Trendy Tourist

Travel in Style

  • Travel Fashion
    • Packing
  • Style
    • Trends
    • Outfits
    • Key Pieces
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • Skincare
  • Travel
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Guides
      • Asia
      • Europe
      • North America
      • Oceania
  • Lifestyle
    • Health and Wellness
    • Relationships
    • Stories
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Advertise
    • Guest Posting
    • Contact
  • Shop
    • SS22 Favourites
    • Travel Fashion
    • Travel Beauty
    • Travel Accessories

Explore

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Guest Posting
  • Shop
  • Contact

Connect

Lifestyle, Style · January 1, 2020

To Buy Or Not to Buy: 10 Things to Consider When Clothes Shopping

To buy or not to buy: that is the question.

In the last few years, there has been a big global push for sustainability in the fashion industry. Thanks to numerous TV documentaries and the rise of international initiatives, individuals are becoming increasingly aware of their consumption habits and their detrimental effect.

For instance, did you know that consumers in the UK alone have unworn clothes in their wardrobe that are worth approximately £35.5 billion? (Yes, we said BILLION!) Likewise, the fashion industry is the second biggest polluter in the world behind the oil industry.

The truth is, fast fashion and the practise of buying something, wearing it once and then throwing it away, is extremely damaging for the environment. It’s important to re-evaluate how we shop and support brands that take a slower approach so that we can reduce the negative impact that fast fashion is having on the planet — and its people.

The good news is, if you want to contribute to change and join the slow fashion revolution, you can. All you have to do is ask yourself these 10 questions the next time you’re shopping for your next piece of clothing, shoe, handbag or accessory.

To Buy Or Not to Buy

1. Do I Really Want It?

Firstly, are you sure that you want the item in question? Or are you shopping just because you’re chasing the love of the new?

Often, our brains become overwhelmed with the amount of things that retailers are trying to sell us on a daily basis. Every time we check our emails, scroll down our social media feeds or walk around our local town, we’re constantly being bombarded with messages that we NEED that new top or our lives won’t be the same if we don’t buy that new handbag.

Tune out the nagging voices that are trying to tell you otherwise and ask yourself if you even want the item? Or will you just forget about it as soon as you buy it (like a lot of us have been guilty of doing in the past – oops)?

2. Do I Need It?

For that matter, do you even need the item? 

Analyse if it’s a necessity or whether it can wait a few months (or maybe forever).

3. Do I Already Own Something Similar?

We don’t know about you, but there have been times in the past where we’ve fallen in love with a piece of clothing on the spot and bought it, only to get home and realise we have the EXACT SAME THING already hanging in my wardrobe. #ConsumerProblems.

Learn from our mistakes and make sure you check, double-check and triple-check that you can’t make do with what you’ve got before you buy something new.

Trust us, you won’t regret it.

4. Can I Afford It?

One of the top questions to ask yourself when you’re pondering over to buy or not to buy is can you even afford it right now?

Have you shopped around? Are there better deals elsewhere or a big sale coming up that you can wait for?

Don’t be like us circa 2009 when we chose clothes over our weekly food shops. It’s not big and it certainly isn’t clever.

To Buy Or Not to Buy

5. Is It Worth It?

Speaking of affordability, is the item going to be worth the amount you’ll pay for it? 

How often will you wear it, for example? Needless to say, if it’s just for one event and that’s it, you might want to consider utilising something that’s already in your wardrobe.

6. Can I Borrow It?

If you don’t want to settle for an existing piece that you own (hey, we all grow tired of what’s in our wardrobe sometimes), ask yourself if it’s possible to BORROW a similar version of the item you’re lusting after.

Whether it’s from a friend or family member, it will save you a few quid AND help the environment in the process. That’s what we call a win-win situation.

7. Can I Buy Something Similar from a Charity Shop?

To buy or not to buy: well, how about still buying something similar but finding alternative, more sustainable sources to purchase from? Like, a charity or vintage shop, for instance.

You’d be amazed at the amount of choice on offer at second-hand stores. 

Plus, you can find some really good, high-quality pieces at bargain prices!

8. Can I Find Something Similar on eBay or Depop?

Speaking of second-hand bargains, have you checked eBay or Depop to see if you can find something similar for less? By doing this, you’re encouraging less unnecessary waste. 

You could even sell your old clothes on eBay if you fancy making an extra couple of hundred pounds every month. Kerching.

