How to Avoid Impulse Buying When Clothing Shopping

Everyone does it. You buy that turquoise ruffled blouse or the leopard print shoes or the suit that doesn't fit exactly right, because you just had to have it. Then it sits in the closet for years, never worn. Emotional purchases like these can be harmless, but when made frequently, it can lead to a lot of wasted money and a wardrobe that doesn't work together at all. Breaking the cycle takes just a little more time and effort, and some questions to ask yourself each time you make a clothing purchase. Read on for tips on how to avoid impulse buying when clothing shopping and make your money count.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Figure out a budget. Before you go clothes shopping, decide how much you're willing to spend on the total trip. A great way to stick to this budget is to set aside cash for it. Credit or debit cards can feel like virtual money and are much more likely to help us overspend. Taking cash for your trip keeps you on budget and forces you to think about your purchases carefully, because once that money is gone you can't buy anymore.
2. Have a plan. If you're going clothes shopping, look at your current wardrobe and figure out what you really need. A good pair of black pants for work? A red shirt to go with that print skirt you bought but have nothing that matches it? Decide on the most important needs that will fit within your budget.
3. Stick to the plan. If you're looking for black pants, stay in that area of the store and look for that specific item. Don't wander into the jewelry or shoes sections if you don't need anything from there. If you don't find what you're looking for, leave and head for another store. Resist the urge to buy a consolation item.
4. Give yourself enough time. If you try to go on your lunch hour to buy a special occasion dress, you're much more likely to come home with something that doesn't fit or doesn't suit the occasion. Give yourself enough time to make considered decisions about your clothing purchases.
5. Buy for outfits. One of the biggest problems with impulse clothing buys is that you often bring home that beautiful blouse only to discover that not a single shoe, trouser, or skirt in your closet matches it. Before you get anywhere near that store dressing room, think about each piece in your hand. Do you have anything at home to wear it with? Do you have the right shoes? If you don't, look for matching pieces in the store. If there aren't any, or they aren't within your budget, put that item back. There's no sense in paying for something you very likely won't ever wear.
6. Buy the right size. The best purchases are quality pieces that make you look good. Don't be tempted by great sales or beautiful items are only available in a size smaller than what you wear. Telling yourself you'll lose weight and be able to wear it puts too much pressure on yourself and it could end up as another item that hangs in the closet without being worn. It is possible to buy a size larger and have it tailored to fit you, but only make this choice if you have a regular tailor you go to and are sure you'll make the appointment to have the item fixed.
7. Try everything on. Fight the impulse to just buy something that looks great on the hanger, or is too good a deal to pass up. The easiest way to talk yourself out of an impulse buy is to discover it doesn't fit right--and a lot of items on sales racks are there for that very reason--the item didn't fit anyone else the right way either. If you try on two pieces of an outfit, and only one piece fits, put the whole thing back. Unless you can find a matching piece elsewhere in the store, half of an outfit won't do you any good.
8. Decide where you will wear the item. It's worth it to pay more for a quality suit that you'll wear many times to work or a pretty skirt set when you've got several birthday parties and showers to attend in the spring. It's not wise, however, to spend a lot of money on a dress that you merely hope you'll be able to wear someday.
9. Check the labels. If every piece of clothing you want to buy is labeled "Dry Clean Only," you'll have to consider the cost of cleaning along with the price of the item. Some delicate pieces might be hand wash only. If you think a piece that has to be hand washed will sit in the laundry bin for months until you find time for it, then don't buy that piece.
10. Give yourself time to think. If you're about to buy something that you like but you're not sure if it's a wise purchase, step away from it for awhile. Find some alternate pieces to try on. If you need shoes or another item in the store, go and do that shopping, then come back to the item you were considering. Often this short break will give you the perspective you need. Looking at the item again, you'll feel instantly that you really do love it, or that it wasn't worth the price and can be put back.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't get impulse buying completely out of your system, try to channel it into smaller pieces. If you impulsively buy a cute beaded bracelet or a pink paisley scarf, it can be worth the enjoyment of the purchase and the few times you wear them, and not such a dent in the pocketbook.