Panic Shopping Solutions

Everyone has engaged in panic shopping at one time or another. Be truthful: Is it getting out of control? Are you spending money but not seeing a return on your investment. Clothes are expensive. One way to cut that expense is to do less panic shopping. Here’s how.

Panic Shopping Situation: Have you ever said to yourself, “Oh my gosh, I’ve got to go shopping. My (fill the blank...) is driving me crazy!” Using shopping to temporarily distract you from a tough emotional situation might work for a couple of hours but then afterwards you have less money, more stuff you don’t know what to do with, and the problems you ran away from still exist. Panic Shopping Solution:

Keep the cash in your pocket and the credit cards tucked away. Instead make a coffee date with a friend. With a change of scenery and the opportunity to vent your emotions, you’ll get some relief and avoid the pain of a big credit card bill in two weeks. Shopping is most effective when you’re mentally in a good place and can think clearly.

Panic Shopping Situation: You open your closet and you’re sure you have nothing to wear. Although you can’t put your finger on what’s actually missing from your wardrobe, it seems imperative that you go shopping NOW! When you get home from your shopping trip you have new stuff but still can’t seem to pull a complete outfit together.

Panic Shopping Solution:

Before you head out shopping, do a simple clothes exercise. Choose one statement piece from your closet and create an outfit based around that piece. Now that you’ve created one outfit, try to place it. Is it a casual errands outfit, going out for dinner, or brunch with your friends. Once you’ve done that, then challenge yourself to take that same piece and create a different type of outfit with that same piece.

Now if that exercise seems very hard for you or you feel like you lack the knowledge to implement this tip, hiring a professional can not only help you learn to implement this technique, butthey can also help you create outfits you could never have imagined, all without having to go shopping!

There is a two-step solution to this one, and they both rely on getting professional help. Although you can’t figure out what to do with the new pieces you’ve purchased, a wardrobe coach might have some great ideas. She can take a look at your purchases and sift through your existing wardrobe. In the end, she’ll have You’ll feel deep satisfaction.

Or resist the urge to panic shop in the first place and call a professional instead. You’ve been looking at your clothes for a long time. It’s common to feel disillusioned. You may need some new items or maybe you don’t. A professional shopper can help you assess your needs and fill in the gaps with just the right pieces.

The wild card of your closet

One piece of advice I would give my clients is to have some “wild cards” in your closet that would allow you to create the perfect look in a minute and head to the door. As an example, a wide leg pants. You can pair with a loose crisp shirt and pumps for dinner, or with a t-shirt and wedges for lunch with friends, or with a silk blouse, a statement jacket, strappy sandals and some sparkly jewelry for a more refined look.

Panic Shopping Situation: You have an event that requires you to wear an outfit that you don’t normally wear. If you’re scheduled to make a professional presentation and your home office work attire is yoga pants and a t-shirt, of course you’re panicked. Or you’re a city girl strutting confidently on hard pavement between tall buildings and you’ve been invited to a destination wedding that involves the sand and ocean. When faced with unusual-to-you clothing requirements, it’s easy to go into a store and quickly overspend to make up for your lack of confidence in this area.

Panic Shopping Solution:

When you don’t know how to dress for a new situation, don’t be afraid to admit you need help. If giving a presentation, find out the dress code of the company you are presenting at and dress a level up from that, you can always make some minor changes when you arrive on site to make your outfit more casual if need be. Another great resource is Pinterest or TikTok (Yes! TikTok); they can provide inspiration as to your look and you may find out that what you need is already part of your closet.

Finally, if you don’t have the time to research looks or you don’t know if a particular look works for you, an image consultant can help. She not only has the knowledge of what styles will work for your particular body, coloring, and personality, she has seen a plethora of different clients and needs. Your situation isn’t a mystery to her. With her guidance, you won’t overspend, and you’ll be totally confident while having new experiences in clothes that feel like you.

Panic Shopping Situation: A major change has taken place. You’ve moved to a different climate, you’ve gotten a new job in a new field, or you’re suddenly single again and need some dating clothes. It seems like you need lots of new things and you need them quickly. You go shopping and come home with the fashion season’s latest trends but somehow nothing feels right.

Panic Shopping Solution:

When big changes have taken place, it’s best to go back to basics. Instead of buying whole new outfits to fit your new reality, take classic pieces already part of your wardrobe and elevate them in a very intentional manner: statement piece of jewelry, chunky sandals, a trench coat. An image consultant can also teach you how to express your best self in clothes. Instead of purchasing whole new outfits,, she can help you make intentional purchases that align with your style and can be used across your wardrobe.

Why did I mention an Image consultant in all of the solutions? It is because our expertise enables you to perceive your wardrobe and your own style identity through a fresh lens. With our guidance, you can cultivate a transformative journey, revolutionizing the way you approach shopping and dressing on a daily basis, regardless of the occasion.

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