Things No One Tells You About Clothes Shopping When You Move Out On Your Own
The Prelude
I moved out of the house at the tender age of 19 (emphasis on the nineteen!). I was nervous, scared, and had no idea what to do…but I dived in (head first) into the life that I now know as adulting. No one gave me a road map or a guide and majority, if not all, of my lessons have been learned through trial and error. One of my most memorable lessons has been learning how to shop for clothing on my own and how to do so in a way that won’t leave me broke or cause me to give myself the side eye in a few years. So I wrote today’s post with the intention to help the twenty something year old who is about to move out and needs guidance with managing their wardrobe and spending plan. I even have the intention to help people in their thirties who may not be moving out for the first time, but have failed in managing both their wardrobe and spending plan.
Managing your wardrobe and spending your shopping money strategically is not something that is openly talked about in school or even at home. To be honest with you, it’s a skill that you learn as you mature and evolve. I don’t know everything but I have learned quite a bit in my career as a fashion stylist and through my own personal experiences. In fact, this life changing advice that I am about to share with you is the result of both my personal and professional experiences. I can only hope that you take in the information and implement some (or all) of these steps before you venture out on your own.
Things No One Tells You About Clothes Shopping When You Move Out On Your Own
Think Long Term Not Short Term.
I know that everyone loves the Forever 21’s and H&M’s of the world (I am no exception. I shop carefully at both a fraction of the time). These stores are youthful, cheap, trendy, and they get fresh product out regularly. However, you need to shop very carefully when you enter stores like these. Due to the nature of the business, most of the items that you find are going to be of poor quality which means that they won’t last long. As someone who is moving out on their own for the first time this is not what you want. You are already navigating the hardships of working one or two jobs to make ends meet, learning the ins and outs of bills and credit, and in some cases learning how to cook. You don’t need to worry about constantly replacing shriveled or torn up items too. Spend a little extra money investing in quality pieces. This will most likely mean that you get a lower quantity of clothing every month but overtime your wardrobe collection will start to pick up. Remember to think long term not short term and always make sure to stay within to your style aesthetic so that your wardrobe isn’t all over the place. If you don’t know what your style aesthetic is then schedule a style consultation with me and lets work towards figuring it out.
Cashback Cards and Rewards Programs Are Your Best friend!
When switching banks or choosing a debit/credit card for the first time, make sure to check if they have a rewards or cash back program. I know that these options are less common now days but you will be surprised at what you find when you ask questions and do a little research. I also recommend seeing if the stores and brands that you are considering shopping with are offering rewards/affiliate programs to their customers. By doing this you can put a lot of money back into your pocket and use those savings to purchase more items for your wardrobe (all while staying within the constraints of your spending plan). Think of it in stock terms, you are simply taking the money you’ve earned (or in this case saved) and reinvesting it back into your wardrobe.
Find a Individual or Business That Does Alterations.
Most cleaners offer alterations at a very affordable price so it shouldn’t be too hard of a search. This is probably the most important point on this list because by finding the right person or business, you will be able to extend the life of your clothes. For those who don’t know, alterations can help with making your clothes bigger if they fit a bit tight, make them fit to the form if they are too loose, and even make garments longer or shorter if it doesn’t fall where you would like it to. In short it’s a life saver, money saver, and it allows you to build out a bigger wardrobe.
Create A Spending Plan.
First I want to point out that I used the word spending plan instead of budget purposely. I believe that when you put in your mind that you are creating a spending plan it blocks out some of those negative beliefs that you have around finances. Having said that, it is important to create a spending plan because it not only helps you build discipline, but it also enables you to shop consistently without sacrificing any necessities or going into debt. If you need some inspiration, take a look at how I structure my own spending plan.
Hand Me Down’s and Second Hand Clothes ARE Okay.
There is a lot of negative commentary regarding hand me down’s and purchasing from second hand stores, but in all honesty both are goldmines (especially if you find or receive an item that fits your style). Also, keep in mind that no item is completely new (unless you purchased it as soon as it was put on the sales floor). Someone has tried on the item or has worn it and returned it. So technically we all have shopped second hand in some way. I said all of this to boost your confidence and encourage you to shop at consignment stores (especially luxury or high end ones) and raid your friends and family members closets. By doing this you can usually get items for free (if it’s a family member) or designer items at a discounted price (if it’s from a store).
Shopping Local or with Small Businesses Saves Money.
Shopping local or with small businesses whether in person or online can save you a lot of money. How you ask? Because most local/small businesses are always having sales and giveaways to establish their business and bring in more customers like yourself. Take advantage of all of it! Not only will you be able to save money and potentially build up your wardrobe faster, but you will also be supporting someone else’s dream. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Carrying Physical Dollar Bills Is Better Than Carrying A Card When You Are Out Shopping.
I just want to put it out there and say that I prefer my debit card over dollar bills because the process is quicker and easier. Although, when I use physical dollar bills I save more money and make wiser purchasing decisions. This happens because I only withdraw a certain amount out of the ATM and if I spend it all then that’s it (so I choose my purchases carefully). This could be your reality too. If you know that you are going out shopping then plan out some time to stop by your bank and only withdraw the designated amount that you set for shopping. By doing this, it’s going to allow you to maintain the discipline that we talked about earlier and help you really think through your purchases so that you don’t make an impulse buy. If you are having issues with doing this or you don’t completely trust yourself yet, then head on over to Style University and purchase my guide “How To Create Your Own Customized Shopping Plan.” In this guide I breakdown the different ways to set up your monthly budget, I walk you through how to build up your wardrobe, and I have a worksheet that you can use to create your own personalized shopping plan.
Routinely Check Your Closet.
It is important, especially when you first move out, to get into the habit of routinely checking your closet. By doing a routine check, you will constantly be aware of items that no longer align with your style or taste, you will be able to determine which items you haven’t worn in awhile or can’t fit anymore, and it will be easier to spot clothing that can no longer be repaired and need to be replaced. I recommend doing a quick closet assessment at least once per month and a full closet examination at least once every quarter. Remember to donate, sell, or upcycle unused clothing items to make room for new items and purchases.
Questions For Readers:
Wow! Gems were definitely dropped this week. Which one was your favorite? Also let me know in the comment section if you are team #movingoutforthefirsttime or team #gettingmyfinancestogether.
