(via italktounicorns.com)
Through trial and error I’ve learned some invaluable rules of thumb to avoid repeating regrettable purchases. That said, I’m not an expert, these are merely tips I am sharing out of experience because both my friends and I find them quite helpful. Here’s hoping that you’ll find them as useful, so enjoy the first part of Dead Fleurette’s shopping guidelines.
When in doubt, size up.
Go for a size bigger if you’re not sure whether to size up or down, as it’s likely that the clothing will eventually shrink – though it depends on the fabric and cut. After all, slightly oversized clothes look so much better rather than something that looks too small, in which you can barely move. You don’t want to look as though you’re stuck in the 90s or that your metabolism is failing you, right? Also, it’s easier to adjust a garment that is too large, not to mention you might even put on a few extra kilos down the road.
Don’t just rely on your size. Shop for you body and try on other sizes as well.
I know so many people who always opt for their regular size even though the clothes may not flatter their body at all. Of course, I’m too chicken and, thankfully, well-mannered to tell them that a size bigger would do the clothing justice. So p-lease don’t buy S just because you’re considered a size small – size L might look fantastic on you if you give it a try. I always take three different sizes of an item into the dressing room just to make sure that I’ve got the right size.
Size down in leather shoes.
In general, I would buy the correct shoe size but when it comes to leather shoes I always size down, because like any leather shoe they’ll expand over time and mold to your foot a lot. You do want your shoes to fit like a glove after breaking them in properly. However, only size down if the shoes fit well in the length of the size.
Don’t buy clothes for a future, skinnier, taller or an alternate self.
Chances are you won’t wear them.
If you need someone’s objective opinion, ask a guy (or an Asian, lol).
I don’t really trust the sales assistants as they make every endeavor to trick you into buying. After all, it’s what they have to do. I wouldn’t consult a female either because of their competitive nature and mood swings (lol). However, guys rarely beat around the bush when it comes to expressing their honest opinion, and the same applies to Asians – I have noticed, truth be told. In my case, I usually turn to my family, as they are brutally honest!
Try on clothes that look ugly on the coat hanger.
Don’t overlook the clothes that look unappealing on the hanger. Once you try them on, you might discover that they prove the opposite. Remember, not all pretty items are tantamount to looking great on your body. Some of my cherished wardrobe staples are, as a matter of fact, items that I more often than not would totally ignore when searching for new wardrobe investments.
