The Outfit Regret Test: 6 Questions to Ask Before Your Next Fashion Purchase

Introduction

This happens to us all the time. You put an item in your basket at midnight, it takes a week to arrive, and it lands in the back of your wardrobe with the price tag still on. This is what shopping regret is, and most of the time, it is caused by not asking yourself some simple questions before making a purchase. This article presents you with six such questions that are quick to ask and helpful with any purchase. At Gulbhahar, we have seen shoppers make better decisions after first stopping, and therefore, we have picked some items from our range to demonstrate.

Question 1: Will I Wear It More Than Once?

But if the answer is no, then reconsider your choice. This is because the best deals are those which would be able to serve on more than one occasion, so make sure that you find out at least three occasions when the outfit would fit in. One such example of an outfit is Maroon Printed Gharara Suit, which could be worn for a festive lunch, family function or daytime function. All that you have to do is change the dupatta or jewellery as per the occasion.

Question 2: Does It Work With What I Already Own?

Take a look at what you wear first before buying anything. New clothing or an accessory needs to go with at least two or three existing pieces in your wardrobe, you will end up buying more to match with the new thing. Accessories can best illustrate how this tip works. A Silver Clutch Bag can be taken as a good example here, as silver is a neutral metal which goes well with many colours. If you have ivory, navy, maroon or pastel colored clothing, this is an accessory for you without having to buy anything extra.

Question 3: Can I Be Comfortable in It for the Whole Event?

Comfort determines even if or not you have fun with the look. Consider how long you are going to wear the piece, even if you are going to be sitting, standing, walking or dancing, and what the fabric is going to be like at the end of the night. Footwear is the classic case of something you can regret because a pair of shoes that look beautiful but hurt after an hour spoils your look. The Rust Punjabi Jutti is a perfect example of what to look for. It has been made with leather along with a soft lining which indicates its suitability for a full day of standing and walking.

Question 4: Do I Have a Real Occasion for It?

It helps if you are honest about where you would wear it. Some heavier and richer items fit well with events which demand the same and hence seem like a waste if there is no such event. An example would be The Black Dola Silk Bridal Saree. Such a bridal-level saree made of silk fits well with weddings or receptions, and hence it makes sense if there is any such occasion. In case you think that the occasion may arise in the future, then you could either wait till then or check if there are any other lighter items.

Question 5: Am I Buying the Item or the Discount?

Discount alone should not be the factor that drives a purchase. You need to know even if you would buy the item even if there was no discount. If your answer is yes, then you have bought an item along with the discount. If you have bought the feeling of getting a discount, then you would regret it later. One easy way to find out is to block out all thoughts related to the price and concentrate on the picture, fit, and the colour.

Question 6: Have I Checked the Details and Slept on It?

Here are two things to do before purchasing the product. First, read the description: material, size chart, included components, how-to-wash information and return policy. Compare your measurements with the size chart rather than selecting your usual size. Second, wait one day. If you still wish to purchase the product tomorrow, it is probably the right choice. Otherwise, you will thank yourself later for the saved money. This technique stops nearly all impulse purchases, but does not cost anything.

How to Apply the Test

Write down the six questions in your notes application and repeat them each time you arrive at the shopping cart page. You do not have to pass the test completely. If an item satisfies four or five criteria, it is most probably worth buying. Otherwise, if an item fails three or more criteria, find another item that fits your life better. Later, the questions will become automated, and your wardrobe will start fulfilling your needs.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for fashion is not a matter of restraint; it requires that one asks the right questions at the right time. Things to consider would include how many times the wearer will want to wear it, the fit, comfort, occasion, motivations, and value of the item. The Gulbhahar Collection has options for you to choose from in relation to all of this. Think through these six questions and then make your next purchase.