Find shopping overwhelming?
How to get clear on your style and what you do and don't need to buy to achieve it
Hi, I’m Leigh. I’m a stylist and my interest and passion for styling is focused on how we feel in what we wear. Dressing is a form of self expression and I work to empower people to align their sense of self with their style and gain autonomy to dress with ease, clarity and confidence.
I’ve recently been shopping IRLS (in real life shops) and online and found SO MANY things I liked. But, I paused before I bought anything..
The reason?
I felt overwhelmed.
I felt cloudy and confused about what I actually need, about what items would actually add to my wardrobe and make getting dressed more easeful and inspiring.
I needed to take a step back and re-assess what it is I have, what I’m missing and what my goals were.
Nb. I do sometimes buy something on instinct there and then, knowing intuitively that I need it (or just want it and know already what it’ll go with.) But often I feel cloudy and unsure - like now - so I need a system to make sure I’m buying smart and not just buying for buyings sake.
So..
Here are the 7 steps I take to gain clarity on what would make a successful purchase for me - including the things I tried on, how I find my visual north star, what I ended up investing in and how that aligned with what I actually wanted and needed.
Step 1. Window shopping.
Try, don’t yet buy.
Notice how you feel when you try something on before you look in the mirror.
Does it feel comfortable, does it fit well, does it feel like you?
Our feelings are our guide - don’t discount them when trying things on.
Then, look in the mirror and again check in on how you feel in it now.
I always take photos in the mirror when trying things on. It serves to remind me of what I tried, but I also find it helps me to see more clearly without just relying on my reflection.
Now, step away..
The rush we feel when we try something on, often makes us feel like we have to have it. But if we can pause, go away and think about it, often those items slip from our memory never to resurface. The pieces we’re meant to have - or at least consider - will stay with us.
One caveat to this - if you’re shopping consignment, second hand, in an op shop or vintage - I wouldn’t leave it if it’s a fully body yes. Ask yourself the below questions to help you determine if it’s for you on the spot. Pull the below image onto your notes app on your phone so you have easy access to the questions when shopping.
These are the things I tried on and liked, but left to consider.
See.. I liked A LOT.
So, to gain some order and gather my thoughts..
Step 2. Create a digital wish list.
I created a digital wish list putting all the pieces I liked and am considering together.
I added some things I’d seen online that I liked too. You can see my wish list here.
Okay, let’s pause on the wants for now and let’s look inwards…
Step 3. What is my vision?
In a sea of options, it’s helpful to have a visual north star of what we’d like to aim for that feels aligned to each of us.
A way I like to do this, is to look at all the inspo pictures I save unconsciously throughout my days and weeks - the IG images I save, the screen shots I take, the outfits or someone’s style I send to friends - all of these represent a visual we are drawn to.
All of this is information. All of it is a guide. Let’s keep it all in one place..
Step 4. Create a ‘My Style’ board on Pinterest.
If you don’t have one already, create a board on Pinterest labelled ‘MY STYLE.’
Add all these images from the above step to the board, and add more you like too.
This is our visual north star for what we’re trying to achieve.
You can see mine here.
Also, what we want to wear is an ever-evolving thing, not a fixed identity. Our interests, lifestyle and wants and needs change and what we wear changes with it.
Having a mood board to help you re-group when that happens is helpful.
Step 5. Review what you have in your wardrobe already.
What is actually missing and what pieces will truly add value and optionality?
When I did a quick review of my wardrobe, I realised that I am missing the following:
Knitwear
Boots
Long sleeve tops for winter
This was super helpful, as it showed I really didn’t need button down shirts, t-shirts or trousers that are trendy but won’t have longevity. This helped to remove some options I’d been considering.
Spend a little time going through your wardrobe.
Can you recreate looks from your My Style moodboard with what you have?
Or are you missing some key things?
Step 6. Look at the wish list with fresh eyes.
Now you’ve looked at your wardrobe, your style inspiration and your wishlist - what jumps out?
Is it clear you actually don’t need another jumper?
Or is it glaringly obvious that a jumper is exactly what you’re missing?
Can you see a reoccurring outfit on your moodboard and an item that will help you achieve this on your wish list?
For example, I have outfits featuring a great black knit throughout my moodboard (above), and after reviewing my wardrobe I realised I didn’t have one. And yet I had been about to buy more T-shirts.
Which brings me to an important point …
Beware of your shopping safety zone - T shirts and button down shirts are my safe space. I love wearing them because I understand them. And guess what I don’t need more of? Yep, T shirts and button down shirts. And guess what I try on every time I go shopping? Yep, you guessed it.
We will always be drawn to the items we find safe and easy. But these are likely what you don’t need.
Be aware of this and don’t waste your money buying what you don’t need. This process should help eliminate that.
But trust me, it happens to the best of us and I likely won’t stop being drawn to t shirts, ever. Nor should I restrict myself to be. But when I need something else - i.e a black knit - it’s good to recognise and prioritise.
And so, the final step..
