“When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better. But then it is not, and I need to do it again.” -Sophie Kinsella (Confessions of a Shopaholic)
It has been said that women can shop all their lives and remain at a loss as to what to wear—or might even proclaim that they have nothing to wear at all. So, what is the primary motivator of this rather expensive habit? Well, for some the compulsion stems from the feeling of euphoria they usually get after purchase—most especially if they have been plagued by a rather stressful or depressing event. After all, making yourself feel better with a few purchases here and there is a lot cheaper than seeing a therapist for your woes, hence the term, retail therapy. For others, the impulse is driven by the sheer lack of self-control when it comes to fashion items, and for the rest, there might be just an ingrained penchant for acquiring and purchasing new items. Whether your reason is to elevate or cultivate your personal style, update your wardrobe or simply just to satisfy a fancy, there is no doubt that making a habit of impetuous buying can be really damaging to your finances. While there is nothing wrong with a mindless purchase every now and then, spending most of your monthly paycheck on unnecessary items is an entirely different story altogether. The former is an innocuous act—maybe something you might do to reward yourself after a stressful week, but the latter is a dangerous habit that might send you to a crippling financial situation.
If you find yourself relating to any of the above statements, then you might have already developed a bad shopping habit. Here are some of the most expensive fashion habits you need to break now:
1.) Buying just because it is on sale
Regardless of whether you are on the market for wholesale clothing or retail purchases, you find yourself buying it simply just because it is on sale. It does not even matter whether you actually want it or not, all that you know is that it is seventy percent off. To you, it is a deal, a bargain, and a steal. Well, you need a reality check. The truth is, it is not a deal nor would it be a steal if you never wanted the item in the first place. You just felt compelled to buy the item because it was on sale. And no, you did not save yourself some money, you just spent money on something you do not even want nor need.
2.) Buying too far outside your comfort zone
While it would be okay to try and mix it up once in a while, there is absolutely no point in buying something if you know you are not likely to be wearing them anytime soon. In a sense, something might be on trend and fashionable at the moment, but you are not entirely sure if it would look great on you. True, when it comes to clothing, you should have an open mind and should at least approach styles and unfamiliar trends with at least some form of receptivity. However, there is a thin line between buying something to try out a trend and purchasing something that you know would not work for you. If a pair of leggings or sheer tights is not your thing, do not buy one just because they are all the rage right now.
3.) You do not invest in the right things
An exorbitant price tag does not always equate quality nor a worthy investment. Unfortunately, for some individuals, the heftier the price tag is, the more attractive an item becomes to them. However, this is not always the case and associating expensive items with quality is an erroneous assessment. Instead, be wiser with your money and be practical when it comes to what marks as an essential purchase for you. Go for classics—ones that you know would stand the test of time. We might have different ideals as to what constitutes as a “worthy investment, ” and it is totally alright to splurge from time to time. However, before checking out an expensive item, take the time to think twice. Make sure it is something you can wear today, a few months from now and even years from now.
4.) You do not take care of your things
You constantly feel the need to buy new clothes and accessories because yours always seem to be falling apart. It is not for the lack of quality that these items break down, but rather your inability to take care of them properly. Buying investment pieces and items that are of considerable price means that you ought to take care of them properly if you want them to last. Read the tags on your clothes as to how they should be washed and the care cards of your accessories and stick to these. It does not take much for you to take care of your personal belongings and you will no longer feel the need to replace them when they break down.
5.) You shop for social media
In a modern age where most individuals are preoccupied with personal appearances, things such as OOTDs (outfit of the day) have been conceptualized. Although there is nothing absolutely wrong with this, if you find yourself shopping for clothes just to fill your social media feed then you need a reality check. Are you buying those clothes and accessories just because you like them? Or just because you want others to know you have them? Are you likely to wear them anytime soon or are they going to be stowed away once you have snapped your photo and posted it? These are crucial questions you need to take note of. Remember, when you are buying items they need to be for you primarily and not for the sole purpose of constantly impressing your followers and friends on social media platforms.
So, before you try and buy things that you think you covet, have an internal talk with yourself first. Do some introspection and think if you really want the item or not. After all, you may want it today, but once you receive your bank statement weeks later, you might realize that little tee that looked so good on the mannequin might not be so worth it at all.