How to stop “Panic Buying” for good

I recently had the pleasure of meeting 3 new female clients. All are in their 40’s with impressive careers - meaning they constantly receive invitations to social events. Typical invitations include: Wimbledon, Ascot, Conference Week-ends, Cocktail Parties, to name a few. Despite wanting to attend such events, all admitted feeling a sense of dread when it came to deciding what to wear. This feeling is usually followed by a ‘panic’ shopping trip to Hobbs, L K Bennett or Joseph. Whilst I have no issue with these brands (in moderation!) shopping this way seldom results in a positive experience. Rather than loving their chosen outfits women tend to think “oh well, at least I’ve got something - it’ll do” – never a great feeling when heading off to a fabulous event. Here’s my advice to avoid this feeling and an invitation to attend an event to ensure you never ‘panic buy’ again.

• Whilst you may need to adhere to dress codes this doesn’t mean buying outfits you don’t love or that don’t suit you. Look at your favourite item of clothing – what is it that makes it your favourite – is it length, cut, colour, shape? Bear this in mind when purchasing something new.
• Beware of stores that want to sell you every accessory to go with your new purchase. Typically these will include a bolero cardigan, pashmina, handbag, belt and shoes. STOP! Over-matching accessories is the quickest way to ruin an outfit.
•  Ensure the outfit you are about to purchase isn’t too ‘high maintenance’. By this I mean – will it only look good if you crash diet a week before; if you are trussed up in support underwear; if you will always need to have a fake tan before wearing it? If it does it will never be something you reach for again as it’ll never be effortless to wear.
• If you always choose the more “corporate stores” to purchase your outfit you’ll be amongst a host of other career women doing exactly the same. Avoid looking ‘typical’ by mixing up the high-street; mixing smart with casual pieces and adding your own personality with a great accessory.
• Ask yourself if you really need something new to wear. On occasions where I don’t feel good in anything (we all get those days don’t we?), rather than panic buying I wear the simplest outfit I own and concentrate on getting a fabulous blow dry, buying a new lipstick and wearing my favourite statement shoes. It always works for me and stops me wasting money on expensive mistakes.

If ‘panic buying’ resonates with you and you’d like to stop simply complete the form below and you’ll receive more information on a Women’s Style Event on this very subject. It would be an absolute pleasure to help you.

Have a great week-end and feel free to share this post.