20 questions you need to ask yourself before you buy new clothing

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:54 pm

We all know the struggle. Should I buy this? Or should I not? Answer these 20 questions before setting down your hard earned money on more clothes you don’t need.

Is EVERYONE wearing this?
Trendy clothes, ugh. To love or not to love. Take a glance at the girls walking down Orchard Road. Dark green parka, kimono, knitted spag top, a-line denim skirt, culottes, strappy heels. If you’re like me, find your own fashion niche. Stand out in the crowd. On a separate note, I’m trying to make tulle tutu skirts a thing now. Join the tutu revolution.

Will this go out of trend soon?
You don’t want to be wearing something outdated. I still see girls wearing “NERD” crop tops these days. That is so 2010 *rolls eyes*

Do you have an outfit idea to go with this clothing item?
If the answer is no, you either put that back onto the rack or find something to go with it. Or the next thing you know, this top will be rotting away in the darkest corner of your wardrobe because you can’t find an occasion to wear it out.

Is it priced reasonably?
Take into consideration the quality, and whether you can find something of the same/similar design elsewhere. $30 for a top? I could buy that for $15 at bugis.

Will it flatter my body type?
“Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know”.
If you’re slightly on the plump side, vertical stripes and black are your best friend. It gives the illusion of a slimmer body.  People with broad shoulders should NEVER wear a top with capped sleeves/spaghetti straps. It only emphasizes your shoulders. Everyone’s body type is different so do try on your clothes before purchasing!

Will it fit?
Given that I’m a really petite girl, almost 70% of the bottoms I pick off the rack won’t fit my waist. I know, I know, first world problems..
My advice? Try it on. I’ve bought bottoms so large i could fit a whole arm in there (while i’m wearing it duh) because the shop owner goes, “小妹 this one confirm can fit you one”.

Do you already have something similar?
Well, if the answer is yes, then girl why are you still holding on to that dress? You already have one like that.

Will your mum/dad/grandparents scold you for buying this?
Are your parents more on the conservative side? Is this outfit too “sexy” for them to handle? If yes, better re-think your purchase because it might just go flying right out the window when they see it.

Is this an impulse buy?
Impulse buys are the worse buys to make. You buy clothes because they’re on sale only to bring it home and realise you’ll never wear it out.

Can your sibling wear this too?
If yes, great! Now you can coerce them into paying for half of it because you know they will want to borrow it. No, this is not being cheap, this is how people get rich.

Does your friend own something similar?
If they do, just borrow it from them! I have a friend who often raids my wardrobe every time she has somewhere special to go. That’s what friends are for.

How often will you wear it?
Unless you’re shopping for an outfit to wear to a wedding or something, the answer to this should be about every 3-4 weeks. You pay good money for that clothing item, so don’t buy it just to wear it once or twice! There is no shame in re-wearing clothes.

Is it versatile?
Can you match it differently and come up with many different outfit ideas? Get more bang out of your buck. How great would it be to be able to wear the same top everyday, but styled differently? It’s like paying a flat fee for 5 outfits. #win

Do you REALLY like it?
I have personally caved in a few times because it’s a trendy item, everyone has it and I want one too! Jade is not smart, don’t be like Jade.

How long can it last me?
Check the quality of the material. If it felt like it’s well made, I don’t mind forking out another $15. But if it’s made cheaply, that **** better be only ten buck, because we all know that it will fall apart in a matter of weeks. Well, you do pay for what you get.

Will the fabric cause a heatstroke?
In sunny Singapore, we know of no sweatshirts, no trench coats. But do note that that are some fabrics that trap heat more than others: denim, leather (pvc or real), knitted, etc.

Am I buying it because a blogger/instagrammer has it?
Now, let me make it clear. Those girls seem to have something about them that makes everything look good on them. We, ordinary people do not. Will that item look as good on us as compared to them? Probably not.

Will I seem out of place wearing this in Singapore?
Oh Singapore, where even in Orchard Road we find people in flip flops. Unless you can work that extravagant outfit in a sea full of people who are casually dressed, that peacock printed jacket of yours is a definite no.

Is it comfortable?
Don’t settle for something that is uncomfortable but fashionable. Just be like “Never mind I’ll find someone like you, but more comfy”. Just don’t say that out loud, people are going to think you’re insane.

Have your friends given it a thumbs up?
In the wise words of Gretchen Weiners, you wouldn’t buy a skirt without asking your friends first if it looks good on you.

Top Image: imtmphoto / Shutterstock.com