The days of standing in front of a dressing room mirror are long gone.

That’s because there’s online shopping, where you can read reviews, snag internet-only deals and – because you’ve already saved your credit card info on your computer – purchase with a single click.

There are online styling services, too. They’ll send items chosen by your “personal” stylist in your size and preferred look right to your doorstep; all you have to do is send back what you don’t want.

The average American family spends $1,700 per year on clothes. And if the ease with which you can add items to your wardrobe sounds too good to be true, it is. Because when it comes to extreme convenience, there’s the good, there’s the bad, and then there’s the ugly:

The Good: Companies send trendy clothes in your size straight to your doorstep.

The Bad: Items are made from cheap fabrics and are heavy on current fashion trends which means that, by next season, today’s “must-haves” are tomorrow’s trash.

The Ugly: Cheap clothes are destined for one place and one place only: the landfill.

There’s a term for inexpensive, trendy clothing – fast fashion – and fast fashion is (literally) killing our planet.

Fast fashion is designed to be replaced quickly (ideally, after a single season). This forces the consumer to constantly purchase, constantly consume and constantly feed money into the fashion industry.

A few facts:

– In 1930, the average American woman owned nine outfits. Today, that figure is 30 outfits — one for every day of the month.

–  If you no longer want that halter top from 2004, chances are good no one else does, either:  Only 10% of donated clothes get reused. The rest floods landfills.

Jump off the fast fashion train! Embrace slow fashion. Invest in a few high quality items will last longer and save you money in the long run.

Here are 10 NEW questions to ask yourself before buying making a fast fashion impulse buy.

1. Is it a neutral, or is it heavily patterned?

There’s nothing wrong with patterned items per se, but they can’t be paired with as many existing items. As such, you’ll wear it less frequently. Garments with bold patterns go out of fashion quicker, too.

2. Will I wear it more than 20 times?

Consider the lifespan of the piece. If you need an outfit for a one-time occasion, consider renting it instead of buying.

3. Is it high-maintenance?

Does it need ironing? Frequent dry-cleaning? Hand washing then a tumble dry on the lowest setting? High-maintenance items are worn less. They’re a hassle, too.

4. Is it timeless?

Think: Levis 501 jeans. A little black dress. Anything A-Line. Will it last beyond a season?

5. Is it made from a sustainable fabric?

Organic cotton, linen, hemp and wool are eco-friendly fabrics. Polyester, acrylic and nylon are NOT.

6. Is its purchase an investment?

We’ve all done it: We purchased something super trendy and cheap. After two wears, we learned our lesson, because it pilled and from then on appeared tattered.  A higher price tag (often but not always) means higher quality. Instead of buying 10 cheap tops at H&M, consider investing in 2 well-made blouses from a reputable company that look and feel luxurious.

7. Does it *just* fit? Or does it flatter?

Theres a big difference. And when it comes to getting dressed, you’ll bypass all the items that simply fit and choose the item that flatters 9 out of 10 times.

8. Does it fulfill a need, or is it a want?

Do you just need “retail therapy”? Theres a difference between needs and wants. Understanding the difference – and putting such understanding into practice! – is freeing.

9. Is it practical?

I love heels as much as the next girl, but I won’t be wearing them to pick up my daughter from preschool. And a sweater with three-quarter sleeves just isn’t going to cut it here in New England. Impractical items are cute, sure, but if they won’t be worn they’re just more clutter.

10. Am I comfortable?

If something doesn’t feel right, you won’t wear it. Save yourself the inevitable confidence issues later by leaving it on the store’s rack.

Want to keep your existing wardrobe looking fresh? Extend the life of your clothes with these 10 tips. 

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