9. Does a Friend or Family Member Have Something Similar That They Don’t Want?

To buy or not to buy when your friend or family member might have something similar that they were about to discard? We’re thinking: don’t buy it.

After all, their version of the item might be even better than the one you’re tempted to purchase brand new.

10. Is This an Impulse Decision?

Finally, sometimes we don’t want to buy a new item at all. We just see it when we’re not expecting to and we’re like: ooh, maybe that would look good on my Instagram or I could wear that for Donna’s birthday party on Friday.

Then we end up buying it, only to look back on our decision a day or two later and think: well, that was a waste of money. I don’t really care about that item at all. I was just so “in the moment.”

Our suggestion? Maybe wait a little while when you see something you might want and see if you still want it a week or two later. The chances are that you won’t – and you’ll be thankful that you never bought it in the first place.

To Buy Or Not to Buy Clothes

Changing Your Consumption Habits Going Forwards

On the cusp of a new year, and a new decade (!), the sustainable fashion movement has never felt more significant.

Even though it can be difficult to change your buying habits when it feels like they’re instilled in your very being, it IS possible as long as you keep trying.

By choosing to consume and own less, you’ll reduce waste, help the planet and everybody in it. And what’s more important than that going forwards?

Are you often in a war with yourself in terms of whether to buy or not to buy? Will these 10 questions help you in the future?

Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    7 Reasons Why Stray New Zealand Changed My Life
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    East Coast Australia Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    Top Things to Do in Wilmington NC

Posted By: Katie Davies · In: Lifestyle, Style

How to Style the AW19 Leather Jacket for Every Day
How to Save Money for Travel: 25 Expert Tips!

You’ll Also Love

Plane Travel AnxietyHow to Prepare for a Long Haul Flight (and Alleviate Anxiety)
Long Distance Relationship TipsHow to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work (10 Top Tips)
Valentines Day Gifts for Travellers10 Affordable Valentine’s Day Gifts for Travellers

Sign Up to Our Mailing List to Get the FREE “Prep Like a Pro” Travel Checklist for Your Next Trip!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get on the List

