TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL CLOTHES SHOPPING

1. Know What Suits You. Invest in yourself and book an appointment with a colour and style analyst, who will provide essential information on what colours, shapes and fabrics to buy. It will be money well spent because this information will last a lifetime.
2. Sort your Wardrobe. Sort your wardrobe first. Group similar colours together and take out those colours which do nothing for your colouring. With the clothes that remain, see what is missing e.g. do you have five pairs of black trousers, one white blouse, three black t-shirts and no jacket or shoes?
3. Make a List. Make a list of what you need to make up at least one or two complete outfits. In the case above, don’t buy any more black trousers or black t-shirts. Look for a black jacket or perhaps a multi-coloured jacket which would help you get more use out of the garments you already have.
4. Beware Friends & Family. Well-meaning friends and family may try to steer you towards styles and colours they themselves like, which may or may not be suitable for your shape, proportions and colouring. If in doubt, go alone and you won’t feel guilty about visiting the same shops more than once if you’re unsure of a garment.
5. Dress for comfort but take accessories. Choose shoes which will help you go the distance, but take heels in your bag for trying on trousers. Also take accessories (within reason) and try them on with the clothes for the complete look.
6. Be Firm and Fussy. Once inside the shop, train yourself to walk straight past the colours which don’t suit you – don’t waste time admiring those warm chocolate brown suede jackets if you’re colouring is cool and are more suited to black.
7. Don’t Settle for Second Best. Become more selective – it may mean not buying anything the first time around, but when you do find that perfect jacket to pull your outfit together, you’ll be surprised how good it makes you feel. Either love it or leave it.
8. Do your Maths. Beware of sales. If you would not pay full price for the garment, then don’t pay the sale price, just because “it’s a bargain!” Example: You have a choice of spending £200 on either a stunning grey satin evening dress (which you’d probably wear twice a year) or a charcoal grey wool jacket (which you’d probably wear at least once a month for 10 months of the year. Cost per wear for the dress = £200/2 = £100 each time you put it on. Cost per wear for the jacket = £200/10 = £20 each time you put it on. Do the maths each time. If you have any doubt in your mind, then put it back on the rack.
9. Maintenance, Fit and Fashion. Watch for care instructions – if it says dry clean only, you’ll be reluctant to wear it often. Does it fit perfectly? If you’re thinking “if I let it out here and there, or take it in a bit at the shoulders…” or “this will fit fine once I lose half a stone… “  leave it there. Unless your best friend is a seamstress or a personal trainer, that chances are it won’t be done – and it’s money left hanging in the wardrobe.
10. Avoid Hype. Beware the fashion hype at the start of every season. This season’s Must-Have may not necessarily mean that you’re the one who Must Have it. If you don’t suit the latest military look or the peasant hippy look, then don’t be swayed by the hype.