How do you shop for clothes?

[40notTrendy]

Do you save up and buy 2 or 3 outfits in one go?
Or do you buy bits when you see them?

I find clothes shopping quite hard and normally have to love something in order to part with my cash, so I generally buy one thing at once. I have bought some great things this way, that have got lots of compliments.

However, last year I realised that half the clothes in my wardrobe were unwearable - too tatty, out of style, tops that had shrunk and didn't cover my muffin top - so I set out for some serious shopping, not money wise but in terms of wearability. So I did buy a couple of things I loved but then also got some plainer staples that would go with what I'd just bought, and even if I didn't buy them the same day I took the items I'd bought along with me next time. This was a big success and I got a few things I wouldn't have looked at normally, but complemented my favourite things.

So I can now put my hand in my wardrobe and pull out things I actually want to wear .

Alone and with at least an hour when I know I won't be interrupted.

randomly, usually individual bits, usually on line.

my mum used to take me shopping 2 or 3 times a year and buy me mix and match outfits. I'm just wondering whether this is a sensible idea because like you StopRainingPlease, I buy things one at a time. I think it's because 10/20/30 quid here and there doesn't seem much, so when I see a great dress/coat or top that is 50 quid+ I shudder at parting with that amount. But if I counted up how much I've spent on the 10/20/30 quid stuff I could have got myself a couple of decent outfits.

My shopping habits vary quite a lot.

Sometimes I go to a decent local shopping centre and find several different items that fit me, look great etc. (usually when I am short of money!)

I have less luck if I go out specifically looking for something.

Usually in the back of my mind I sort of know what I need to replace/stock up on.

For example I needed a top for going out in rather than a plain-ish t-shirt. Was vaguely looking on line and found a fab one. :)

If I see say jeans or black trousers in a sale (items I wear a lot) then I would buy them if the fit is right. Sometimes they would be put away for a few months until I actually need them.