5 tips to Shop Smart: Staple Closet Items

Feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by your wardrobe? Already feeling buyers remorse after those Memorial Day sales you went a little too crazy with? I’ve been there, and I know the struggle. We are in an overly-saturated materialistic culture. While our closets are filled to the brim, we still can’t seem to find anything to wear. It’s time we reclaim our closets and stop them from controlling us: our budget, our time, and our mental/emotional energy. We can do this by thoughtfully implementing staple items into our wardrobe.

In short, staple closet pieces are articles of clothing/accessories that stand the test of time, stylistically and in quality. They can be worn in mulitiple outfits in a variety of different ways.

First off, I want to debunk this myth:

Staple pieces=investment pieces

In other words, this myth is saying that if you want a staple closet item, it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg. Sometimes yes, investing in a higher-end item can be a great staple item. Because of the good quality, you know it will stand the test of time. HOWEVER, you can also find staple items that have an affordable price tag. (Just as an expensive item can be impractical and will end up sitting in the back of your closet.) Check out this post I wrote a while back on investment pieces for when to splurge vs. when to save.

Here are 5 key tips to help you shop smart:

1. Dress for your body type

try on different silhouettes, different fabrics, patterns, and colors. What works for you? If you don’t know, ask a trusted friend to help, or hire a personal stylist to help.

When a piece of clothing is flattering on your specific body type, you can wear it well and confidently, even over several seasons/years.

For instance, I have a petite, pear shaped body type. Fit and flare dresses that hit just a touch above the knee are the most flattering dress silhouette for me. I have a couple of these style dresses that I wear regularly and I’ve had them for YEARS.

2. dress for your lifestyle

As a mom, my wardrobe looks very different than when I worked an office job. Sometimes I’m tempted to buy another stiletto heel. But in reality, the nude pair and black pair that I’ve had for years only get worn for special occasions as it is. Countless numbers of 5 inch heels are not a practical purchase for me right now. Do I still want to look put together? Yes!

I just need to find footwear that allows me to chase around my little blessing of a daughter, because that is the season God has placed me in and that is the season I should dress for.

3. Purchasing trendy pieces are OK, in moderation

just limit it to one or two items per season, and if possible look for budget friendly options. Recognize that it might not be an item you’ll wear for the long haul, and budget accordingly. Do I think the jumpsuit trend is going to last forever? Definitely not. Does this mean you shouldn’t buy one? not necessarily. (But see point number 1 for why I haven’t gotten on board with that trend… it’s not flattering on my body type!)

Speaking of budgets,

4. Don’t buy clearance/sale items just because it’s a steal of a deal.

I might step on some toes here. I have been a clearance rack hunter for a long time, and though I still always look there first when I enter a store (my mother taught me well), I see more value in waiting and saving up to buy something I truly love than just settling for something I can afford now. Ask yourself before you buy, is this something I truly love and need? Or is it just the low price tag that is tempting me?

5. Avoid impulse/emotional purchases.

This is where we really need to stop and check our hearts.

Do you find yourself shopping as a fix for when you’re upset, bored, or to get away from “reality”?

Sisters, i’m calling us out on it- shopping has become an idol in many of our hearts. I’m the first to feel conviction over this.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

When we begin to grow envious and covet others clothing, or let discontentment rule in our hearts, we are allowing sin to creep into our lives. Confess it before the Lord and ask Him to change your heart. Give thanks for blessing of the material items you have.

To dig deeper on this, see Col. 3:1-17, Ephesians 5:1-21

If you’re ready to reclaim your closet, maybe it’s time for you to go through your clothing, pick out some of those staple items you already own. Get rid of the pieces you haven’t worn in over a year or that don’t fit with your lifestyle. Chat with a friend about what styles look best on you. Lastly, have a heart check next time you have the desire to shop and see where your motives are behind it.

Read part two of this Staple Closet Items series to shop for some great pieces!

#Fashion #stapleitems