I wait until the end of the season to buy basic pieces like black dress pants, suit jackets, tank tops, white blouses, and shoes. Most of these pieces will carry though out the years, as there is not much difference in dress pants, and white blouse, so buying them on sale as I wear them 5 to 7 days a week. Shoes are hard thing for me to shop as most stores don’t carry a size 10 to 12 shoes at the end of season. But most people can, as the store their size. I have got some of my favorite boots, and shoes on major clearance. Winter Jackets are also a good thing to pick up on sale, but make sure the color, style, and fit are something that will carry to the next year. Peacoats are something I would say to pick up if it’s on sale. The peacoat that I have been wearing the last 4 years and still to this day I get compliments on is red, and is a fit and flare.
-Shopping at Thrift Stores
I LOVE thrift stores. This were most of my unique pieces come from (including my radio purse). Shopping at thrift store can be difficult; I know how hard it can be, as I volunteer at one. The major thing with shopping at a thrift store is know what you looking for, but keep an open mind. I’m always looking, sometimes I come with nothing, and other times I come home with two to three bags full. Another tip is to try it on, if it looks like will fit. I normally a size L to XXL or size 12 to 16, but in vintage or other country clothing, I can be anywhere from a size M to 3Xl or size 10 to 20. Always check for stains or any other problem, the thrift shops try to not put out items with problems but we are human and don’t see everything.
-Shopping Trends
I rarely follow trends, I like looking at the latest trends but most don’t really go with what I like to wear. If you’re going to buy trendy pieces, make sure you don’t overspend. I like shopping at Bluenotes, Ardrene (only for the jewelry, and the comic book shirts), and Winners for trend based clothing. Other store like HM and Forever 21 is a good idea. Shopping online can be worth it for the deals, but always check out the seller before you buy. Also make sure you can wait for the item, shipping can be a pain in the butt, when you want the piece of event. Also ask yourself how many times you are going to wear it, if it’s less than five times, leave it in the store.
-Decluttering
This is something I do twice a year with my clothing as volunteering at thrift store has left me with cloths that I bought home to see how they look and work with my style. I think most people should go through their cloths at least once a year and see what is being worn, and what condition the cloths are in. If you find you haven’t worn something in 6 months to a year, you’re most likely not going to wear in the next year, unless it’s formal dress or a really unique piece. Also noting the condition of your clothing will let you know what pieces will need to be replaced in the near future.
-Lastly, HAVE FUN
Sometimes we forget this; clothing and makeup can be removed so why not have fun. This is why I love my wardrobe so much, is because I have the basics, I can play and have fun trying out new things. And no, not everything looks great but who cares, I learned something and had fun doing it. This has helped me the most in creating my personally style, most time is uniquely mine smart casual, I can also dress up to business formal.