For me, there's always been that edge of excitement whenever I've gone shopping. It's the chance to see all of the latest pieces, find inspiration for new looks and maybe even treat yourself to a couple of things. I love going through the racks, seeing new textures, patterns and outfit combinations that I may not have thought of before. I've become better and not impulse buying and wasting my money on things I never wear but it's taken time for me to start shopping smarter. It's about knowing what you like, what suits you and what you need. Not only is shopping easier but buyers guilt is a thing of the past and I love every single thing I buy. There's always room for improvement and it's easy to start making wiser decisions when you're shopping, particularly when it comes to fashion as everything changed so quickly. There are now a few things I always thing about when I'm shopping, whether that's online or in store, and they've helped me to shop smarter.

Work Out What You Already Have

Whether this means having a total wardrobe clear out or have a look through to see what's in there it's important to assess what you already have before you go shopping. The chances are you already have something similar or you might own something that you had totally forgotten about that you could incorporate into your current style. Working out what you already have helps you to stop repeat-buying and to identify the gaps in your wardrobe.

Work Out What Suits You

This is crucial to make sure you get the most wear out of everything you buy. It's always fun experimenting with style and different designs but there are a few things that it's always worth bearing in mind. If the fit is unflattering, it doesn't fit in with anything else in your wardrobe or the colour doesn't work as well as you imagined then there is no sense in buying it. The chances of it becoming one of those items that just sits in your wardrobe are higher and you're better off re-investing the money into something that does suit you and that you'll get more wear out of.

Think About Everything You Buy

Before I go shopping or head online I like to get a good idea of what I'm looking for. Whether that's from magazines, Pinterest or just from seeing people out and about, it's easier to shop smarter when you know what you're looking for. When you actually go shopping don't just rush and buy the first thing that could work, take the time to work out whether it really is what you want and whether it is the piece you had imagined. Think about it, ask them to hold the item if necessary and imagine how it will look and work within your wardrobe. The more you think about your purchases the easier it is to know you're investing wisely and get the most out of the new piece.

Think About Which Pieces You're Investing In

Make sure you're investing your money wisely and on the things you know you will wear the most. Dropping £80 on a coat may seem like a lot but if you're going to wear it nearly every day through the winter and it will see you into the next year too then it's worth it. Spending £80 on  a dress you'll probably only wear once or on something that isn't appropriate for your job isn't as wise. Invest a little more in your staples and the things you know you will get the wear out of and save on the trend pieces that are likely to only last a season or two at the most. You can still incorporate all of the latest trends but you know you haven't lost too much if you don't get enough wear out of the silver bomber jacket.

Try On At Home

Trying on clothes in store can be stressful and often the lighting is bad, the mirrors are wonky and it's nearly impossible to accurately envisage what something will actually look like with the rest of your wardrobe. Instead, take the item home, try it on with all of your other clothes and see how you might style it up. You'll soon know if it's something you're going to get plenty of wear out of or if it will just sit there collecting dust.

Fashion and style should be fun and it's a brilliant opportunity to express yourself and experiment with different looks. It can get expensive though and it's always better to go into a shopping spree knowing that you can justify every purchase and that they'll work for you. Everyone can shop a little smarter and make their lives a little easier when it comes to arranging outfits and adding to their wardrobe.

What are you top tips for shopping smarter?