12 lessons I learned about fashion, styling, and shopping

July 15, 2024

Written by Laura Peruchi

Fashion has been part of my life in different ways, and my relationship with clothes, shopping, and styling has evolved over the years. Moving to New York City has also had a huge impact on my style. Not only because I had to adapt my closet to the city’s weather and lifestyle but also because the Big Apple is a place where you can wear whatever you want without feeling judged. I have no doubts that freedom helped to shape my style and contributed to my creativity.

Inspired by our session—I will talk more about it in this post—I decided to write a post about some things I’ve been learning about fashion, styling, and shopping that can help you make better choices when putting together an outfit or buying a new item. As with almost any skill, fashion is also about training your brain and understanding yourself.

1. Don’t be ashamed of caring about fashion

For me, this has been very important and empowering. Although fashion has been part of my life in many different ways for so many years, it wasn’t until recently that I realized I don’t need to be ashamed or embarrassed for caring about clothes and styling. Are we judging men for loving cars or sports? I don’t think so. I decided to own the fact that I love using fashion as a creative tool and a way to express myself, making me feel good in my skin. I would love to say the opposite, but our clothes communicate about ourselves.

2. Quality over quantity

At first, when I started to have my own money, I would buy whatever I wanted – especially if we were talking about affordable pieces. I was more worried about quantity and price, meaning if the item were cute and cheap, I would buy it. “It’s cheap, so why not?”. Well, let me tell you: a cheap piece of clothing you don’t wear is expensive. So, today, I prioritize quality over quantity and ask important questions before buying something. This leads me to the next topic.

3. Read the labels

It’s not a rule, but price doesn’t mean quality, and I don’t believe that designer brands are always the best choice or that affordable clothes mean poor quality. The composition label is one of the first things I check when buying something. And, for that, you need to understand a little bit about fabrics. I don’t know a lot, but I know that it doesn’t make sense, for example, to pay a considerable amount of money for a polyester top to use in the summer cause it’s probably going to be stinky and make me feel uncomfortable. I would instead choose a piece made of linen, which is an excellent choice for a hot day. I also know that it doesn’t make any sense to pay a lot of money for a coat that looks like wool but it’s synthetic fabric. It’s not going to keep me warm. These are only some examples. I didn’t learn this overnight – and I am certainly not an expert, but having a good idea about fabrics and labels can definitely help you to make better choices.

Besides the fabric composition – also make sure to check the details like buttons and zipper, how the item fits, how is the neckline…

4. Your lifestyle and your location should guide your choices

Of course, every person has a cap and a budget, and you should consider that. But, if I’m buying a winter coat and live in a city like New York, with a long and cold winter, investing in quality coats from brands like Moose Knuckles or Canada Goose makes sense. But if you live in Florida, it’s probably insane to spend a lot of money on a winter coat. For me, there are certain categories that I should pay more attention to than others.

Let me give you two examples to exemplify how I decide about my closet purchases. First is the pink sequin skirt I mentioned in my last post. I tried a beautiful pink sequin skirt from Sezane and got obsessed with it. But I couldn’t justify paying $195 for a sequin skirt that I knew I wouldn’t wear a lot of times to justify the “investment.” So, I decided to find a skirt that it was as gorgeous as that one – for a more reasonable price. I paid $40 for mine – and it was a price I was eager to pay it, knowing that skirt wouldn’t be something I would wear a lot.

The second example is related to heels pumps. I didn’t own a pair until recently when I realized I needed to have at least one classic black pair in my closet. Although I only have a few occasions to wear those, sometimes I miss the option in my closet. I then decided to get an affordable option – I couldn’t justify spending a lot of money on that since I wouldn’t use a lot – with a reasonable high – I can’t walk around in high heels like Carrie Bradshaw. But that turned out to be a mistake. The pair I got – although it was from a decent brand – hurt my feet so bad that I had to take them off during the night I was wearing them. So I decided to do some research and to find a more comfortable option. I found the ones from Margaux, and although I was willing to pay the full price, I was able to find a secondhand option for 1/3 of the price 🙂

And I realized it doesn’t help me to have affordable but uncomfortable shoes in my closet. I knew every time I would have to wear those heels I previously mentioned; I would find an excuse cause they were not comfortable.

To summarize, you should know your lifestyle and your needs and be honest and fair with yourself when purchasing something to justify – or not – spending more or less money.

5. Think further before buying

I am very intentional with my purchases – sometimes, I spend months eyeing a piece of clothing. That helps me to think further about it – and, sometimes, to score e better price. How can I match the item with the other things I own? Am I going to wear this a lot? How many combinations can I create? Of course, that’s different regarding statement pieces – like my sequin skirt. But I try to be rational and not to buy out of impulse. I would say probably 95% of my last purchases were very intentional and had a lot of thought behind.

