One of the most common fashion questions I get is from women who say they don’t know where to begin when shopping. Listen to what Debbie had to say and see if it sounds anything like you. She said, “I go shopping only when necessary. If I have a wedding or special event I have to attend I run to the closest mall (usually on my way home from work!) and end up extremely frustrated because I can’t find anything I like, and when I do try on a few things nothing looks good on me so I just call it quits and head home and end up with nothing to wear. I have a lot of clothes but I don’t like any of them. ”

Shopping for clothes is like going to the grocery store. Don’t go when you’re hungry! If you go when you absolutely HAVE to have something to wear for a special occasion or a weekend outing, nine times out of ten you’ll end up with a dress or jeans you really don’t like, doesn’t fit well or won’t ever wear again. Or you’ll be like Debbie and go home empty handed and feel as if you have nothing to wear.

Going shopping when you’re “hungry” for something new is like going to the grocery store when you’re starving and grab food items you normally would never purchase, get them home and either don’t eat them OR you eat it and feel angry at yourself for doing so!

How do you shop on purpose and not on impulse? It takes planning. Here are ten tips to help you shop with less agitation and more fulfillment.

1. Know what you have in your closet. Keep your clothes organized by style and color, from short to long. This way you can see what you have at a glance.

2. Keep a shopping list nearby. If you notice your jeans getting a little ratty, add them to the list. Could you use a few more tops? Write that down. Are your black dress pants looking tired? Add it to your list.

3. If you were invited to a special occasion event this weekend, would you have an outfit to wear? If not, put it on the list. If so, do you have the right accessories and shoes to go with it?

4. Do you have items in your wardrobe that mix and match? A good rule is 3 tops to every 1 bottom. If you have 4 bottoms and 12 tops, you have a lot of options that can take you through and entire season with a good selection of items you can mix and match.

5. When buying something new (except for a special occasion outfit), make sure it goes with at least 2 things you already own.

6. Check your shoes. Do you need a new pair of casual flats for the season? Perhaps you could use a spring or summer sandal. Don’t wait until the season sneaks up on you and realize you need to run out and get a pair of shoes to go with your spring and summer clothes from last year because they are worn out. Add that to your list.

7. Shop without children (if at all possible) and don’t rush. Go early in the morning when you’re at your best and take your list along. Only look for things on your list. Keep your list in your purse and if you’re out and you see something on your list, pick it up then.

8. How’s your handbag? Will it take you into the new season or can you pull out your bag from last year? Is it still in good shape?

9. Add a few new accessories to your list. Find earrings, necklaces and bracelets in colorful hues to bring pizzazz to your wardrobe.

10. Only buy colors that look good on you. For a free color analysis, go to www.ColorEnalysis.com and find out your dominant color characteristic.

When you shop on purpose you’ll have more confidence in dressing and won’t end up a frustrated mall shopper with nothing to wear. If you’re a thrift store shopper, the same rules apply. Once you have your basic mix and match wardrobe together, you’ll be able to add items that will make you look and feel beautiful. Shopping will become effortless and you’ll become queen of your closet! Check my blog occasionally to see what the new colors are each season, too. This way you will look on-trend even when you feel off-kilter!

For easy planning, click here for a free Wardrobe Plan Sheet to get you started.