Don't build a wardrobe around a fantasy lifestyle

Don’t build a wardrobe around a fantasy lifestyle

It can be so easy to get caught up in the shopping euphoria. You see a cute dress, it’s on sale (YES!), and you have nowhere to wear it BUT you talk yourself into buying the item. Some common statements I have heard: “it’s perfect for a shower”, “I can use it on my next vacation”, “I will find a place to wear it.” We have all been here. The problem is half the time the item sits in your closet with the price tags still attached and the item goes unworn. Why do we do this?

I believe that as women we tend to build a wardrobe around an unrealistic lifestyle, or what I like to call the “fantasy lifestyle.” If you have a closet full of clothes but feel that you have nothing to wear then you may be a victim of fantasy lifestyle shopping. What does this mean? Well, to begin we make statements to try and justify a purchase. If you are speaking in future tense then the item may be a culprit towards a fantasy purchase. If you can wear the item right now then it is something you will most likely use. Shop when you have an event to go to, not when you think you might have one in the future. Purchase items as you need them and don’t build a wardrobe around a fantasy lifestyle.

How to avoid building a wardrobe around a fantasy lifestyle

What is a fantasy lifestyle? It’s when you buy dresses because it’s cold outside and you think you live in Miami. It’s when you buy a jumpsuit for a bridal shower but none of your friends are getting married. Have you ever bought a sweater on sale but it’s 80 degrees outside? You think “Oh I will wear it next winter.” Next winter rolls around and that sweater is no longer appealing. Get where I am going with this? I have done this so many times and it’s toxic for me mentally, financially and emotionally. I have learned to buy for right now and to stop justifying items that don’t make sense for where I live, how I dress, and my current lifestyle.

Figure out your personal style. What colors do you gravitate towards? Pick items that you can take home with you and style easily with at least 3 other pieces in your wardrobe.
Purchase for current weather. Buy items that you can wear immediately. It’s ok to start preparing for the next season a little early but don’t go overboard. Only purchase “out of season” clothes if you are going on a trip that is in a different climate.
Wait for the event. Don’t buy clothes for nonexistent events. By the time said event arrives you will want to buy something new.
Dress your body as it is today. Maybe you plan on gaining or losing weight. It is great to have a goal but dress your body as it is right now. If you buy things hoping to fit into them in the future that may never happen and you still won’t have anything to wear today!