5 Biggest Money Mistakes When Shopping For Clothes

Joanna Lovering is the Founder and CEO of Copper + Rise, a New York City-based style coaching service dedicated to personal and professional empowerment. A passionate stylist and trained executive coach, Joanna pairs her seasonal sensibilities with leadership development techniques to help clients rise to the next level. 

Money Mistake #1: Heading to the sale section first. 

You might think that by heading to the sale section first and bypassing the full-priced racks up front, you’re doing your wallet a favor. But retailers are on to you! Many stores will increase their regular prices to ensure they don’t lose money on sales--meaning that, while the sale price looks like a bargain, it’s really not. Some stores will also discount items just slightly--say, 10%. This way, the item sits in the sale section...but let’s be real, it’s pretty close to being full-price.

Remember, items are on sale for a reason: they haven’t been sold. As a general rule, sale items aren’t the best items. You may score a great deal now and again, but the sale section shouldn’t be your first stop every time. 

How to avoid this mistake: Force yourself to look at as much of the store’s assortment as you can. One full-price item that you absolutely love is much better than two “eh” sale items.

Money Mistake 2: Being swayed into purchasing an item because it’s “cheap.” 

We’ve all done it: we feel pressured to buy something when the price is low. Perhaps the item isn’t exactly what you wanted, but, because it’s cheap enough, you’re willing to compromise.  

No no NO! Here’s my rule of thumb: if it isn’t good enough, you should spend $0 on it. If you purchase something just because of its low price, I guarantee it won’t bring you the ROI or the joy you’re looking for. It doesn’t matter how inexpensive it is. 

How to avoid this mistake: Be aware of your thought process during decision time. If you catch yourself saying, “But it’s only X dollars,” buyer beware!

Money Mistake #3: Purchasing an item in the wrong size without the intention to alter it.

Sometimes, you convince yourself that you should purchase an item, even when it’s not exactly the right fit. Maybe it’s the low price, or the fact that it’s the last one available and you don’t want to miss out. Or maybe you’re sick and tired of shopping and you just need something. So what if it gaps, bunches, or needs to be shortened or lengthened? It can always be altered, right?

Well, yes...but are you going to alter it? All too often, people purchase items with the intention to alter them, and then those garments end up hanging in their closet with the tags on. Or they get worn, but they just don’t fit right, and you have to constantly adjust and fix them. 

How to avoid this mistake: Unless you genuinely intend on bringing this item to be altered (if you even can--some alterations aren’t possible!), then do not buy it. If an item is ill-fitting, your body will know and you’ll feel uncomfortable the entire time you wear it. Not worth it! Also, keep in mind that getting an item altered can be an investment in itself, depending on the alteration.

Money Mistake #4: Not knowing what you already have in your closet.

Taking inventory of what you already own is incredibly helpful before you’re going to shop. Knowing what you already have will help prevent you from buying your fifth black sweater, and will also remind you to buy a matching top for those amazing pants you bought so long ago but haven’t worn yet. If you don’t know what you already have, you can’t maximize your clothes to their fullest potential. You’re probably spending money on “repeat” items (things that are so similar that they don’t serve a unique purpose) while never filling the gaps in your wardrobe that actually do exist. 

How to avoid this mistake: Some people have spreadsheets of their existing wardrobe, but I don’t get that serious about it. All you really need is to set aside 20 minutes to go through your closet before a shopping excursion. Keep mental notes, or take pictures to help you remember!

Money Mistake #5: Zombie shopping.

We’ve all done it--zone out at the end of the day and scroll scroll scroll through your shopping apps. (Personally, I’ll do this late at night while lying in bed with the lights off.) When your credit card info is saved into every device you own, it’s wayyyy too easy to go from browsing to buying. Maybe you’ll be happy with the purchases...or maybe you won’t! It’s honestly a toss up when you’re zombie shopping. 

How to avoid this mistake: One way to combat this habit is to be truly present when you’re shopping, especially online shopping. If scrolling through your shopping apps is part of your routine and actually does relax you, go ahead and do it--but zombie window shop only. This means putting all the items in your cart, and then going to bed. Don’t buy anything until the next day. I can almost guarantee that most of the time you’ll forget you even have items in some lonely cart somewhere.

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