6. Think about the functionality of each item

This lesson I learned with Amanda has helped me a lot – especially when deciding which items I should buy or not and even which items I should donate or sell. I’m usually efficient and don’t like keeping things in my closet that don’t fit my style anymore. But, sometimes, I get very indecisive.

For example, I had two similar pairs of boots, which you can see above. One is from Bobbies, and the other one is from Zara. I kept both in my closet, and when I showed them to Amanda and told her about my doubts, she immediately asked me: Which one is your favorite? After answering the ones from Bobbies, which were my favorite ones, she then told me: “They both do the same job”. This means they are not radically different, and the effect these boots have on my outfits is similar: both are black, medium-height, and platform heels. (In fact, looking at the picture now, I can’t believe it took me a while to figure it out it made no sense keeping both, lol). When I started to think about the functionality of the items, it was so easier to take some items from my closet.

That same logic can be used for new purchases. I don’t know about you, but, most of times, I see my eyes catching things that follow a pattern or a style. It’s not unusual to realize that I have something similar to the thing that got my attention in some store or website. So, I got back to Amanda’s lesson and I quickly gave up on purchasing something that, in some way, I already own it.

7. Inspiration, inspiration, inspiration

We all had that desperate moment where we were in front of our closets, full of options, but, somehow, we think: I have nothing to wear! That can be a bad day, a day we are not confident, or a lack of inspiration… That’s why I’m a huge advocate of using online tools to search and save ideas. I’ve been using Pinterest for a long time, and I’ve lost count of how many times I have used the ideas I saved to create my outfits. It’s key! So, do that. Save outfits you like and ask yourself what makes you like that outfit. It’s about the colors? It’s the styling? The accessories? The textures? Also, remember inspiration is not about copy/paste – it’s about adapting. Another Pinterest tip I think it’s crucial is to categorize your folders. You can have a winter folder with subfolders, for example. The more you categorize, the better.

Follow me on Pinterest.

8. Catalog your closet

I had never thought about cataloging my closet until reading Beni’s Substack and finding out about Indyx . OMG. I’m obsessed with this app! Indyx allows you to catalog your closet and add tags like category, size, brand and colors. I was able to catalog a lot of my items by just searching for images or checking my last purchases on my favorite websites. But you can also take a photo of your items – and their tool removes the background, providing a cleaner look. Another great tip is to find pictures of similar items. Let’s say you own some black tank tops – it’s not gonna be hard to find images online.

One you have everything catalogued, you can also use Indyx to create outfits. I’m already saving a lot of ideas of outfits for the future – and I’m sure this is gonna be such a great tool to help me to pack for trips, for example. Because let’s be honest: not all of us have huge walk-in closets that let us visualize every item we own.

And I know it can sound overwhelming to catalogue your whole closet. But it’s a one-time job – think about that. Plus, you can set goals so you don’t give up. First, you catalog tops, then denim pants, then coats, and so on.

By having a better idea of what you own, it’s easier to make better choices – and perhaps even avoid unnecessary purchases. Seriously, I have so many ideas now; it’s like shopping for my own closet, lol.

9. Accessories have power

Another lesson I’ve learned with Amanda: accessories elevate your outfit. Believe it or not, but I only bought my first belt two months ago. And that’s probably because I needed to pay more attention. I was too focused on the combinations of tops and bottoms, and I would completely forget about accessories. I think the only accessories I’ve been using over all these years are bags and earrings. Now that I realize how these elements can help to elevate an outfit, I’m always trying to practice my styling skills by accessorizing. Bracelets, necklaces, rings, belts: it’s magical to see how they completely change an outfit.

10. Makeup & hair are key

While I’ve been distracted over the past years regarding accessories, I’m glad I can’t say the same about hair and makeup. Usually, when I think about an outfit, I’m already thinking how I’m going to style my hair to elevate that look. My go-to hair styles are usually a sleek bun or beach waves. And, of course, I like to put a cherry on top by wearing makeup – I pay special attention to lips. Bold colors are my favorites during the winter. Red lips definitely make a difference!

11. Secondhand can be a great choice to find designer items without breaking the bank!

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A post shared by Laura Peruchi | NYC Blogger (@laura_peruchi)

I’ve been getting more and more into secondhand. Not only because it’s better for the planet and saves me money but also because it allows me to have access to great quality items for 1/3 or 1/4 of the original price. These are items that perhaps a lot of us wouldn’t be able to pay the full price for. I recently bought a Moose Knuckles coat that costs $1295 plus taxes – and I paid $350.

I know how important it is to have a great coat in a city like New York, but I also know that spending four digits on a coat is not a reality for many people. So, that’s one of the reasons I love secondhand!

