… a continuation of Guide to Clothes Shopping: Smart Questions #1-3

Smart Question #4: Will you wear this item after 3 months?  1 year?  5 years?
While you need some trendy items to spice up your wardrobe, you also want to pick up clothes that can weather the storms of evil fashion trends.  Try to picture yourself wearing it when you are 2 years older.  Give this question at least a passing thought, especially if you are about to purchase something pricy.

Smart Question #5:  Is the piece worth full price?
It’s only human nature that we love the word SALE.  We’ve all purchased things that seemed like a total steal at the time but ended up at the back of our closets collecting toll from dust bunnies.  Before you dig through the pile of clearance $5 items and pick out 13 things, carefully assess whether you would pay full price for an item.  No matter how great the discount is (try to distract yourself from that “75% off” tag), give yourself some space to think about how much the item is worth to you.  Do you like it enough to pay more for it?  If not, why would you even waste $5 on something that’s only going to take up precious closet space?  Just remember, it’s on sale for a reason.

Smart Question #6:  How is the quality of the fabric?
A lot of us shop only with our eyes.  It’s time to engage your sense of touch!  Is the fabric prickly?  Are you suffocating in it?  Does it give you the itch?  Are you comfortable with the way the fabric feels to your skin?  You’re not going to wear something that gives you hives, no matter how hot it is.  Also consider how well the item will hold up after several washes or dry clean runs.  Other than your finger tips, the care label is your best friend. Make sure to check it for the fibre blend percentage and washing instructions then decide whether you are ready to commit to it.

more to come, of course..