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Important questions to ask when clothes shopping

Buying clothes can be a daunting activity for even the most seasoned shoppers.

So often we end up with clothes we don’t need and won’t wear, that don’t fit us or won’t last past one season.

When those fluorescent lights are bearing down and a giant ‘sale’ sign is beckoning, it’s easy to slip into bad decision-making.

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But with the right questions in mind, you can make that shopping assistant work harder for their money, and emerge on top and in a great outfit.

According to the experts, it’s all about arming yourself with a bulletproof plan, knowing store policies and choosing fabrics made to last.

Have a plan of attack

Good shopping starts at home, says stylist Sally Mackinnon of Styled by Sally.

David Jones

What’s more stressful than department store shopping in a rush? Photo: AAP

Ms Mackinnon suggests going through your wardrobe and making a list of ‘gaps’, or things you really need.

You’ll also need to reserve a proper chunk of time so you won’t feel time-pressed and make rushed decisions.

“Don’t just go in on your lunch break, or in between kids’ activities,” she said.

Ms Mackinnon directs her clients to wear clothing that’s “comfortable and easy to take off” when shopping.

That means no shoe laces and no complicated fastenings – “You’ll just get p****ed off,” she said.

Wear your nicest undergarments when shopping for a fancy outfit, and for women, consider bringing some shape wear and heels.

“Gone are the days when you could rely on a few pairs of shoes being provided, thanks to new health and safety laws.”

Know what to ask

Once you’re in the store, it’s time to capitalise on the sales assistant’s knowledge.

“If you want your clothes to last a long time, you need to ask for information about the fabric and washing instructions,” said Ms Mackinnon.

After all, if that beautiful silk top is ‘dry clean only’, there’s a chance you won’t ever be bothered to wear it.

Certain fabrics will irritate sensitive skin, so ask the assistant if an item is made of a synthetic material.

It’s also worthwhile asking if wool blends will ‘pill’ or shed, or if shoes are likely to stretch a half size.

Before buying anything online, CHOICE spokesperson Tom Godfrey advises checking the brand’s social media pages or Google for coupons and special discounts.

“Create a new email address for special offers and sign up to a bunch of mailing lists and loyalty programs,” he said.

“You can then check the email when you’re looking for a bargain without having your regular inbox clogged up.”

Beware the shopping ‘rush’

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Make sure you’re not just being sucked in by that tempting ‘sale’ sign. Photo: AAP

Mr Godfrey warns that the psychological effects of shopping could lead to bad decisions.

“Shopping can cause the brain to release dopamine, the same pleasure pathway activated by food, sex and drugs,” he said.

“That’s why it feels good, and why you need tools to rein you in.”

While shopping is necessary (and often enjoyable), Mr Godfrey advises asking yourself: “Why am I shopping? Is it to make me feel better?”

“Buying for pleasure is fine as long as that’s what you planned to do,” he said.

What if you change your mind?

If you’re not 100 per cent sure on an item, give yourself 10 minutes to cool off, said Mr Godfrey.

But no matter how prepared you are, there’s always a chance that you’ll get home and ask yourself: “What have I done?”

To arm yourself against your own volatile mind, ask a store’s change of mind policy before you purchase.

“Places like David Jones and Myer are very lenient, whereas smaller boutiques may not be,” said Ms Mackinnon.

The important questions to ask

1. Before leaving the house: Why am I shopping?

2. What fabric is this made of? Is it synthetic?

3. What are the care instructions? Is it really ‘dry-clean only’?

4. Will this fabric pill or shred?

5. Is this likely to stretch?

6. Does this shop have any special deals or discounts on at the moment?

7. What’s your ‘change of mind’ policy?

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