Check my post: The Ultimate Guide To Shopping Secondhand Online

12. Styling is about self-esteem

As I mentioned in the first topic, I love using fashion as a creative tool and as a way to express myself, making me feel good in my skin. And that means paying attention to what I wear at home and the gym. As someone who works from home, it’s easy to pick the first outfit in my closet – but I do notice how I feel better when I’m more intentional about what I wear and what I do with my hair at home. Of course, comfort is a priority. But you can definitely find a sweet spot between being comfy and being confident. The same goes to workout clothes. I feel more inspired and confident when I wear a cute outfit for the gym. And that also means paying attention to quality: as someone who goes to the gym often, I must pick quality fabrics and items that provide support while keeping me comfortable.

BONUS: book a styling session!

I know that many of us only link personal stylists to wealthy people and celebrities. But I guess a lot of us also have no idea that it’s not an impossible service to hire. I’ve always been curious about it – and my session with Amanda was so mind-blowing! And I’ve always considered myself someone who knows a little bit about fashion and styling, so if you are someone who is feeling lost about your style, I can’t imagine how helpful a professional like her can be!

Our work started with an intro video call so she could understand what I was looking for and how she could help me. Then, Amanda sent me a questionnaire to help to set our goals and also to define my personal style. She also asked me to send my inspirations and pictures of my outfits – even the ones I didn’t like so much.

Then, Amanda came to my place and brought a presentation with some insights. After that, it was time to check my closet. Amanda helped me to put together some outfit ideas with items that I had a hard time to style. She also gave me some insights about styling, proportions, what to look for when shopping, etc. We still had two other calls when Amanda shared a shopping list with me featuring items she realized were missing in my closet.

I cannot stress enough how important the Styling session with Amanda was for me. There’s definitely a Laura before and after this session, and I can clearly see that. Please note that Amanda is available worldwide since she offers this service online.

Check her website for more details!

Shopping tips

Now that we have gone through the lessons and tips, I thought it would be useful to share some of my favorite brands!

For basics, I love Everlane and Uniqlo, especially for tops. I recently bought the Airism t-shirt from Uniqlo, and I’m obsessed with how it looks cool and how the fabric is good for summer days. I also love the thermal items from the brand.
For boots, I’ve been obsessed with Bobbies. They are made in France, and the design and quality are incredible. I also love the boots from Everlane—they have staples like high-knee and ankle boots.
For denim, Madewell is my favorite brand. I can’t get over the fit, the comfort, and the quality.
For the gym, lululemon kills in my opinion. I like everything from the brand, to be honest. Their leggings are my favorite ever, as well as the shorts. They stay in place. Another brand I recommend is Under Armour, for sports bras, and I also like YPB, the brand from Abercrombie. I have two tops and two leggings: the design is cute and the quality is great.
For elegant, classic, and modern clothing, I’m such a fan of Sezane. The French brand brings European vibes to its collections, and its clothes are unique and chic. Banana Republic has been among my favorites lately as well. They rebranded, and I love how chic the collections are. And for dresses, my favorite ones are probably from Reformation.
For modern/urban vibes: I love everything from Aritzia. A.L.C. also has so many great pieces – I love the design. Not the most affordable one – but I was able to find so many items in secondhand websites!
For flats and sandals, Rothy’s has comfy and stylish flats—I love “The Point” flats. I also highly recommend Birkenstock sandals. There are so many cute styles, and these sandals are so comfortable—which is crucial in a city like New York.
For something fun and different, definitely check out Farm Rio. This Brazilian brand has gorgeous prints—very unique!

Who to follow for inspiration

Here are some of my favorite people to follow on IG when we talk about fashion and styling:

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A post shared by Liz Teich (@thenewyorkstylist)

I love the tips from this stylist. Liz shares so many hacks and tricks plus shopping tips. I learn so much with her!

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A post shared by Chelsea H • Fashion Creator (@chelseaasoflate)

Chelsea inspires me because she is BOLD! She has a totally different style than mine, but I love to follow her because she is creative and that can brings me some ideas as well. Plus, she loves secondhand.

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A post shared by Charlotte Bridgeman (@charlottebridgeman)

Charlotte is an Australian living in NYC and I love her style. She is chic and sexy and her outfits look effortless.

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A post shared by Anne (@thestylevisitor)

Anne lives in Amsterdam and she shares SO MANY ideas of outfits featuring brands like Mango and Zara. I’m especially obsessed with her Fall and Winter posts and she inspires me a lot!

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A post shared by Elena Benito (@elena_lbenito)

And I’m OBSSESSED with Elena Benito! She is from Spain and I love how she puts chic and effortless outfits together. And always including brands that are not expensive.

And that’s a wrap! I had so much fun writing this post! Hope you like it! Please feel free to share your tips, recs, favorite brands and IG profiles on the comments below.

Laura Peruchi

Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!