How to Buy New Summer Clothes
Every year we take out last year's summer wardrobe and stare in shock at the weird array of wild colors and prints, and the pilled, worn out items that were our favorites the previous year. Summer clothes are a lot of fun to buy, but don't always serve us as well as we' would like. Learn how to buy new summer clothes and make smart decisions to carry you through this summer season as well as the next.
Instructions
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Start by going through your existing summer wardrobe. Are there any items that are faded, pilled, or that have shrunk? These items need to be replaced. Make a list of what you need, like white blouses, black shorts or a good print skirt for work. This will give you a detailed plan for when you go shopping.
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Buy the basics first. Look for neutral pieces in simple cuts to form the basis of your summer wardrobe. Items like black or navy tank tops, white short sleeve tees, khaki shorts and jean skirts can be worn together or paired with brighter colors and prints. If you find good layering tanks or tees, buy more than one of each, even in the same color. Unless you do laundry every day, some of your basics will be in the wash when you want to wear them so it's good to have doubles.
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Shop sales for fun and trendy pieces. The summer season isn't that long, and trendy styles can evaporate by the time next summer rolls around. Don't spend a lot of money on pieces you might only get a couple months of wear.
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Invest in some quality pieces. Summer fashions are notoriously flimsy in fabric and design; they're often made to be disposable. Tops fade and pill, skirts lose their shape, and shorts shrink until they're too tight to wear. If you don't want to replace your entire wardrobe every summer, invest now in some quality pieces that will last more than one season. A little black dress or a pretty knee-length floral skirt will never go out of style, so spend a little more to get pieces that you can hold onto.
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Buy complete outfits. Bright colors and pretty florals can be tempting as you browse the racks. It's easy to end up coming home with an armload of gorgeous pieces, none of which match or make an outfit. Even if you think you have something at home to go with that lime green floral skirt, don't leave the store or the mall without finding a top that matches it. There's nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a beautiful piece only to have it hang in the closet all season because you have nothing to go with it. Your best bet is to only try on outfits, and don't even bring that odd piece to the dressing room unless it's a neutral.
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Try everything on. Pretty, delicate clothes that look floaty and attractive on the hanger could hang completely wrong and have crooked seams. Some cottons and linen have a tighter, more unforgiving fit. Two pieces may match in color but be completely the wrong shape to go together. Take the guesswork out and take it all to the fitting room.
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Choose pieces that are comfortable, but have the proper fit. Don't wear something so tight and skimpy that it creates curves and dimples where you don't want them. Forget about pieces that you can only wear if you hold your breath the entire time you're wearing them. Avoid big baggy pieces that hide your shape and make you look bulky. Remember the temperature. Are you really going to want to wear a tight blouse with a big belt when it's 95 degrees out?
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Consider appropriateness. Backless blouses and spaghetti strap sundresses are cool and attractive options for summer, but you shouldn't wear them to work. Those super short shorts look great in the dressing room, but how will you feel wearing them at the grocery store or out to lunch with your family? Skimpy and sexy pieces are a fun part of your summer wardrobe, but be sure they aren't your *entire* wardrobe. Buy more conservative items for work and for picking the kids up at school. Think about all the occasions you will need appropriate clothing and be sure to buy enough outfits to accommodate them.
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Select fabrics wisely. If you're buying work clothes for a cool, air-conditioned environment, you have more options. For every day summer activities, however, stay away from polyester and other synthetics that don't allow your skin to breathe. Cotton and linen are good options, but always do the wrinkle test before you buy. Some wrinkling is expected with summer fabrics, but this quick trick can show you if it's at an acceptable level. Grab a handful of the fabric and crunch it in your hand. This mimics what will happen when you sit down in a restaurant booth, wrap the seat belt around you in the car, or bend down to tie your shoe. If you let go and the shorts look like they've been balled up in a suitcase for three months, leave them on the hanger and look for something else.
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Read the care instructions. Summer fashions, particularly those with lace or embellishments, are often hand wash or dry clean only. It's fine to have some pieces that require special care, but be careful not to buy an entire wardrobe that has to be hand washed.
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Tips & Warnings
Leave the store tags on every item you buy until you're ready to wear them. If you're an impulse shopper, you may find after a week or two that you made a mistake buying an item that doesn't fit right or that you'll never wear. You also might notice a spot or pull that you didn't see in the store when you bought it. With the tags still on, you should be able to return the item and get your money back.
