Too afraid to buy anything? - YouLookFab Forum

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Too afraid to buy anything?

Alexis

I think this is more of a psychological issue rather than a clothing issue, haha.

I am seriously in need of new clothes since I've got like fewer than twenty items that I can wear. But... when I went to H&M and Uniqlo today, I didn't buy anything at the end. I even had a shopping list at hand. But I was so afraid of making any wrong purchases that would waste $ that I didn't buy a thing. Even cheap accessories.

As a college student, I'm low on cash, but still am able to afford a few new clothes to revamp my wardrobe. Perhaps I'm too stringy? In fact I've already done a lot of research, but I'm still a noob when it comes to hands-on shopping experience.

I wonder how I can overcome this problem...

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Goldie

Alexis

btw, after some contemplation, I found out that most of the time I bought clothing items because - well, it's on sale. Of course, it looks good on me, but I doubt if I would buy it if it's sold at full price.

BlondeAmbition

I find shopping to be daunting too. Many times I'll try things on that I think may look good on me but won't buy them because I'm too scared that they'll look terrible. Here's some tips on how I shop nowadays.

Enlist the help of your most fashionable friend - someone who's style you admire or trust. Sometimes all you need is someone to help calm that negative little voice inside you and go ahead and buy something you like. If a friend can't come with you then buy the clothes anyway and then show them to her and other people once you get home. You can always return them if they don't work out.

Or do what my friends and I are doing lately: Text pictures of yourself in the dressing room and get an instant response from your friends. Sometimes I'll even do that at home when I'm putting together an outfit like "Hey Cindy, what do you think of this outfit for my doubledate downtown tonight?"

Louise

Veteran

Do you know your bodyshape? I found I was buying things not suitable for my shape. If it helps yu can post a piccie on the forum of yourself in form fitting clothes and the gals can identify it for you.

Buy from shops where they accept returns. If you feel up to it post piccies of you wearing them here and then you can get feedback. Worst comes to worst you can then return them x

Alexis

Thanks guys!

Unfortunately stores in HK often don't have a return policy. H&M and ZARA are some of the few that do.

I just found out another reason that I found shopping daunting: I don't where to start. Especially when it comes to tops. Sure, I've already read many "fashion essentials for college girls" articles, and they are helpful in some ways. But at the same time these lists are restrictive. I am GUILTY if I buy something outside of the list. Incredible, but true.

I think I'm still not very good at mixing and matching those essentials. But at the same time I don't have many tops (I think 6-7, and some of them I don't wear them regularly. (!)).

Sorry for my ramblings, but I hope you understand my dilemma. I want to get more bang for my bucks from my wardrobe, and be stylish all at the same time.

Louise

Veteran

That's why I've grown to hate lists. I remember readiing a teen mag (many years ago now!!!) which said every girl needed a shift dress. I dutifully spent a month's pocket money on one and never wore it!!! So throw out those lists. There's a post somehwere (I'll have a look now) about the minimum pieces for a wardrobe x

Louise

Veteran

Found it http://youlookfab.com/2008/02/.....ssentials/
Angie doesn't do rules (other than PPL) so these are more guidlines to be adapted to fit your lifestyle x

Louise

Veteran

Click on the pink words to be taken to an explaination. Also at the bottom of each post are related posts which can lead to other interesting tit bits of info.

Alexis

Thanks Louise! That's really helpful.

I wonder how many and what kind of tops do I need? I know it depends on my lifestyle. I got some solid T's that I hope can layer with other items. But the problem is... I don't have proper items to layer with them. hahaha.

Also, many people have said that whenever you want to buy a new item, you should think of two to three items in your current wardrobe that can mix and match with. What do you think of this?

