How to be a ‘Savvy Fashion Shopper’

One thing that is a definite Style Challenge is budget – or a limited one.

Whether it be rising electricity costs, ongoing medical bills, presents for the Grandkids or my least favourite – unexpected car mechanic visits,  there is always something to diminish those savings you had put aside for the next fun Shopping trip.

Never fear – you don’t need to spend a lot of money to look stylish and one of the things I teach my Personal Stylist and Shopping clients at STEELEMyStyle is how to be a Savvy Shopper.   So here are my 6 best tips for savvy fashion shopping.

1.  Don’t build a wardrobe of cheap, poor quality clothes – not only will they perish, fade and lose their shape after multiple washes – Fast Fashion is unethical and environmentally damaging – adding to landfill and exacerbating sweat shop scenarios across the globe.

2.  Make your core wardrobe as high quality as you can afford  – Myer, David Jones and other high quality chains – Country Road, Witchery, Sportscraft all do great sales – check their online Lookbooks – go in and try it on – then be able to snap up your size online when the sales go. Some you will lose but very often you will be quick enough and save 30-60%.

3.  Shop more in Vintage, Preloved, Ebay, Opshops, Garage sales & School Fetes – but ignore synthetic fabrics – Look for high quality natural fabrics (100% cotton, wool, leather, silk, linen) – they will last longer, look more expensive and let your body breathe. Know your brands and choose your suburb. Some of my favourite pieces that have been in my wardrobe for 5-10 years have been bought at the Salvos and Vinnies.

4.  Do as the Europeans do – work on a PPW (Price Per Wear) system for high quality classic items that will not go out of style if they are out of your monthly/seasonal/yearly wardrobe budget. If you are on a budget don’t buy expensive tricky detailed pieces – look for simple well cut shapes and avoid detail, ruching or trendy zips – this will make the piece timeless. If you are going for pattern opt for classic patterns – leopard, polka dot, stripe, houndstooth, check.  This is where you learn to love “Layby” if you cannot afford it all at once.

5.  Learn to love online shopping – great bargains to be had on opposite timezones from the US and UK stores.

6.  Don’t shop without purpose. As Personal Shopper and Stylist – I firstly do a Wardrobe Review so that we know what pieces need to be found to make the perfect versatile wardrobe for each individual. Every season- we do a quick refresher so they know what key pieces they should be looking to add – this keeps them focussed so they don’t spend $100 on another pair of black trousers when they are really needing to add a tailored lightweight blazer.

Happy shopping.