Shop My Picks

  • Travel Fashion
  • SS22 Favourites
  • Travel Accessories
MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨ …that are comfy yet styl MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨
…that are comfy yet stylish!
1. Jumpsuit Queen
(For those who want to feel like they can breathe and move comfortably on the go while looking super chic for summer)
2. Cute and Cool
(Featuring an on-trend co-ord for sleek airplane style that you can effortlessly throw together)
3. Modern Simplicity
(A contemporary update on the jeans-and-a-tee classic clothing uniform ideal for travelling, with key pieces like the shacket and jeggings) 
Which one would you wear? 1, 2 or 3?
All products shown are in stock right now! I’ve linked them via my LTK shop but I’ll also link them in my Story for you guys. 🔗
Copy and paste this @shop.ltk in your browser: https://liketk.it/3Im8t 💕
#virtualstyling #virtualstyle #virtualstylists #virtualstylist #travelcapsule #travelthursday #travelcapsulewardrobe #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportfashion #airportlook #airportlooks #travellook #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #millennialfashion #outfitideas4you #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkeurope #ltktravel #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100
Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized sh Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized shirt, high-waisted jeans and square-toed strappy heels. 💃🏼
This is basically the 2022 version of “jeans and a nice top” — comfortable and practical for a long day/evening out but still contemporary and stylish.
I went for a soft colour palette for Saturday’s brunch in York because I thought it would look fresher for the summer season. 👀 
I also usually add a light jacket to tackle the pesky British elements but I didn’t need one last weekend. 🥵
The gorgeous mint green satin shirt is from @zara and my straight-leg jeans are @topshop (old), adding some nineties nostalgia to the mix.
I’ll link all pieces in my Story. 💕 
#bottomlessbrunch #goingoutoutfit #zarashirt #zarastyle #springlooks #springlook #oversizedshirt #straightjeans #topshopstyle #topshopgirls #jeansandanicetop #millennialfashion #sheingb #outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
Seeing all these news headlines about airport queu Seeing all these news headlines about airport queues is so frustrating. 😖
A trip abroad starts at the airport, and it breaks my heart that people who haven’t been able to travel or go on holiday for years and have worked so hard to save up are now experiencing delays and cancellations when it’s finally time for their trip to begin.
Speaking from experience, these queues stress you out before you’ve even got to your final destination. ✈️
I’ve flown from Leeds Bradford airport three times in the last nine months and Manchester airport once in the last few weeks. Each trip to the airport has taught me something different.
That said, I wanted to share a few things you can do to speed up your time at the airport so that you can make your flight and have the much-needed holiday you deserve. 🤗
Above all, follow your specific airline or airport recommendations. (These usually come in the form of an email or text message a couple of days before your flight.)
To read more about my recent airport experiences, check out the full article either via the link in bio or my Story.
Hope this helps. 💕
#airportdiaries #airportsecurity #traveltip #traveltipsandtricks #traveltiptuesday #traveltipstuesday #traveltips101 #traveltuesday #traveltuesdays #tblogger #tbloggers #tblogs #tbloggersuk #travelbloggervibes #travelblogs #travelbloggerslife #yorkshireblogger #yorkshirebloggers #leedsbradfordairport #leedsbradford #manchesterairport #tripplanning #tripprep #holidayprep
“…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️ (Wi “…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️
(With a shirt to match!)
I went for a bronzed, natural makeup look last weekend for drinks with the girls.
I’m really enjoying makeup more now that I’m older - it’s just so fun to play around with when you’ve got the time. 
Here are the products I used: 🤗
Primer - @nyxcosmetics_uk Pore Filler
Tinted Moisturiser - @tartecosmetics Skin Treat in shade “Medium”
Concealer - @esteelauderuk Double Wear Stay in Place in shade “Light Medium (Cool)”
Blush - NYX Sweet Cheeks in shade “Bang Bang”
Setting Spray - @urbandecayuki All Nighter
Eyeshadow - @toofacedlovestheuk “Teddy Bare” Palette
Mascara - Tarte Cosmetics “Big Ego”
Eyeliner - @kvdbeauty Tattoo Eyeliner
Brushes - @realtechniques Essential Eye Brushes
Eyebrows - @anastasiabeverlyhills Brow Wiz in “Medium Brown”
Lipstick - Tarte Cosmetics Lip Paint in shade “Bestie”
Shirt - @targetstyle 
All products (or similar) linked via my @shop.ltk app (find it in my bio or latest Stories). 💕
#liketkit #LTKbeauty #LTKunder100 #ltkeurope #ltkunder50 #nyxcosmetics_uk #realtechniques #abhbrows #targetfinds #targetrun #targetstyle #beautybloggeruk #beautyblogging #beautybloggersuk #naturalmakeuplook #naturalmakeuplooks #makeupbloggeruk #makeupbloggers #makeupblogs #makeupcommunity #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #makeupproducts #makeupessentials #bronzedmakeup #holidaymakeup #vacationmakeup
Mentally I’m still here… 💭 I wish I could Mentally I’m still here… 💭
I wish I could say that one of the yachts in the background is mine but I think I’ve got a fair few more articles to write first. 😩
Anyone else loving sixties-inspired prints for Spring/Summer? 🌞
This cute little shirt dress is ideal for those warmer evenings on holiday when you want to flash your tan and feel comfortable but still look like you’ve made an effort. 💁🏼‍♀️ 
Entire outfit is @shein_gb and will link all products via @shop.ltk app (head over to my Stories for the dress link - currently 41% off!).
Ltk shop link: https://liketk.it/3G3Yb 💕 
#liketkit #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip #ltkeurope #ltkunder100 #ltkfashion #ltkstyle #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #sheingb #sheinforall #vacationdress #holidaydress #summerdresses #anotheroutfitpost #outfitblog #outfitbloggers #outfitblogger #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk #bloggerstyle #fbloggerstyle #fashionbloggeruk #ukfashionblogger #styleblogging
Courtyard strollin’… (Looking for my next cup Courtyard strollin’…
