How easy do you find clothes/shoe/accessories shopping?

[VerityPJohnson]

I feel like some people on here have to literally sit on their hands not to spend money, finding plenty to buy that they are happy with and having lots on their wish list, whereas others seem to struggle to find anything they like and would be horrified if their whole wardrobe went up in smoke.

What’s the difference? Better figures (not necessarily slim, maybe just more in proportion or perhaps long legs relative to height)? More imagination? Not so fussy, eg with fabrics? More money? Innate style and ability to put outfits together? Ability to interpret online product images better? More interest in fashion? More confidence? Feeling the cold less? Time? Access to shops? Instagram?

Which group are you in? Despite spending an inordinate amount of time buying things and thinking about outfits, I find it hard work and not easy to find things I love, though I get there in the end. Shoes are a particular nightmare, the idea of women loving shoe shopping is alien to me. I feel like I have a host of tricky body issues but doesn’t everyone so what is the difference?

I have no problem adding things to my wishlist. I think it's partly as I firmly know my style. I know exactly what I like and what I don't and the brands that fit my fashion sense well. I prefer natural fabrics like silk, leather and cashmere so I don't buy new clothes often, any purchases are well thought out. I'm mid thirties now so I know my style, I know what suits me and I dress to please myself rather than thers so maybe confidence is part of it? Life is too short not to wear whatever makes you happy.

I love clothes and shopping but I don't like e.g. trouser shopping as I have a long body and long legs (sounds strange but true) yet I'm just 5 ft 4. Also hate swimsuit shopping too.

I agree with @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie and @PureBlackVoid - the quality of clothes is appalling these days - nothing or not much is fitted/semi fitted but I still do find clothes to buy and wear. My SIL's favourite shops (Arket and Cos) - I've tried to like Arket but though I've bought a dress and top from there I don't love their clothes! Cos the same - bought a pleated skirt which was meant to be for SIL birthday but it was huge and it didn't look worth the money.

Good question! I love clothes and always have done. I know what suits me and I have my own idea on style. I'm now in my early 50s and have gained some pandemic / permenopause weight which upsets me (but evidently not enough to make me stop eating / drinking wine!)

So I have not bought a lot of clothes in the past while.

I mainly buy online these days and I can spend ages researching the right thing. I have certain shops I like and I trust their sizing

I like buying boots / shoes / trainers

I shop in a very small market town which is fortunate to have several clothes shops, including three excellent (but very different) independent boutiques, with a (demographic) nod to slightly older women. But buying shoes this year is proving a challenge. In our local city's biggest department store, there were white trainers and more white trainers but not a lot of surprises. I recognise that white trainers are useful and versatile, but I wanted to be delighted by the recognition of something unexpectedly perfect.

@Aspergirl77

I’m autistic. Clothes and shoe shopping is s nightmare and extremely stressful - the fit has to be right, the material/fabric just so (is it soft enough/feel non restrictive), are the seams ok - I have an extensive checklist to go through for every item to decided if it is ‘right’. Even once I’ve decided the item id on according to my checks I’ll agonise over whether I should buy it or not. I gave up clothes shopping with anyone other than my husband as he’s the only one who understands and can tolerate my process.

You sound like my Tween DD who is autistic too, shopping is very hard for her she gets an idea of what she wants but nothing ever quite fits it. It's especially hard as she will often want to dress like her friends but can't find the exact same that they have.

I love clothes they are a form of expression for me and a good outfit brings me happiness. My DM was very into clothes when she was younger not so much more as she's not happy with her figure.

I am fairly good with putting colours together.

Shoes are my nemesis as I'm flat footed and a weird size.

I have had one of the style consultations so at least I know what to look for but really high street shopping doesn't always help.

Also since volunteering at a clothing charity where I might sort 1000-1500 donated items in a session, including quite a few fit for the rag merchant, I'm really put off cheap throwaway, faddy clothes. Humans need clothes but I'm not sure the fashion industry is delivering the right kind of thing in the right way.