Alexis

Louise

Veteran

How many tops is really an individual thing some of us have loads others not so many. I very often buy things just because I love them not with any specifics in mind. You could perhaps do with looking for some tops other than basic T's they are great layered but not good worn on thier own. I'm going to dig out the mom on the go formulas for you. They work great for anyone with a smart casual lifestyle and are perfect for students too x

Louise

Veteran

I was reading an Angie post the other day and she's gone off the idea of it having to match with 5 items I'll try and find that too x

Louise

Veteran

Here we go I found what I was looking for http://youlookfab.com/2010/07/.....rsatility/

Autumn http://youlookfab.com/2009/10/.....on-the-go/

Spring http://youlookfab.com/2010/04/.....-outfit-4/ use the related posts feature at the bottom of the post to explore other posts x

Alexis

Thanks Louise! You're really nice! xo

I'd be more than happy if anyone else would pitch in too (:

Thanks again Louise! You've inspired me a lot

Louise

Veteran

Oooo I found something else which may help http://youlookfab.com/2010/03/.....mmer-2010/ It says must have's but again it's more a guideline of suggestions of things in fashion. I've done spring 2010 as I'm guessing in HK you're just coming out of winter and I think like Aus you're in the season behind us's trends If I've totally got my geography wrong!!! Here's the autumn one http://youlookfab.com/2010/07/.....-for-2010/

Alexis

Haha Louise, HK is in the northern hemisphere. We are stepping into fall, just like you Americans.

Louise

Veteran

Ooops. I should have paid attention in geography!!!!! x

Alexis

Oh, I just found out that you're British. Sorry. My relatives live in Birmingham too!

Seems like we came to a tie where each of us made a mistake. lol

FiestyWife

I agree with everything Louise said! You need to figure out what your lifestyle is and go from there. The MOTG (mom on the go) outfit ideas are really great jumping off points for ANYBODY not just MOTG. I would print out those outfir ideas, go back to your wardrobe & see what you have that works with the outfits you like and then make a list of what pieces you needs to complete a few outfits. After you've got some basics to work with you can continue to purchase items that change up a current outfit or create a whole new one. I'm slowly working through the same fear. Every penny counts when your a MOTG! Good luck and this is the right place for shopping help!

Kim

Veteran

Can you post pics? If you'd post some of you in your favorite tops we could give you some ideas to go along with it.

It's essential that you figure out your lifestyle and then you'll shop more effectively. I hate wasting money too, so this was a great revelation for me as well!

So, you are a college student, so you go to class, and you probably work. What kind of clothing do you need for this? Do you walk alot? (High heels would then probably be low on your list, more for going out on a special night, so you might only need one really great pair!)

Do you have a little black dress? I just bought my real first one (and I'm 48) and I can't believe how versatile it is! It's sleeveless and a heavy knit for the fall, so very comfy. I can wear it with a jean jacket an black tights boots (of almost any height, ankle, calf or knee high) for a casual vibe. Hose and strappy shoes with a pashmina for a more upscale look or even with leggings and boots! I can wear a shirt over the top with a belt so the bottom looks more like a black skirt, and I can wear it with a blazer or a leather coat...Cardigan or a scarf would be another look for this dress.

What kind of vibe to you want to present to the world? I prefer a very casual vibe so that's mostly what I shop for. That means jeans as my bottom most of the time, (skinnies, bootcut and flare, along with boyfriend and white jeans) are in my closet, and a couple of pairs of black leggings (ankle length and knee length)

I'm trying to stick to a color palette that's versatile and works for me, so black white and red are my first choices, and then I add in other colors as the mood strikes me. (Black and white are really my base though).

There's lots to think about but if you consider your lifestyle and ask yourself "What will I wear this wiith? (Including your footwear and purse) and if it works with a couple of outfits I'd say you'll probably get lots of wear out of it.

And if not you can sell it on Ebay! LOL

Goldie

I know the feeling, and as I've gotten more picky about what I buy, I find that I go shopping more often, but many of my shopping trips end empty-handed as well.

One piece of advice that I've read is to choose a set of colors and stick to it strictly until you have a functioning wardrobe. You can figure out what colors you like/flatter you/play nicely together (a few neutrals and 2ish others?) at home without the pressure of shopping, and then stick to that when you go to the stores -- you can instantly eliminate much of the stuff based simply on color, and you can feel more secure that what you buy will look great with what you already have.

Good luck!