Fashion tribes: what sort of shopper are you?

Quoted from High50

“You gotta have style. It helps you get down the stairs. It helps you get up in the morning. It’s a way of life. Without it, you’re nobody.” So said legendary Bazaar editor and fashion arbiter Diana Vreeland.

We may no longer be leaping on every micro-trend that comes along but we have the experience to know what makes great style: well-cut clothes, classic colours, chic accents and good quality fabrics. It’s about feeling, not looking, sexy.

Now, with the new-season looks in the shops and the shopping tribes emerging from their winter slumber, it’s a good time to find out which tribe you fall into, the problem with the way you shop, and how to get the most out of your shopping trips.

Runway Princesses

They like to have a fun time. “Let’s look at all the designers!” they say as they trot round Selfridges. They’ll buy looks they’ve seen on celebrities, stylish women at parties or Vogue models such as Gisele Bündchen. (“Perfect body and great gear,” they sigh.)

These shoppers buy full catwalk looks, snatching them off the mannequins. They egg each other on with bad advice: “You look great in that, you must have it!”

But beware! This is marketing at its best. Magazines and mannequins show the strongest, coordinated looks. Does it suit you? Do you need it? Don’t get persuaded unless you’re sure. 

Holy Grail Purchasers

These are a subsection of the above. They’re the fashionistas, the in-the-know people who will locate the must-have item before anyone else.  They simply must have the Daisy Coat from Prada – even if it has to be sent from Milan by tomorrow.

The trick is to ask yourself, “Will it have become ubiquitous before I’ve worn it to Christie’s charity auction? Is it worth a nervous breakdown? Or is it really the ultimate edgy update that fits with my wardrobe?”

Investment Shoppers

These shoppers are good at finding pieces that have a distinctive design feature that makes them timeless, creating a new classic. “I’ll wear this über-luxurious Celine cashmere sweater all the time,” they say.

Only consider it an investment piece if it’s exceptional in cut, colour and fabric – and fits you perfectly. Be vigilant, too. There’s no point getting a £2,000 Dolce & Gabbana lace cocktail dress if you’re likely to be in a room with someone wearing a cheap copy. So check the high street versions (Cos, Zara, etc) before you splurge.

The I’m-Not-Interested Dame

“I have to get an outfit for a 50th,” she wails. She doesn’t know where to go. She’s possibly an out-of-towner, an occasion-shopper, or someone who (erroneously) believes that clothes don’t define the person.

She doesn’t usually look for something special. “It’s much more important to be comfortable,” she says.

She could save herself much heartache if she searched online and in magazines to find a look she likes, then went to a one-stop shop such as Fenwick, Harrods or LK Bennett: safe, under one roof, and economical.“