How to Successfully Shop for New Clothes
As we enter a new season, it’s an exciting time to start thinking about renovating our wardrobes or shopping for new ones altogether. While we personally think shopping for new clothes is so much fun and one of the most exciting aspects of being a fashionista, it’s not always the same for everyone. Many people struggle when it comes to shopping for plus size clothing or finding clothes that fit them properly or match their style.
Due to vanity sizing, shopping for clothes can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Vanity sizing is the practice of labeling larger sizes as smaller than they actually are. This practice makes clothing sizes extremely inconsistent, which makes it harder for consumers to find clothing that fits them. Not only that, but vanity sizing has made the shopping experience one that is filled with anxiety, negative self-esteem and confusion.
For example, an actual size 18 may be labeled as a size 12 in one store, a size 18 in another and a size 16 in a different store. The inconsistency is not only frustrating, but it can also prevent a lot of people from being able to shop at certain stores. Because shopping isn’t always fun or an easy process for everyone, we created this guide that will help walk you through the many steps of shopping for and finding the perfect wardrobe for you.
Where to Shop
There are more places to shop for clothes than ever before, but here are some of our favorite places to find stylish and unique pieces!
- Online stores
- Thrift stores
- The mall
- Department stores
- Brick and mortar shops
- Second-hand stores
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Get Organized
Follow these tips to empower yourself as you shop for new clothes, a new outfit or an entirely new wardrobe:
- Take Inventory of the Staples You Already Have
Before you shop for an entirely new wardrobe, you should go through your closet and identify the staples you already have. Take note of these basics and staples so that you can reference the information as you begin to shop. Knowing the foundational pieces you have in your closet will prevent you from investing in duplicates, and it will also allow you to see the kinds of outfits you can create with the new pieces you want to buy.
- Make Room for Your New Clothes
As you prepare to refresh your wardrobe, it’s a good idea to donate any clothing that you don’t plan on wearing. This will make room for the new pieces and allow you to easily identify potential outfits you can create.
- Write Down a List of Clothes You Need
As you take inventory of your closet and donate old clothing, you will probably start to realize the pieces of clothing and trends you need to replenish your closet with. For example, if you want to wear more plus size maxi dresses as opposed to the mini dresses you just donated, it’s smart to acknowledge that. Take notes about which clothing you want to invest in when you are shopping so that you can make sure you end up with a well-rounded wardrobe.
- Create a Mood Board
While you have identified the clothes that you absolutely need, what do the clothes that you want look like? It can be insightful to create a mood board on Pinterest with outfit inspirations that can help guide you when you’re shopping. Mood boarding is a great way to take your style to the next level and find inspiration.
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- Set a Budget and Stick to It
Whether you are shopping for vacation outfits or you need cute back-to-school looks, it can be important to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Shopping for new clothing can get expensive but, by creating a realistic budget before you shop, you can save yourself a lot of money and time. When you create your budget, make sure it’s realistic and builds in some room for flexibility. You may find pieces that you love are out of your price range. However, if you have some room in your budget or you can identify areas where you can cut back, you may be able to invest in some of those special pieces.
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- Make a List of Your Favorite Stores
Before you travel to the mall or sit down in front of your computer to shop, making a list of brands and stores you want to visit will help structure and guide your day of shopping. As you make your list, note whether these brands have a physical location you can shop at or if you have to shop online. When shopping in-store, it could be helpful to call the store before you go to ensure they carry your size. With the dramatic changes happening in retail, a lot of stores are shifting their in-store sizing to be either less inclusive or more inclusive. You may be surprised at what you find.
- Hit the Stores and Stay Open-Minded
Whether you love shopping or not, it’s important to stay open-minded when searching for your new wardrobe. Of course, you want to make sure you purchase clothes that you will actually wear, but don’t count out styles and trends that may be outside of your comfort zone. For example, if you’re shopping for plus size swimwear and you usually love one-pieces but want to try a bikini, we encourage you to take the risk! When you take style risks like this, you have the chance to boost your confidence and evolve your style.
We hope you have the best time shopping for your new wardrobe. After implementing these steps in your shopping process, you should be feeling more optimistic and excited to shop for new styles. We believe that confidence is the best outfit you could wear. So, whether you’re trying a new trend or dressing up for an important occasion, style clothing that you feel your absolute best in.
