How do you shop?

[Luckyelephant1]

I'm curious to know how you guys shop for clothes. At the moment I'm in despair at my wardrobe. I have far too many bright colours most of which I don't even like and lots of stuff that doesn't go. I've never really bought quality clothes, most stuff is in the sale and usually doesn't wash very well. I've tried to break out of that habit but it's really hard when I've always been used to shopping on a budget, eg my thoughts are why would I spend 50 on a plain jumper when I can get 2-3 for that price in a cheaper shop or a sale? But then I end up hating most of it and wearing the same 3 jumpers and 2 pairs of jeans or leggings over and over again and I feel like such a dud.

Basically I'm looking to create a new capsule wardrobe with some decent basics. Obv at the moment everything has to be done online and even when shops open most won't have changing rooms open so it makes things harder, I hate the slog of returning things.

So I guess my question is... How do you clothes shop? What stops you from buying crap and do you always buy things knowing they will match what you may already have? How do you create layers and style, any top tips or secrets?

I wouldn't say I have a capsule wardrobe, but its quite pared down compared to a lot of my friends! I'm very ruthless about shapes and colours that suit me, I'll never buy something because 'that'll do' or because its in the sale, I'll buy things because I love the colour and the cut and because its well made. If I was you I think I'd set a day aside to pull everything out of your wardrobe and try it all on. Does it still fit you for the shape you are now? Is it starting to look tatty and worn? Is it flattering? Do you like wearing it? Does it feel nice on your skin? Do you have three exactly the same? Do you never wear it because its a pain to iron? Be ruthless! You want to be left with things you really like, even if that's not very much. If you put a load of washing through your washing machine once a week then really 7 jumpers is enough!
In answer to your question personally I rarely buy things thinking 'oh that will match with that', but because I'm quite strict about only buying things I love and things in cuts and colours that suit me most of my clothes seem to go together. It means I have lots of shopping trips where I don't really buy much! But I prefer it that way, I'm never overwhelmed by what's in my wardrobe or buy things that I never wear. By paring everything back its easier to see what you already have and buy things to fill the gaps. If you're at a loss as to what suits you there's lots of resources online about what colours suits particular skin tones, and what cuts to go for to suit your shape and I think if you can arm yourself with some of that information that will help you to feel a bit more empowered and stop you buying things that you never really wear. But if you clear out your wardrobe first then you can look at what is left and see if there is a common thread. What is your favourite item of clothing (now or from the past) that made you feel great? What is it you liked about it?

I agree, its really hard at the moment, everything is online and to be honest (understandably as we're still in a pandemic) things that are available to buy just don't seem to be that great this year. But there's no rush! Buy things you love as and when you find them, even if its just a beautifully soft t-shirt that fits just so. And if you experiment with online shopping you'll find some companies make it much less painful than others! Read online reviews before you take the plunge. It might be useful to think about clothes in terms of 'cost per wear' as well, I have some lovely jumpers that I still wear regularly which are about 8 years old now. They weren't cheap at the time but it was so long ago I've forgotten how much they cost and I still love them.

Just to add to the above, which is excellent advice, expensive doesn't always equal better in terms of quality or cut. The high street is a real mixed bag - I've had some lovely things which lasted years and were not expensive at all and other, pricier items which aged very badly.
I think you do need to go through all your existing clothes and be ruthless in getting rid of anything that doesn't fit or is looking raggedy. Also look at places like Pinterest to get an idea of looks you like and things which go together.

I shop online, mainly from Next, and buy anything that I don't hate and that has the remotest chance of fitting me - but I'm 6'2, and pickings are sadly still very slim for women like me. My 'capsule wardrobe' is jeans and tops. That's about it really.

Buy better quality/upmarket versions of what you wear the most or feel most comfortable in.

So you mentioned you wear jeans and jumpers. Try some better quality jeans and jumpers. Work out which colours you don't like and why from your existing collection. Work out which colours you do like and why from your existing collection.

If you wear trainers, get some which have a bit of detail on or are not "just" sports trainers. eg Ted Baker, Carvela etc. If you wear boots, invest in some real leather or suede and in your most comfortable colour. ie Black, tan, grey for everyday pull it on wear, and maybe a pair in something a bit more special (studded, embellished, buckled) as well.

Don't buy cheap. It sounds attractive initially but as you've said, they don't wash well or wear well. They really are designed for one or two wears (sadly). There's no need to go all cashmere though, but try and stick to cotton or viscose instead of acrylic and polyester. Especially avoid acrylic. They go bobbly and they are scratchy and sweaty.

I recommend starting with a central piece and then building up around that. So start with for example a midi skirt, straight leg jeans or a suit, and work around that,n adding tops, jackets, ankle boots, etc.

