I’ve always been a minimalist at heart. Clean lines, uncluttered areas, white spaces, and neutral or monochromatic color palettes bring me a sense of peace and calm. But until a few weeks ago, you wouldn’t have known it looking in my closet. It was packed with a mishmash of colors and styles I haven’t worn in years and won’t wear again, and it felt chaotic.
It’s better after I decluttered recently, but I still have more to sort through and clear out. And I have some gaps to fill, too, so I’ll be doing some strategic shopping this year. My goal is to build a well-curated closet with stylish pieces that stand the test of time. A big part of that includes shopping wisely. So today I’m sharing how I’m shopping smarter in 2020 and beyond.
Shop my closet first
In the past year, I’ve decluttered my closet three times, and each time I discovered old pieces I liked, but never wore. One of them was this black maxi skirt I’ve owned for at least seven years. I was able to play around, style it different ways with items in my closet, and put it back into circulation. On my most recent purge, I rediscovered some of these pieces below that were buried or forgotten. Again, using other items in my wardrobe, I created some new looks.
fringe jacket (newer version) || polka dot blouse || white booties || off-the-shoulder top || cropped pants || heels || necklace
Buy for my lifestyle
I live a pretty casual lifestyle. On most days around the house, I’m wearing these pants. I wear them ALL. THE. TIME! I’m wearing them now as I write this post. Not even kidding. I have them in two colors, and they’re the most comfortable things I own.
Even so, my husband and I like to dress up when we go out in Scottsdale or when we’re on a cruise (If interested, read about the places we like to go in Scottsdale and our most recent Caribbean cruise). The point is to make sure that what I’m buying is suitable for my mostly casual, often active/sporty, and sometimes dressy lifestyle.
cargo pants || similar striped sweater || sneakers || link necklace || resale luxury handbags here and here
Press the pause button
One smart shopping strategy I’ve already put in place is pausing and waiting in order to curb impulsive purchases. A couple of times this month, I’ve had items in an online shopping cart, and I waited a day or two. And guess what? I didn’t buy them. After putting on the brakes and then revisiting the cart later on, whatever first grabbed me about the items was gone. The waiting worked!
Also, because I have a better understanding of my true style now, I’m more mindful of my style sense and my needs when the urge to buy presents itself. If I know, without a doubt, that I’ll love it and use it, then I’ll go ahead with it.
Focus on sustainability
As I’m working to build my capsule wardrobe, I’m filling in gaps with items I know will be in my closet for years, like this leopard-print slip dress from All Saints. At the same time, I’m learning about retailers who engage in ethical and sustainable practices as this concept grows in awareness and increases in importance.
slip dress with cropped sweater || similar boots
These are a few retailers I support who operate with sustainable methods.
All Saints
7 For All Mankind
Eileen Fischer
Reformation
Everlane
One in, one out
Finally, when I bring something new into my closet this year, something old will have to go out. Whether it’s clothing, a pair of shoes, a purse, or jewelry, this will be one way to keep my wardrobe from getting too cluttered again, and it will make me think before I bring something new home!
And there you have it! These are five ways I’ll be shopping smarter in 2020 and beyond. I hope this has given you something to think about with how you’re shopping in this new year and decade. If you have other smart shopping strategies, please leave them in the comments, and as always, thank you so much for stopping by!
xo, Lisa
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I love your style Lisa. Classy, hip, and just different enough!!
You’re very sweet, Linda! Thank you!
xo, Lisa
Buying less and enjoying what I have more is my new mantra, and you provided a lot of inspiration here… Hey, I learned a new tip recently: A friend advised me to let items sit in my Amazon shopping cart for 3 days before purchasing. It’s true. The price often goes down!! – not by a lot, but over a year a nickel here and a dollar there add up to big savings.
I’m stealing your mantra! Good to know that about Amazon – I had no idea! Thanks for sharing.
xoxo, Lisa
Excellent tips! I’ve been in a decluttering mode this month and shopping my closet too. Waiting to purchase something is a great idea, those impulse buys are what I keep getting rid of!
Thanks, Patricia! I think a lot of people are doing the same this time of year.
xoxo, Lisa
Gosh, you are so good at this Lisa. I’ve gotten so out of control and I need to curb my spending.
One thing I try to do is wear an item 5 different ways (that’s what started me blogging that series) because then I feel like the piece is versatile and I will reach for it more.
OXOX
Jodie
That’s a good plan to make sure you can wear it several ways. I like that idea!
xoxo, Lisa
Such fantastic top tips Lisa! I really need to have a good old de-clutter soon, not only my stuff but things we’ve all gathered over the years, which really need to be moved on. It’s my goal this year for sure. I totally agree with you about building a capsule wardrobe, which will be adequate enough, and to think long and hard when making a purchase.
Alison xx
So glad you found it helpful, Alison! Good luck with your decluttering.
xx, Lisa
Whatever your style is called…I am a huge fan!! Minimalist, comfortably chic…it is so put together. Those joggers make a very polished everyday look. I have some black knit joggers but they look more like gym wear. Will be on the lookout for something like you shared.
Great tips for shopping smarter and managing your wardrobe. I have been taking photos of things I love while in the store. That kind of curbs my impulse to buy immediately. If I truly want/need whatever it is, I will go back for it. But lots of times, I don’t.
I am using the put things I want in the cart trick too!! I have a very full Amazon cart. When I go to purchase something that I really, truly need…a book, for example, I go through the cart and delete or save for later items I am not ready to purchase just yet. My bank account is thanking me.
That’s a great idea to take pics of items you like and wait to see if you want to go back for them. Love that tip! Thank you for the very kind words, Leslie! Your comments are appreciated. I hope you find those joggers you’re looking for.
xoxo, Lisa
I loved all your tips Lisa and also the title “Shop my closet first”. Also the tips from the other girls mentioned above were great and I will “steal” some of them too. Since I am from Greece I am not familiar the concept of retailers methods. Could you please explain in a few words how that works? XXX Rozina
Hi Rozina, I appreciate you visiting all the way from Greece, and so glad you found this helpful! I assume you’re referring to retailer’s sustainable practices in your question. A couple of ways fashion retailers incorporate sustainable and ethical practices include using recycled materials for clothing and packaging materials, moving away from fast fashion and making longer-lasting, quality clothing from natural fibers, and sourcing materials ethically with fair-trade practices. I hope this answers your question.
Lisa 🙂
I did Lisa. Thank you for your answer!!!