Welcome to more Black Friday content. I want to go really in-depth as the sales season hits, because I learned the hard way how to “not shop” the sales. Let me explain…

Negotiating On Your Size

Last year, I bought a pair of Alexander Wang Jeans, as well as a pair of pearl-studded Jonathan Simkhai jeans, both from The Outnet. While the quality of both pairs of jeans were impeccable, the sizing was all wrong (which is 100% my own fault.) I got swept away in the item being 60-70% off, and purchased jeans from brands I had never tried on before.

So, know your size in brands you are buying from, before you invest this Black Friday. Especially when it comes to jeans, trousers, etc., you need to know the brand’s sizing. With coats, tops, and dresses it may be fine if it’s slightly roomy. But know the brand’s sizing and fit, because sizes vary greatly from brand to brand.

In general, find a brand that suits your signature style in your perfect size, and stick to that. That’s the ultimate secret! This Black Friday I plan on buying clothing from just one retailer, with all the pieces working as a capsule collection. They all scream my signature style, but are very classic and mix and match and layer together. By being realistic about our size and consistent with our style, we eliminate regret purchases.

Sales Shopping from New Brands

As a rule of thumb, try on the item from that brand that you anticipate you will purchase, or stick to brands that you know well. This helps with sizing, as well as quality. It doesn’t matter how good a sale is, if the item doesn’t fit and flatter you, and the quality isn’t there. You don’t know the quality of brands until you try them, but I recommend trying before the sales and making sure that the brand offers free returns, in case the item is a total fail. Also, many brands have a district vibe, so often our go-to brands are the safest choice.

I have ordered items from a very cheap online clothing company that wouldn’t offer free returns and wouldn’t accept the item (never worn and still with the tag on), after I sent it back. In this case, that was a total waste of money for a few cheap clothing pieces that I could have put towards one great, classic item. Don’t blow your Black Friday budget on random websites that you don’t have experience with.

Spreading Your Money In Too Many Places

While I realize that one single website may not offer everything that you are looking for, I do think that you should have a focused approach to Black Friday shopping. There are only a select few websites I purchase from because these sites offer free returns, and I am confident in the quality and style of what they offer.

I am very in tune with my signature style these days, and by restricting myself to where I shop, I can mix and match the pieces I purchase easily. Also, the sites I purchase from do offer similar items year after year, and often style their “new in” pieces from other items that are from the last season. So, I actually get ideas for new purchases, based on items I bought from this retailer last year.

Not Prioritizing Your Spending

This year, I am in need of a great winter coat. Next year, my priority will be accessories. Based on your closet needs and what you already own, yours may be very different. Whatever you need the most is what you should focus on during the sales. This is the importance of a small, curated Black Friday wishlist.

Don’t get caught up in the “new in” and not have enough money left to buy a great classic that you’ll wear for years to come. By doing your research now and having a shopping list, you will be a smarter shopper. If there is one investment piece you need the most, purchase that first.

Not Cleansing Your Closet

How do we know what we need to add to our wardobe if we don’t go through it? Spend a day (or two or three) examining the basics in your closet. I recommend putting a week of outfits together. It will quickly become becomes obvious if your lacking a basic white tee, or the perfect pair of jeans. As you notice what is missing in your closet, make a list of what you need. Use your list to decide where to spend your money this Black Friday.

This is the fun part! You get to decide what exact basics fit in with your signature style and retailers to turn to, when the sales hit. When we don’t clean out our closet regularly, we tend to over-shop and just make fun and sporadic purchases. More often than not, these become our regret purchases. By planning ahead and realizing what you have and what you lack, you can be a conscious consumer and make the most of your money.