I always buy quality and I make sure the fit/colour suits my style/bodyshape/colouring. And I look after my things. Some of my clothes / shoes / bags etc were bought over 20 years ago and still look good. I often buy pieces that have a twist to them and mix these with something more classic so my overall outfit looks stylish but has something a little bit different about it. This is often commented on by female colleagues, and more recently by male friends.

I'm lucky that where I live is walking distance to quite a lot of samples sales held by designers so I often pick up clothes or accessories that are unique for not much money. But they have to meet the cardinal rule of being well made and good quality. I never buy tat - or anything with logos on it. I've done this for many years so have a pretty impressive collection these days, ranging from a beige Gucci leather blazer that I bought 20 years ago for 10% of its original price to a Christopher Kane navy blue satin long evening coat that I bought recently at his sample sale for peanuts (and I will wear it forever as it's stunning and won't date).

I basically try to shop smart. But living in London makes it a lot easier!

I definitely do not have a capsule wardrobe, but I am a canny shopper. I never buy anything I don’t love more than what I am wearing at the time, and I know what does and doesn’t suit me.

For me, I like high waists on bottoms, and shorter, fitted tops - anything that comes lower down makes me look massively hippy. (I’m 5ft 6, and a very pear shaped size 10, for reference.) My friend is the opposite, she has a bigger tummy but lovely slim bum/hips/legs and likes looser, longer tops. So I think knowing your shape is really helpful.

Because I am hippy I spend more on bottoms than tops - I like Cos, Whistles, and Levi’s. At this time of year I wear a lot of knitwear, Some of it is years old, because I have bought decent fabric, looked after it, and store it away in warmer weather. I am a big fan of a plain grey crew-neck jumper, for example! Things like t-shirts I will happily pick up cheaply from H&M or Zara though. A lot of my wardrobe is essentially the same thing, but different - cropped wide leg trousers, barrel leg jeans, midi dresses with a fitted top half, crew neck jumpers, v neck cardis, leather mini-ish skirts (worn with 100 denier opaque tights).

Agree with pp about buying “good” shoes/bags etc - but for me I am talking Jigsaw leather bags, not designer! I buy quite a lot on depop from brands I know will fit well. I can’t be arsed with eBay but I think there are plenty of bargains there if you can.

I can’t really say I have a capsule wardrobe as compared to some people I have loads of clothes but some of which I have had for years
Firstly work out what colours suit you and are quite versatile eg for me I buy trousers in grey navy and black, jeans in black and dark indigo
Then what shape suits - for me it’s skinnies or tight cropped or cigarette pants
I tend to wear quite plain knitwear or maybe with a stripe so again I’m quite booby so better suit cowl neck, v neck, low round or slash neck - again I choose by colour (cold for me) I only wear natural materials so cotton, silk, wool, linen or a combination of these
I find narrowing my choices makes shopping easier and stops impulse buys
I probably have 50+ jumpers but have only bought 3-4 this year - some are years old
I then find I can mix and match more easily

Unlike previous posters, I am top heavy... so I spend more on flattering tops and bras, because I can wear jeans from most places. I live my life in jeans (shorts in summer heat) and in very simple mostly V necked/open neck tops. I swear by the rule of black, white, khaki and denim, so everything goes together, but add colours via accessories. For me, those are turquoise and coral/orange/red. I don't buy other colours, and now I don't even look at them. But beyond that, I break my own rules. I discovered that acid yellow is good on on me, when tanned, and it goes with all the neutral stuff. I look ill in pale pastels unless very deeply tanned and I try to avoid too much sun now. I don't have a capsule wardrobe, but I wear most of my clothes for many years. I've been flamed here for suggesting that it's a good idea to stay one size if at all possible, but it means you can recycle your clothes for a long circle. AND, don't be afraid to buy the best accessories you can afford. You will never be too stiff or large for a scarf or a bag that revs up basics.

I think you can get good quality things in sales, I don't think that's your problem. It's ok to shop to a budget. I'd say maybe instead you need to make better decisions about whether you like something or should return it at the start. This would mean being clear with yourself about fabric, cut, colour and wearability. The final point is does the item serve a purpose amongst your wardrobe, I.e. is it needed or do you already have this item.

For example, I know there are about 3 fabrics I like to wear, 1 cut for trousers, 1 cut for dresses and 1 for skirts. With tops I'm a little more varied re the cut but in particular about necklines and sleeve lengths and shoulder seams - dropped shoulder seams drive me mad. I love a broad range of shoes but i will only really wear flats. I can go pretty off piste with colours, adsene this is where I make mistakes, but then I just tend thi wear those things at home, so I can still enjoy them.

With this it's mind, I got a great cardigan in a sale from Arket. It fits my criteria, is great quality, and wallet friendly! Its possible.