - your white jeans episode is me to a T . And it’s what I’d like to avoid . Once I’m on a mission I don’t stop , and it ends up not being fun anymore .

Angie - if I do everything at leisure and at my own pace I’ll never get anything done ;). That said , it’s all about keeping perspective , isn’t it ? I’m not going to go undressed without the perfect pair of jeans and I can function quite well without - until I find them . I do lose perspective , and need to be reigned back in at times !

Kate

Veteran

You gave me a lot to think about Lisa. Here goes.

First, I SO sympathize with not wanting to try things on. I don't either because I'm lazy and never liked to do that in store dressing rooms with their dreadful lighting. Yuck!

So, I do shop online 99% of the time. I did a lot anyway before Covid, but Covid really sent me there full-time. I don't spend a lot of time looking, because 1) I have a big closet and lots of clothes and can always find something I like, if not absolutely love, to wear; and 2) I have a decent handle on what I need.

I limit my serious online shopping to three stores, COS, Aritzia and Uniqlo, and I know what categories of clothes I will buy from each. From Uniqlo, I always shop a couple of categories of basics (Uniqlo U tees in both mens and womens lines; ditto merino sweaters; other items from their fall drop by design director Christophe Lemaire and from some the occasional collabs, like last years +J with Jil Sander.)

I know that Aritzia's fit model for coats does emphatically not fit me (sob) while their pants fit model definitely does. I enjoy browsing all three online stores, especially COS, which very much suits my aesthetic, especially in coats, but pretty much everything.

I also love seeing what Angie picks and showcases for us. It's wonderful eye candy, and I'm more than satisfied to have her as a guide. Occasionally, she will post something that is perfect for me (this summer's dark green cropped denim jacket), or a store that I want to investigate. Universal Standard was one. I loved everything about that store, and enjoyed talking with their stylist. After ordering a number of things some years ago, I realized that US and I are not a great fit, fit-wise, but that's okay. I got one fabulous dress and scarf out of it.

I have learned to enjoy the anticipation of having something arrive in the mail, and I adore leaving the stress of in-person shopping behind. No more crowded metros. More time! I can try on the clothes in my home, several times if need be, try them with different items from my wardrobe, and make better decisions than I ever did in a store.

I have learned to order two sizes when I think that would be the best path. I often do that with COS. It cuts down on frustration, and I can file fit info away in my mind for particular item styles. Having a limited range of stores to buy from really helps with this. I have also learned to not let things I have ordered hang around until I have bought them by default. Especially things I've already decided to return. Ouch.

Truly, the only in-person shopping I enjoy is when DH and I travel, and I can explore markets, fairs, small boutiques and chains that are new to me. Plus any COS, anywhere.

I have learned to indulge myself online sometimes, usually around the change in season, put lots of things in shopping carts and go back in two or three days when I can rationally judge whether it's a want or a need. It's easy to see what makes the cut then.

Because I would stock my wardrobe with outerwear—which I don't need but love, and already have a lot—and statement items if I had my druthers, to satisfy that itch, I have a strategy. I will buy one of those items a year, without respect to cost (though I never go too crazy), climate or need. It makes me super happy to think about. Birthdays & Christmas are always clothes gifts, so that's fun too.

I still make mistakes, and I have a lot of unnecessary statement-y clothes from years past that I still love yet wear rarely, but I have learned from it all, and refuse to beat myself up over it. Plus, there is always resale, which I have certainly done over the years.

rachylou

Veteran

Three puff-sleeve pink sweatshirts in, my policy is now to let it go. In a world full of stuff, it’s impossible to find one specific thing. So easy to find something great when it can be anything(!)

Peri

Veteran

Well, to answer your re-wording...very little time and definitely no obsession. If I can't find what I want I'm the wait a few months...or seasons...and see what changes then type. But if anyone has noticed, I don't post pictures anymore either, because I don't think there is anything notable about my "style".

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