5 Things: Shopping Well

I find clothes shopping really difficult, I'm pretty sure I'm not cool/hipster/skinny enough to pull off 99% of what's available on the high street, and my lowly student budget doesn't quite stretch to designer! I tend to approach clothes shopping with military precision these days, I prefer to clothes shop alone when there's something specific I need! If you struggle too, here are my top tips for making shopping a less stressful experience!

1. Know what you're looking for. It's so much easier to shop with purpose, than it is to roam store after store waiting for something to pop out. Identify your style first, and then any gaps you have in your wardrobe, for example I know that I wear fairly simple, monochrome clothes, and right now I need new jeans, and plain tshirts. It's also worth having a quick search online before you head to the shops, to give you a rough idea of what's out there. And if you're struggling to find something, ask on Twitter! I have so many pieces I love that I found via lovely people on Twitter!
2. Think about your outfits. I follow a general rule when I'm shopping for everyday clothes, if I can't think of three outfits I would wear it with, using clothes I already own, then I don't buy it. Otherwise, I buy things with good intentions, and then only wear them once!
3. Check your sizing. I always used to be guilty of buying things even if they were the wrong size, because I wanted them so bad, but you never end up wearing it! If they don't have it in your size, you're not going to wear it if it's too big or too small! And buy things the right size anyway, don't be in denial about your size, it's just a number and it doesn't matter!
4. Invest in basics. Things like black jeans, plain tees, thick knits and good boots, the things you will wear all the time! Buy cheap, buy twice! Save the Primark sprees for trend items, and invest what you can in your basics, you won't regret it! 
5. Go mad for accessories. 90% of my outfits consist of skinny jeans and oversized plain tees, but I jazz them up with giant scarves, statement necklaces, big hats and cute shoes. Keeping a variety of accessories on hand means your less likely to get bored of an outfit quickly too!