Written by The Strategy

When it comes to pastimes, few are quite as exciting to us as shopping. Whether online or in-store, the prospect of having new clothes always peaks our interest. The sense of accomplishment when you find something you love, the feeling of reinvention when adding new styles to your wardrobe, the buzz of feeling really good wearing a new outfit- all enough to get us jittery and ready to hit the retail scene. Afterwards, however, there is a common negative thread that too often ties you up at the end of the day. 

That thread is buyer’s remorse.  

We’ve all been there, staring at our purchases and wishing we would have exercised some self control. It starts as an inkling that tickles the back of your mind, than turns into denial as you try to convince yourself it wasn’t completely a waste of money, and ends in full-blown regret and guilt. To help avoid the draining process of buyer’s remorse (and the draining of your bank account) we’ve complied a list of questions that you should ask yourself before buying something that might be a little risky.

1. What brought you to the store?

Retail therapy is the number one go-to distraction device. If you’re only shopping because you’re looking for something to take your mind off what you’d rather not deal with, put your cards away and call a friend instead.

2. How does it feel on your body?

Harder to judge online than in person, obviously, but still important. If you try something on and are constantly adjusting it, or feel at all uncomfortable or unsure, it does not pass the test. It will be equally as uncomfortable when you take it home, and therefore will live a sad life in the back of your closet.

3. Do you already own something like it, and never actually wear it?

If you have two or three, say, leather jackets that you adore but never wear, is it really a good idea to add a fourth? Probably not. Before adding to your collection maybe try taking the originals out for a spin.

4. Does it match your personal style and the events you go to?

This should be something we all take seriously these days. There are so many trends being thrown at us from all angles that it can be difficult to tell whether we genuinely like a style or if we only like it because it looked good on someone else. Think about what you love, the style you like the most on yourself, and a realistic set of places you go that coincide with that style.

5. What can you wear it with?

Mentally scan your wardrobe for at least three different outfits that this possible new addition could be added to. If you struggle to think of options, or are forcing it to work with what you own, it’s a no-go. 

We recommend adding these little questions to a note on your phone in case of emergencies.

Inspired by Canna Campbell.

Written by Katrina Garofalo