Buying off Season: Pros & Cons

Last month I went on a short vacation to Chicago. That’s right, Chicago in March-just days after that huge cold front that went through that area. From Texas… from warm 87 degree days to highs in the low 40’s, which is basically winter weather in Austin, and this was just days into the start of Spring.

Now I don’t know many people who don’t buy at least a few outfits for an upcoming trip and I’m no different, it’s part of the excitement! But this time around the shopping experience was a little off, when I should be stocking up on the latest Spring items I instead was looking for puffer coats and chunky knit sweaters, it was depressing. The only saving grace was that I was in fact, buying off season which meant the pieces I was looking at were on sale! That got me rationalizing with myself and then thinking up this pro’s and con’s list of buying off season.

Pros of buying off season:

• Buying off season items typically come at a fraction of the price, sale prices. That’s the ultimate positive. Spending less money for the same amount of clothing.
• Your dollar goes further. Maybe you never buy designer because it’s out of your budget, well now it fits right in there.
• After the full season you know exactly what you’re lacking in your wardrobe and what spots to fill.
• Because you won’t get many chances to wear season specific items until the next year you are a lot more meticulous with your choices, therefore smarter shopping occurs.

Cons of buying off season:

• You aren’t going to get many chances to wear season specific items. If you buy something and it never gets worn, did you ever really go shopping?
• You run the risk of buying a trend that won’t be around the following season. This is why it’s smart to stick to truly classic styles when shopping off season. You can always rock good denim, sweaters, basic tees, sun dresses, handbags or classic coats, so these are great items to buy off season.
• You’re allocating your shopping budget to pieces that are instantly getting stored whilst passing up on season appropriate pieces you may need at the moment.

You win some and you lose some when shopping off season, but it mostly depends on your choices! As with all things there are sure fire ways to successfully shop off season. Start with the tips above and always feel free to reach out to me for advice, tips and personal styling services!

Wearing

Sweater: Joe Fresh
Jeans: Shein
Heels: BCBGenerations
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Sunnies: Nordstrom
Watch: Marc Jacobs
Earrings: Nadri, similar here

Xx Sylvia