Shop what I buy here
I get questions every so often about how I shop to ensure my closet will stand the test of time. I won’t say I always know all the answers, but I have learned a few things over the course of my time as a blogger and as someone who focuses on timelessness over trendiness. I also have this post in two parts on Tik Tok if you’d prefer to watch over read! Be sure to check out my other Personal Style Diaries blog posts, linked at the bottom of this post!
// Will I like this item and wear it when it is out of style? //
I have a lot of items that are definitely not in style or on trend right now, but I still wear them and like them because they fit my personal style. Finding items that fit your personal style, regardless of if they are “in” or not, is key to finding a timeless style that you will be able to wear for decades. Ask yourself if you will only wear it right now when it’s on trend, or if you truly see yourself wearing it when it’s considered out of style (looking at you Ugg boots that go in and out of style)
// What style descriptors does it fit? If it doesn’t fit into my own style descriptors, what purpose does it serve? //
For me, style descriptors I look for are classic, mod, Parisian, grand millennial, and preppy. If an item doesn’t fit into those categories, I have to ask myself what the point of me buying it actually is. Is it to look cool? Is it to post on my Instagram? Is it to change up my style? Or is it a piece that could actually compliment my other style descriptors?
Find your own style descriptors and categorize items before buying if they actually fit those descriptors. This can help with impulse buying and buying just because something is popular right now.
// Is this something I’ve bought before but never worn? //
This can help with waste and overconsumption. Do I already have something similar to this, say a pair of corduroy pants? Do I actually wear these corduroy pants? If yes, then consider why you need another pair (different color, different fit etc.) If you don’t wear corduroy pants, why are you buying another pair? Does this pair fit better than the one you have at home? These questions can help you think more critically before buying clothes. If you realize you would actually wear the newer item more than the item you already have, then consider selling the item at home to streamline your collection.
// Am I getting this just to post it on Instagram? Or will I actually wear this? //
For the bloggers and influencers- are you just getting this to post on Instagram? This is a hard one, especially if you make money on social media. Buying an item just to post is deceitful to your followers and also wasteful. Many influencers, not shockingly, buy a bunch of clothes, post about them, and then return them. So they make it seem like they are obsessed with these items, but then they never even take the price tag off. If you are buying something just to make an instagram post, then you most likely will never wear the item in your day to day life. Just avoid it or rent the item instead.
// Am I buying this because everyone else is or do I truly want it? //
Such an important question. When we are focusing on trends, we often buy because other people are wearing it, and not necessarily because we like it. This is why we often look back on photos from 5 to 10 years ago and cringe at what we are wearing. Of course that is completely normal, but you can lessen that cringe by focusing on your personal style over trends. I am a huge advocate for wearing what you want when you want, and not just because every other person has it.
// How often can I wear this? If it’s for a special occasion, how special is the occasion? //
So if you can wear this often (say a blazer or a pair of jeans) then great, go ahead and buy it. However, if this is for a special occasion, such as a date, wedding, ceremony, etc., let’s dive deeper into if we actually need this or not. How special is the occasion to warrant buying a new outfit? Of course there are special occasions that need a new dress, but you don’t need a new wedding guest dress every wedding you go to or every concert/party you attend. Narrow down to about 5 special occasion dresses that satisfy different events and fit with your personal style, and then rent dresses if you want something new. Of course this is easier said than done, I don’t even want to show you the dresses in my closet right now. But if I look and see what special occasion dresses I have, the majority could be worn for several years and fit my style for years to come.
// Is it comfortable? //
This might not always be on the front of your mind, but if you buy something that is uncomfortable, you most likely won’t wear it or feel confident while wearing it. Return something if you feel like it’s going to bother you while wearing it.
// Will I have to tailor this? //
I’m shorter than most dresses that come in -5’3, and I rarely ever go to the tailor because I hate doing it. If you buy something that is not your size or too long or short, ask yourself if you will actually invest the time and money to get it altered. I have had to learn this lesson this year, as I buy things with the intention of altering it or getting it hemmed, but the items just sit in a pile in my trunk. Not good!
// Is this a need or want? //
By now no clothes are really a need for me, but I do try to prioritize needs over wants. Maybe I need a new pair of jeans that fits a certain silhouette I’m looking for, or maybe I need a refreshed white button up or a new blazer for a new job. I prioritize these over items I want. Purchase the needs (such as items you think would fit your closet and fulfill various outfits) over wants (a new Hill House dress or some fun party shoes on sale).
Check out these posts below for more personal style inspiration!
Investment Pieces for a Timeless Wardrobe
How to Dress Like a French Girl
Tips to Find Your Own Personal Style That Goes Beyond Trends
xoxo,
Madison
