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It has recently come to my attention, that I do not know how to shop!! After realising that I spend a ridiculous amount of money on clothes each week/month...why is it that I still have nothing to wear?
After some consideration I have come to the conclusion I am somewhat of an impulse buyer. More often than not I will buy something on the spot as I see it for a certain event/social activity I have on that day or week. I never seem to buy for no reason, just because I like what I see and want to update my wardrobe. I dont know how!!! I dont know where to begin.

So im hoping that someone can shed some light on this issue. Any tips on what to look out for, whats good for basics, how to peice things together (in a way I can actually wear something for a second time and not put it to the back of my wardrobe after one use!)

Any advice would be most appreciated :)

I think the trick is to have a number of looks in mind, each should be your own look for a different situation. So a mental image of what you want to look like at a club, at work, at a dinner and so on. From there, shop accordingly.

I personally collect photos from the net and from magazines of looks that I think are great. About once a month I print them out and compile them in a look book. If I'm ever getting dressed and can't find an outfit despite having three wardrobes, then I simply flick through the book looking for inspiration.

Sometimes I also take the 'look book' shopping with me, particularly if there's a look I'm really keen on but don't have the right clothes for it.

First- figure out what your look is (ie- I go for simple, classic and elegant, so I buy things that work within those lines)
a few tips of my own
1) basics and classics (ie jeans, suits, black pants, LBD) i don't mind paying good money for, seasonal items i would maybe spend on one piece and then buy from less expensive places
2)wear nude underwear when you go shopping
3)if you like it but your not 100%, don't buy it! it will be there tomorrow if its still on your mind
4) if you have an occasion to go to, buy something that can be worn again
5) if you don't like wearing the same thing twice, look for pieces that can easily be worn a different way or with different things
6) if you are in the mood to splurge, buy something classic that will last you (my last splurge was a timeless watch)
7) dont wear all the current trends in one outfit, or every day- you don't want to look like a victim

oh and daniel's tip on finding things you like for a look book is great too!

And another tip which may or may not help: clear out and organise your wardrobe. OK, to be fair, I'm hugely disorganised... but I do find that if I go through my wardrobe regularly, bring different things to the front, I find things I haven't worn simply because I couldn't see them and hence forgot they were there.

For example with shoes, put them in clear boxes or lined up in a cupboard where you can see them. If things get out of sight, they get out of mind and don't get worn.

Definitely buy some seasonal basics before you buy standout-ish trend pieces. Stuff like a great pair of jeans, some plain black and/or white tees, a white shirt etc. Also buy a range of accessories because they can completely change an outfit and give it a new lease on life!! :)

I fall into that trap too - I am a bad shopper. I find that I often regret what I have bought, or I wish I had bought something that I didn't buy! But sticking to classics lately has really helped me sort out my wardrobe, rather than going for cool/funky stuff.

oh here is another one. take somebody honest and level headed.

my bf once rescued me from a very stupid $3000 JPG jacket (for a suit- i would never have found pants/a skirt in the right color! and it only came with this really weird skirt), as well as a pair of GF Ferre heels (they were black, I have the same ones in white and they are a nightmare!) and a LV handbag (monogram! what was i thinking!)

I personally LOVED OPP SHOPPING!!
Cheap as clothes.. One of a kind.. no one else has..
well.. not meny.. op shops are great!! I have sooooo meny cardies.. and tees.. that soo meny people want.. but they cant get!! hahah.. xoXXXox

One of my tips is... only buy something that will go with at least 2 things you already have... otherwise it will end up as a Closet Orphan.

I believe if you like it buy it. Have starved many a times for an item of clothing. And would gladly do it again. If u don wear it u will always try it on to see if it works and opt for something else making ur new outfit fabulous.

i realize this is an old thread, but seeing as i cant start a new topic (new member) i was hoping someone could help me out

my problem is that i can't put outfits/pieces together that just 'go'
i also spend ridiculous amounts of money on clothes, majority of my wardrobe is black, to give you an idea of what i have, i really do not want to list the brands:

raw jeans (still too tight after a year)
other jeans i am okay with (all blue)
black cardigan
white cardigan
black corduroys
blue/white/red/olive hoodies
plaid jacket
black collared jackets
blue collared jacket
black windbreaker tops
white windbreaker top
red rainjacket
khaki slacks
white/black/blue scarves
gray v-neck sweaters
black derbies
green/black/white chucks
black polo
few t-shirts
white/gray button downs
and last but not least, white undershirts

when i first purchase something, i love it, after a while, i absolutely despise my wardrobe because i can't put anything together, any help is appreciated!