Before you buy any spring clothes, do these five things

Are you ready to shop on purpose and have a PLAN for what you’re buying this spring? Before you buy any spring clothes, do these five things.

I want you to show UP to your life and your business beautifully, confidently and authentically. I DON’T want you to waste time and money shopping for items that are going to end up sitting in your closet all season.

**2023 update! The Spring/Summer Closet Outfit Planner here takes the guesswork out of everything below. I hope you’ll check it out. I truly appreciate every purchase!**

UPDATED + Free printable!

Click here to download your FREE guide + worksheet!

Shop on purpose following these easy steps:

1. Revisit your Color Code to remind yourself of

• your “pop” colors (tops, jackets, scarves and jewelry–anything worn close to your face)
• your best neutrals (usually black, brown, gray, denim)
• whether to wear white or ivory
• whether to wear black or brown
• whether to wear gold or silver

Hint: Unless you are Warm (red-headed) or Cool (silver-headed), you can wear white AND ivory, black AND brown and gold AND silver.

You’ll want to make a note of the spring colors that are your pop colors. While mustard yellow is a hot color, very few people can wear it close to their face. Also, my Deeps don’t belong in the pastel tones that are popular for spring–you need to look for jewel-tone versions.

I wrote all about it in this updated post: Spring colors for your Color Code

If you don’t know what your Color Code is, consider Phoenix Color Analysis

I have boards for every Color Code on Pinterest, too.

2. Do a wardrobe inventory. Note the pieces you have to work with (make sure they fit and flatter you–yes, you should try them on) and the pieces you need.

The BEST way to do that is with my “Love Your Wardrobe!” ebook! It takes you step by step through the process or decluttering, organizing AND shopping on purpose. It’s free when you sign up for my email list! Use the form below or in the sidebar.

You can use this Spring/Summer check-list from Shari Braendel’s book:

___ 2 pairs of shorts

___ 1 pair of capris or cropped pants

___ 2 pairs of lightweight pants in your style preference

___ 4-5 tops in flattering colors and styles

___ 1 lightweight sweater or jacket

___ 2 summer dresses

___ 1 lightweight skirt

___ comfy casual flats or sandals

___ trendy sandals in a higher heel, or wedge

___ swimsuit and cover-up

___ 3-4 trendy accessories

___ summer tote or bag

I would also add…

___ denim jacket

___ special occasion dress

If you wear more shorts and less dresses or vice versa, simply adjust accordingly.

3. Make a list of what you’re doing this spring, and the outfits or pieces you need to wear.

Are you traveling to a warmer or colder climate? Maybe you need a rain coat. 

Are you hosting or attending a party?

Are you speaking or teaching?

Are you having photos done?

Are you attending something that requires specific clothing pieces? Maybe you need a new outfit for the charity golf tournament or a formal gown for a fundraiser.

4. Visit your “My Style” Pinterest board to see what spring outfits and pieces speak to you.

I have you do this now because if you just start buying pieces to make the outfits you admire, you may not actually have the occasion to WEAR them without step three first. Or you’ll buy that new coat but it won’t really be your style so you’ll feel lousy wearing it.

You can also search on Pinterest by the pieces you already own for more outfit inspiration.

If you already have mint green jeans, search “mint green jeans outfit” and pin the ones you love. If there are color combinations you’re digging, search by that, like “navy and coral outfit.” Doing this will help you look at what you already own with fresh eyes and will help you decide on what you need.

Here’s my “My Style” Pinterest board:

Follow TabithaDumas.com’s board Tab:: my style on Pinterest.

5. Make your shopping list. 

Think in terms of outfits.

Pieces don’t get worn if you don’t know how to put them into outfits.

You love the look of a tiered skirt, tee shirt and denim jacket–you just need the denim jacket.

You’re digging the “jeans, t-shirt and scarf” weekend outfit but you don’t have any quality tees that fit.

You got cute new metallic wedge heels but you’d like a skirt or two for work to wear them with.

Make your list.

MAKE SURE that EVERY piece of spring clothes on your list (and every piece you buy)…

• is the right color
• flatters your figure
• works with what you already have
• is something you need
• works for your everyday work and weekend life and/or your upcoming events (in other words, if you don’t know when you’d ever wear it, don’t buy it)
• suits your style.

Now you’re ready to shop on purpose for your spring clothes!

I recommend taking a (kind AND honest) friend along and sticking to your list…while remaining open minded to new possibilities.

Let me know if you have any questions…or show me what you buy! Remember…

Get your checklist and worksheet HERE