I do not believe in going into debt for fashion, or that you have to spend tons of money to have great style. I do believe that looking at price tags before trying something on can cause you to spend more money.
The first thing you do while shopping is look at the price tag. Usually that price tag tells you it is okay to try something on, the item is a great deal, or it will cause you to put the item away wishing you were an instant lottery winner. The last two cause havoc in your closet and will ultimately cause you to spend more money.
The next time you are shopping try on this new mindset about price and you will discover that you make much smarter purchases and wardrobe investments.
· When you come across a great deal, proceed with caution. Don’t let the allure of a deal throw out your good judgment about fit, versatility, and need. If something doesn’t fit or won’t work for your lifestyle, don’t buy it. Practice only spending money on items that suit all of your style needs.
· When something is out of your budget don’t put it back and wait for the depression to set in. Try it on. The more expensive item could be a better investment than the multiple deals you continue to buy. For example, the perfect fitting pants can be hard to find. You go from store to store settling on pants that kind of fit. They allow you to leave the house fully clothed but are not the best fit. You’ve now bought 4 pairs of imperfect black pants and have spent $200. The expensive pair that you would have never tried on are also $200 and fit like a glove. These are the better investment, and you no longer waste time looking for the perfect black pant.
· Until you try something on and determine it is right for your personal style, price doesn’t matter. Decide if an item fits and will work in your wardrobe, then think about whether or not it is worth the price tag. I always recommend clients stay within their budget but remind them to calculate the cost per wear for items they purchase.
· Don’t let discount price tags sidetrack you from your shopping mission. If you are looking for clothing that helps you create a more put together image for an upcoming meeting, a super cute casual dress that is on sale isn’t going to get you to that meeting with professional style.
Learn how to make smart clothing investments the next time you go shopping by signing up for Charleston Style Concierge’s free ezine, Get Great Style.
Imagine waking each morning, walking to your closet, and choosing an outfit that makes you feel great. You put it on, accessorize, and in minutes, you are ready to walk out the door. Imagine you’re running late and have a dinner party to attend in one hour. You walk to your closet, stand in front of it, and quickly choose an outfit. Slip on the dress, slide on your stilettos, and you look like a million bucks.
With a versatile wardrobe, getting dressed can really be this easy.
For those of you who think this is impossible without having a lot of money, let me reassure you, that is not the case.
In fact, creating a versatile wardrobe saves you money, time, and energy. When you have a versatile wardrobe that’s created to fit your lifestyle needs, you immediately eliminate all the headaches of trying to find something to wear.
Having a clear idea of what you have and what you need will prevent you from spending money on items that you’ll never wear or wear only once.
Christian Dior had it right when he said, “It’s not money that makes you well dressed, it’s understanding.”
The key is understanding how to mix and match pieces while creating your own style that fits your lifestyle. Creating a versatile wardrobe takes time and energy. But it’s not as hard as you might think.
In fact, you probably already have a good start with items you already own. Investing time and thought into creating a wardrobe that serves your lifestyle needs will produce results. And fast.
Feeling fabulous shouldn’t be a chore. When you create a versatile wardrobe, you’re investing in yourself, in who you want to be in this world, and how you want people to perceive you. So, have some fun with your clothes and feel great every time you walk out the door.
This is an excerpt from my latest style guide, 5 Steps to a Stress-Free and Versatile Wardrobe. To read more from this great guide sign up for our mailing list at www.charlestonstyleconcierge.com and download 5 Steps to a Stress-Free and Versatile Wardrobe for F*R*E*E.
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