Our Shopping Guide, Exposed: How To Shop Like A Professional Stylist

Shhh! We’re unlocking some of our top, shopping secrets… just for you.

With over 70+ years of collective fashion experience, our team of stylists know a thing or two about sourcing pieces.

Lots of people operate under the assumption that style is just a matter of having the right eye. And while, yes, that’s of course a piece of it, so much of it comes down to intentionality!

Ready to steal our trade shopping secrets? Scroll through to discover our styling firm’s tips for how to shop like the pros.

1.) Treat shopping like a grocery trip

Shopping can still be just as fun and stress-free when done intentionally.

You go to the grocery store with a list. So why is heading to Easton or our lovely local boutiques any different?

And, yes, just like when you pass the ice cream aisle and decide to get that pint that wasn’t on the list as your “special treat,” you can do the same by picking up an unexpected, stand out piece that speaks to you.

Think of it this way: if you only went home with pints of ice cream (aka the “stand outs”) and never stocked the fridge with the everyday ingredients for real meals (the pieces that serve your wardrobe & outfitting goals), you’d be left hungry. That’s how people get trapped in the cycle of heading right back to the store over and over again, creating that never-ending spend cycle.

2.) Do your brand research

The shopping prep puzzle goes beyond knowing what to shop for. It also comes down to knowing where the shopping will take place.

One of the best ways to determine where to shop starts with having a clear spend goal.

Whether the sky is the limit or you’re being financially conscious, understanding your spend goals helps you determine what brands align with your goals.

If your budget is X, go to stores that sell in the X range. If your budget is Y, go to stores that sell in the Y range. Knowing which stores and designers align with your spend goals ahead of time helps you skip the price tag hassle.

3.) Know when to invest…

Even though we all have different spend goals, the same rings true. Know which pieces are and aren’t worth the investment for you and your lifestyle.

If you’re in business professional wear from 9-5 (and let’s be honest, it’s 8-6 with commute traffic), then ensuring your trousers & button-ups are quality & comfortable is going to be a higher priority for you than splurging on your weekend dinner wear.

If you’re that girl or guy who lives in denim day in and day out, put that extra money into investing in some key pairs you can swap around. It will help with longevity and getting the maximum return on your investment.

4.) …And when not to

Not every piece is going to be in it for forever. This is especially true with trends you’re on the fence about.

For example, if you love the scarf styling trend as much as our team does, it makes sense to splurge on a silk piece that you’ll be maximizing use out of.

But, if you’re not quite certain but still want to try it out, try swinging for a more budget-friendly scarf to start.

Remember: This does not mean we encourage you to contribute to fast fashion. Shopping intentionally at a lower spend point looks like finding affordable, ethical-practice brands. You can also hit the sale racks at higher-end retailers!

5.) Knowing fabrics is your friend

Generally speaking, items with high-quality cottons, silk, cashmere, wool, and leather are higher-quality natural fibers. Therefore, they’re likely going to yield higher-quality pieces. Man-made fabrics like lyocell, modal, and cupro can also be great finds.

Beyond just looking at quality, look at what fabrics fit your lifestyle and personal needs.

If you’re sitting at a desk all day in a business professional setting, you may want to avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily.

If you’re going through hormonal changes (ladies, if you know, you know), you may want to start prioritizing fabrics that are more breathable and lightweight.

6.) The “3 Ways” Rule

Our golden rule is that if you can’t see yourself styling the piece in at least three different outfits, it’s not the right fit for you.

Yes, we’re professional stylists and we can often come up with unique ways to cook up a look with any piece.

But if we’re not shopping for you, it’s time to tap into your stylistic instincts.

You don’t have to be able to automatically envision a full-blown outfit in your head. Rather, break it down to the basics. Like what shirts you could envision with that new pair of pants, or what skirt or shorts you would pair with that new tank.

The exception to this rule is of course special occasion pieces (ex: wedding guest dresses), but you get the vision.

Want a personal shopper to take it off your plate?

Book now with one of our personal stylists today.