(Looking for my next cup of coffee or glass of sangria — it all depends on the time of day!) 😉☕️🍹
This cute courtyard was in the middle of Palma city. The architecture and restaurants huddled in the square with al fresco drinking and dining instantly transported me back to Italy.
It reminded me of past cruise ship holidays with my parents where we visited the likes of Naples, Capri, Rome, Florence and Pisa and we would be in awe of the charm and beauty of these places.
But this post is about Palma in Majorca. 🇪🇸
Palma itself is a delight!
There’s so much going on in the centre, so much life and hustle and bustle, which is refreshing to experience after over two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. 😅
I enjoyed our leisurely peruse of the city, soaking up the sun and seeing historic sights such as The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to 1601.
We even spent some time getting lost amongst the cobbled backstreets, popping in and out of shops before we regained our bearings once again. 😍
Our day in Palma reminded me how much I love exploring and how much travelling makes me feel fulfilled.
You just can’t beat it, right? ❤️
I already can’t wait for my next European city break (which hasn’t even been booked yet!).
What are some of your fave European cities? 👇🏻
#palmamallorca #trendytouristuk #palmacity #europetravels #exploreeurope #spaintravel  #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #travelbloggersofig #travelbloggeruk #uktravelblogger #uktravelbloggers #visitpalma #travelgram #travelsquad #visitmallorca #mallorcaisland #mallorcagram #balearicisland #balearicislands
Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 One of Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 
One of my all-time favourite travel fashion pieces is the blue denim “mom-style” shorts.
You know, the relaxed-fit and high-waisted type that go with just about anything? 😉
You can pair them with a strappy top and sandals or flip flops for those warm summer days.
Or you can take them from day to night by swapping the strappy top for a chic blouse or cropped shirt and the flat sandals or flip flops for heels.
They’re just so comfy and cute! J’adore. ❤️
These ones are from @marksandspencerfashionpr which I’ll link via the @shop.LTK app along with some similar options.
(Check out the post here: https://liketk.it/3F1wG)
I lived in mine for my most recent trip to Majorca - even throwing them on over a bikini with a kaftan for those lazy pool days. ✌🏻 
Who else is a fan of denim shorts for summer holidays? ☀️
#liketkit #LTKswim #LTKunder50 #ltkunder100 #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkstyletip #ltkstyle #ltkeurope 
#swimwearfashion #bikinistyle #bikinifashion #denimshorts #denimshort #jeanshorts #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #poolfashion #poolstyle #beachlook #beachfashion #beachstyle #beachoutfit #momshorts
That post-holiday feeling! You know, when you lan That post-holiday feeling!
You know, when you land after a few days in the sun and you feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. 🙌🏻
And it helps if you travel in comfy clothes.
Plane, train and bus rides can be time-consuming (and stressful when things go wrong) so comfy travel gear makes the journey that little bit more bearable. ✈️ 
I’m currently loving lounge sets to travel in, such as this “Bon Voyage” lemon number from @lornaluxe x @inthestyle . 🍋
You can still get your hands on the shorts but, unfortunately, the sweatshirt is out of stock.
Not to worry though - I’ve linked some more pretty lounge sets to travel in via my shop on the @shop.LTK app. 
Shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content by visiting: https://liketk.it/3EAx9.
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKeurope #ltktravel #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100 #trendytourist #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportlook #airportfashion #airportvibes #travelfashion #travelstyles #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #travelfashionista #travellook #travelclothes #travelclothing #inthestyle #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk
One of the best feelings in the world is those nig One of the best feelings in the world is those night-before-the-airport butterflies. 🦋
You know, when the suitcase is finally packed, the plane outfit is laid out and there’s nothing left to do other than get a good night’s sleep before you head to your new destination ✨ tomorrow ✨!
(But then you’re so excited that you end up not having the best sleep! 🤦🏼‍♀️)
Are you one of those travellers who gets to the airport super early or one of those super last minute people? ✈️ 
(I’m the former!)
#travelquote #travelquotes #travelquotestoliveby #travelquoteoftheday #travelthursday #travelthoughts #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #travelinspirations #travelpassion #lifeinspiration #lifeinspo #quoteofday #quoteoflife #quoteoftoday #trendytourist #tbloggers #tbloggersuk 
#travelsquad #travelgirlsgo #travelgirlshub #planelife #airportlife
I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶 Okay so I uni I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶
Okay so I unintentionally wore blue, white and black all weekend.
Outfit one was for a Betty’s brunch for the hubby’s birthday and exploring Thirsk. 👀
The blue denim dress and checked shacket combo felt a bit sixties inspired and sassy teamed with black tights and white boots.
Then outfit two was for a pub lunch and drinks with the family (hubby’s birthday celebrations part two).
I went for a blue floral top, comfy black jeggings, a blue denim shearling jacket and those white boots again. 👢
This felt more seventies rocker vibes so naturally I had to wear it with attitude!
Which outfit is your fave? Details below. ✌🏻
Denim dress, shacket, tights, boots: all @marksandspencerfashionpr
Bag: @coach
Floral top and boots as before: @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jeggings: @uniqlo_uk 
Jacket: @levis_uk 
Sunglasses: vintage
Bag: @nastygal 
#outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitlook #outfitselfie #outfitshot #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #outfitrepeater #denimdress #denimdresses #denimjackets #denimjacketstyle #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 Trendy Tourist · Theme by 17th Avenue