- Shopping for new clothes can be as daunting as it is exciting when freshening up your wardrobe.
- In her new book, "Style for Everybody," stylist Kim Appelt shares common shopping mistakes.
It's officially fall, which means it's time for a wardrobe refresh.
The change of seasons may have you reevaluating your style as you pull the pants and sweaters out from the corners of your closet. Getting new clothes can be as daunting as it is exciting with new trends and limited budgets in mind.
In her new book, "Style for Everybody," celebrity stylist Kim Appelt shares the basics of fashion and explains how to shop for and curate custom looks depending on your personal style, body type, and lifestyle.
In one chapter, the stylist with 12 years of industry experience breaks down three common mistakes she sees people make while shopping for new clothes.
Buying the wrong size
According to Appelt, it's a mistake to focus more on the size label than the fit of a garment, since sizing varies depending on where you shop.
"You could be an extra small in a fast-fashion brand but just squeeze into a large in a European label," she wrote in her book.
So when you go into the dressing room, don't worry about the size tag — focus on whether the garment fits properly. And if it doesn't, try another size.
Wandering aimlessly
While wandering malls and stores can be fun, it's not helpful when you're shopping for something specific, according to Appelt.
To avoid this, Appelt recommends making a list of the items you need as well as the colors you like to wear. Then, think about the ideal store for the items you need, and head straight to it.
Going over budget
Another common shopping mistake is buying too much stuff, according to Appelt.
"Shopping causes a dopamine release — we have all been there. You walk into a store looking for a white T-shirt but get caught up in all the other gorgeous items," she wrote. "Suddenly you're walking out with bags and bags of stuff you don't need."
This is another reason why Appelt says it's important to make a list of items you need before you go shopping. She also recommends referring back to your list as needed while you're browsing the aisles.
Shopping for the clothes you need can be challenging. But according to Appelt, the key to fashion is knowing yourself. What's your body type? Is your personal style preppy, casual, sporty, or something else? What kind of clothes do you need for your particular lifestyle? What colors do you feel good in?
Once you know these things, you can curate a wardrobe specifically for you, she told Insider.