8 Ways to Make Better, Smarter Shopping Decisions and Avoid Buyer’s Remorse! 

Among my friends and family, my love of shoes – and my quest to buy them at less than the market rate – is an ongoing punchline, one that I happily embrace. While being a professionally-outfitted woman can be expensive, it is possible to look and feel your best without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips from a self-professed shopaholic:

Shop Often
The idea of shopping more to save money may seem silly, but it works. Shopping on a more frequent basis allows you to wait. If you see something you love, you won’t need to make a quick decision and impulse-buy.  Instead, you’re able to wait for the item to go on sale. This will give you ample time to think about whether you really love that item and need it in your wardrobe.

Be the Discount Queen
Look for savings opportunities on items you already want, but don’t ever buy something just because it is on sale. Every store has regular sales and discounts. Once you are in the routine of shopping often, you will be tuned into these sale cycles. It’s a game. Once you know the rules, you will be better equipped to win. As a bonus, sites such as Ebates give you cash back every time you shop, deepening your discount a little bit more.

Reassess your Wardrobe Regularly
At the beginning of each season, pull everything out of your closet and storage and try things on. Does it still fit well? Do you still love it – or was it a questionable end-of-season sale purchase last year? Routinely reassessing your closet will give you a clear idea of what holes are missing in your wardrobe. Make a list. The next time you go shopping, you will be able to focus on what you actually need, versus what you want. Parting ways with clothing items also can help you earn money for new wardrobe purchases. Sites such as eBay, Poshmark and Tradesy, as well as local consignment shops, are great places to check out as you clean out.

Accept Yourself
I fawn over every peplum top I see and wish I could rock a shift dress. But neither of these cuts look good on me. I’ve had to accept that they unfortunately do not work with my body type. Do not fool yourself into thinking you can make something work – i.e. if only you lost a couple of pounds or took it to the tailor. Doesn’t look good on you at this very moment? Don’t buy it. You likely will pass it up time and time again once it is hanging in your closet.

Be Honest
Ever find yourself texting photos from the dressing room to get your friend’s opinions on that bandage dress you so badly want to work for you? We all do this during moments of indecisiveness. The truth is, if you’re unsure, you don’t love it. Don’t love it? Don’t buy it. Live and shop by this rule. After all, how many times have you later thought to yourself, “I really wish I had bought that cobalt blue pencil skirt?” It doesn’t happen often.

Invest to Save
Do you buy inexpensive bags on a regular basis? When you have an inexpensive bag, buying another one does not seem like a big deal. It is easy to justify that purchase. Save money in the long run by choosing quality over quantity. Instead of six bags, buy one that is slightly more expensive but better quality. If you commit to quality, you will not be tempted to buy more. Another expensive bag is just not as easy to justify. For key wardrobe items such as a classic pair of black flats or a stylish work tote, make the investment. As you enjoy these items for years to come, you will be happy with your decision.

Stay Cheap for Trendy
You want a pair of hot-pink heels with tassels on them because they’re the coolest thing this season? So do I. But ask yourself: Is that trendy item going to be in style next season, or even next year? Shop wisely when it comes to trendy items. This is one instance where you can go for less expensive options at the risk of less-than-stellar quality. Chances are, you won’t be wearing it next year, anyway.

Broaden your Horizons
Do not pass up certain stores because you think they are out of your price range. Thanks to sales and discounts, you can find affordable pieces at almost any store if you do a little digging. Do not ever count any new styles or items out, either. I make a point to try on something out of my comfort zone every time I go shopping. Take a risk. Maybe culottes are your thing, and you don’t even know it yet.

Once you have a clear set of shopping rules like those above to guide you, you can start to view your trips to stores with more strategy – and less impulse-buying – making the entire experience more pleasurable and profitable.