Look Great and Save Money with Tried and Tested Shopping Strategies

Shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories for some is a joy, and others a nightmare. Many people tell me they love doing it, but find it completely frustrating – nothing ever fits, they can’t find anything they like, or they’re just not sure something is right for them, and are not prepared to part with their hard earned money for a potential mistake.

An image consultation can really help you beat many of these problems as we discover your clothing personality and style, and you understand about your body shape and proportions – so you have a much better idea of what to take into the change rooms.

I know that fit is always a difficult master – in fact one of my favourite sayings is that you never feel fat in shoes or jewellery. So I’ve come up with some tips to help you shop more strategically

• When trying on clothes, stand at a distance from the mirror so that you can check the garment from top to bottom, front and back views. Start at the top and work your way down. Is there anything that particularly stands out on the garment? Is it drawing attention to a part of the body I’m happy with or would rather people didn’t notice?

• Am I wearing the colour or is it wearing me ? Close your eyes and open them, see if your eye is drawn to the garment or to your face. Does the colour make you look healthy and alive, or dull or washed out?

• Is the neckline the right shape for my face? Does it sit properly? Are the shoulders right – do they make me look balanced?

• Does the garment hang correctly or does it pull, gape or bunch over any areas. Try a larger size or smaller size – remember, clothing tags are on the inside of a garment – only you can see them and what size you’re wearing – nobody else needs to know and properly fitting clothes make you look smaller. Clothes that are too tight make you look like you’ve put on weight (and also cheapen your look).

• How is the waistline, does it flatter or does it draw attention to my bad points.

• Sit down in the outfit to see if it rides up, gapes, rubs or creases.

• What’s the texture and fabric like for me? Is it flattering or does it make me look bulkier? There are lots of big bulky knitted styles out in the shops for this winter – beware – they’re only for the very slim, on everyone else they make you look much bigger than you are. Go for layers of fine knits to keep out the cold (or consider thermal underwear).

• Scrunch a handful of the fabric – does it crease or does it fall back to what it was? If it creases – am I prepared to spend lots of time ironing it?

• Does it go with at least 3 other items in my wardrobe or would I have to buy something to go with it.

• Do I love it? Does it make me feel good? Does it suit my lifestyle? Do I feel comfortable wearing it or does it make me feel like someone else? If it doesn’t feel like you chances are you won’t wear it and it will sit in your wardrobe unworn. If it’s too formal for your lifestyle – don’t buy it as you’re unlikely to wear it. Invest your money in clothing that you’ll wear every day.

• Are you shopping with a friend? Friends may not be the best judge of what suits you – generally they’re looking at clothing and saying whether they like them for themselves, not necessarily you.

• Don’t let a shop assistant talk you into buying anything. They’re paid to make sales – unless you know you can trust them and that they give you honest advice, assume that they’re not your best source of advice.

© Imogen Lamport 2005

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