Shop the Looks: Summer Staples
Alternate title: I’m failing my 12 in 2022 Challenge.
Summer heat and lack of shorts that properly fit (plus a dash of self loathing) led to me purchasing 6 items (only one fair-trade) in one afternoon. But here’s the deal - I’m not mad at myself for it in the slightest.
First, this Challenge has 100% slowed my mindless shopping habit waaaaay down. I’m at 11 official purchases this year which does not include pajamas, swimsuits, fitness wear, or shoes (changed that up for the original parameters). I guarantee that’s far less than I would have purchased in years passed.
Second, my fitness efforts have increased the size of my legs and bum which is amazing! However, it also means that some shorts that used to fit fine, now look too short or don’t comfortably cover my rear.
In addition to positive body changes, I’ve also indulged in more sweets and alcohol for the past few months due to moving stress and now living in a gorgeous, feels like vaca all the time, city. (How do you not drink beer and eat ice cream daily when living in paradise??!) I’ve honestly just had some moments of being unhappy with my physique (particularly my mid-section) and I wanted some hot weather shirts that weren’t super fitted for those days I want my shape less exposed.
I am getting my nutrition back on track so I’m not feeling like this forever, but I also understood that forcing my body into smaller clothes or tight tops that I didn’t feel confident in wasn’t going to help my mental state. So I shopped.
Now the key to shopping mindfully, and what this original challenged helped me learn, is that you don’t just shop for anything you find “cute”, but you shop with intentionality. Here’s how you can add to your wardrobe less often and with more confidence:
Keep a running list of voids in your closet. For me, this was a great pair of wide leg jeans that I could throw on for a date night and feel casual and sexy.
I live in St Petersburg, Fl now. Do I really need an extra pair of jeans? No, but I’ve had opportunities to wear jeans and consistently wish I had a pair in this particular style. So when the time came to make a purchase, I felt confident I would put them to use often enough to justify the purchase.Focus on basics as often as possible. Look, I know we might need that statement dress sometimes, but realistically, how much use will it get? To avoid shopping more than you need to, focus your purchases on great basics.
I stuck with black and white tops in classic shapes that work great for Florida’s weather. Each top can pair with each bottom providing me with lots of options for creating outfits.Give yourself limits. So I may not achieve my original goal of only 12 purchases in 2022, but having these limits has most definitely caused me to be more thoughtful in my shopping.
There are numerous items I’ve added to my wishlist that two months later I had zero desire to purchase anymore. That is a huge reminder as to why slowing down our consumption is so necessary. Will you really want that “amazing top” three months from now? Maybe not.
Create a limit of some sort whether that be a timeline you need to wait prior to purchasing or a specific number of items you want to purchase in the month or year. Just give yourself some sort of guideline to help you pause and evaluate the need prior to spending.Get to know your style preferences. Are you shopping for something that truly represents you? As I’ve slowed down my shopping habit, I’ve noticed items in my closet that really don’t match my current aesthetic.
If you’re unsure of your style, try creating a Pinterest board to represent the looks you’re most drawn to. Then use those outfits as inspiration for your own styling. You can recreate looks with your existing wardrobe and make a wishlist for items that you don’t yet have, but that would help round out your style.
Just remember to be realistic with your style goals. Will that particular look work for your lifestyle?
Look, clothing is meant to fit our bodies. Our bodies are not made to fit clothing. If you need new sizes, go for it! There’s no shame in needing to purchase a larger size.
Feeling good in what you wear can make a huge impact on how you show up in life. Make the adjustments you need in order to feel confident, but just remember the temporary dopamine hit from shopping will not sustain you.
Slow down and really process through the why of the purchase prior to adding to cart. I promise we can shop less and feel more confident in our selections as long as we give ourselves time.
Need help pairing down your wardrobe? Check out my Closet Edit Services here. You can also download a free Starter Capsule Wardrobe Guide.
Affiliate Link Disclaimer: Please note that some of the items are affiliate links, meaning I’ll make a small commission on your purchase at no additional cost to you. This allows me to support my business while avoiding the old-school designer mark-up on products included in your designs or capsules. All products I recommend are selected based on quality, style, and their ability to fulfill your needs. Products are never selected based on my affiliate commission. (It’s not that profitable, y’all.) Have any questions? Just ask.