Everyone knows it, that blouse that you bought on a whim and thought it was absolutely crazy, but now hangs in the back of your closet with the tag still attached. Something we are not necessarily proud of and we would therefore prefer to prevent this problem.
These are all participating brands in the ELLE Smart Shopping Day
ELLE Smart Shopping Day has started again! But before you go shopping, it is extra useful to keep a small step-by-step plan and look more specifically for those cool jeans, handsome jackets and chunky boots that you want in your (digital) shopping cart and ultimately in your closet. We share it here 7 golden tips on how to prevent these items from becoming a bad purchase, you’re welcome.
Find your ultimate wardrobe in 7 steps and avoid a bad purchase
-
Rethink! Start with your closet before you go shopping. Reconsider, be aware of what you have and most importantly, wear! To see what you still want/miss. If you would like to check how you go about deliberating your wardrobe, we have previously shared the Re-think step-by-step plan here. - Choose a number. Choose a capsule wardrobe or a wardrobe with capsules. This means that you set a limit on the items that you put together in your summer and winter wardrobe. That work well together. That gives a clear image in your closet. And therefore a better picture of what you still want/miss.
- Material research. One material is not the same as the other. There are so many new developments in the field of sustainable textiles. Invest some time in a materials research. Once you know some materials that you like and are responsible for, you can make your search much more targeted. For example, through a filter, but also through something more sustainable brandsstores or websites.
- Look critically at color. Choosing a color for pants is different from choosing a shirt. The color you wear on your face can have a great effect on your skin and appearance. You can quickly see if a color suits you by holding it next to your face in a well-lit mirror. Then compare 2 colors from a different spectrum. For example, a shade of red and a shade of blue.
- Price tags. Don’t just consider the price on the card, but also the ‘price-per-wear’. This depends on how often the piece can be combined, but also in the quality and design whether it is timeless to a greater extent. So something that may be expensive to purchase can later turn out to be much more beneficial for your wallet, but also certainly for limiting costs fast fashion.
- Fitting and measuring is mandatory. In the stone shop you can try on any item of clothing you are considering buying and did not have before. In a webshop you check the size chart and see carefully what figure and size the model has. Have you (recently) taken your measurements? NO, don’t estimate. Measuring is knowing.
- Self-care. Let’s end with the view that a successful, sustainable, happy shopping experience is also about self-care. Therefore, be patient, embrace your uncertainties and search with an optimistic feeling. (no, so never shop out of frustration!) Because one smart shopper is a happy shopper!
Let’s not forget that you can also prevent a bad purchase by not making a purchase. Think again carefully before you visit that webshop or stand in front of that store again. Do you ever have your items repaired? If not, find a good tailor or teach yourself. Can’t you give your clothes a second life if you’re really tired of them? On the website of Wear for Life you will find all kinds of tips to use your wardrobe more sustainably.
