Having been out of full-time work for a long time, I've only shopped (as in, purchased something and brought it home), maybe five times a year. The clothes I had were fine for working at home, and I had a couple of things I could put together if I needed to dress up.
Last May, I took a job at a Loft Outlet to supplement my freelance editing work, and with a generous discount, I was bringing things home every week! All of a sudden, all of those "make do" clothes looked old and tired. I was able to add a lot of blazers and blouses to my closet, which I had none of, and now that I started a full-time temp job last week, those pieces are all being put to great use.
I have a list that I use out of a fashion workbook I bought years ago, that lists clothing categories by "what I have" and "what I need." I don't usually fill out the "have" side (unless I have an orphan), but I'll fill in the "need" categories if I want a certain color item (white T-shirts) or kind of item (dress pants). I edit the list twice a year, when I rotate my fall/winter and spring/summer wardrobes. If I see something that I need to replace, or something I need to complete an outfit, on the list it goes.
When I get to a store, I try to focus in on searching for those specific items most needed on my list. Now, if I find something I fall in love with (and I know it goes with at least one or two items I already own), I'll buy it then and there because I know I won't see it again. And there is a little boutique I love to visit a couple of times a year where I treat myself to an accessory even if I don't need it. But I found that keeping this list helps me to stop buying the same things over again (tops, black shoes!), and get things I really need (pants, pants, pants).
It makes me feel so good when I find things on this list; last month I found two A-line black skirts that I needed to go with most every blouse or sweater in my closet. It makes dressing so much more fun and less stressful when I have the piece I need when I need it!
