This article is for those of you who welcome nice long breaks from the bright app-ladened screen we suffocate ourselves in today. Those of you that enjoy a little sport. You still like to lace ‘em up, stretch it out and prepare to hit the high street, or Jermyn street, maybe the boutiques, vintage shops or outlets. You know there’s no better feeling than being able to see items in person, touch them, inspect them and experience how they contour, complement, and hug your body (or a mannequin’s) in ways you never could have imagined. And of course you’re always down to freshen up your look. So let’s head out enjoy a little wardrobe enhancing, a.k.a. shopping. We can lace ‘em up to shoot some hoops afterward.

Tip 1: Set Your Budget, Have a Plan

Go into the experience with a set price. An amount that allows you to focus your energy specifically on finding the right pieces. If you already have a running list of items that have peaked your interest since your last excursion or surf session through the web, good. Familiarize yourself with it. If you’re just starting out and don’t know what specifically to buy, I’ll have a little something for you in due time. Meanwhile you can read more about putting together your own style here.

Having a set budget helps you to focus on the task at hand, and that’s finding the right article or collection of items that ensure style elevation and are personality defining, at the best cost for you.

Tip 2: Assess the Area

Avoid pulling the trigger too quickly. You need get a lay of the land. Remember that list you have in your head already? Keep that application open and running in the back of your brain. You want to stay open and creative while browsing.

Dive into shops containing noteworthy items on your list, or shops that give off a vibe you just can’t ignore. I am a sucker for any store playing modern house with a retro, disco feel. I always seem to be interested in their items.

Venturing into many stores presents the opportunity to spot styles a little different from what you might have originally had in mind. It also widens your eyes and broadens your horizon, giving you a deeper sense of what’s currently available and trending. Finding your perfect item becomes easier after seeing everything there is to offer.

When you begin to feel deeply intrigued by a certain article, keeping your eyes fixed on it as if you were watching the evening sun glaze the peaks of the Swiss Alps, head to the fitting room. Quickly assess fit and the likelihood that you’ll purchase. Begin adding potential players to a current item list (discussed more in the next section) or your future item list (that application you still have running in the back of your mind).

Tip 3: Note Your Items

While assessing the area, be sure to note the potential winning pieces. Because you have already set your budget, items that are well over your budget aren’t worth a second look, unless you just absolutely love trying on new articles and styles, but who likes to do that? Not me!

Noting potential winners and their prices also allows you to assess what is most important to you at the time. Upon ranking your items you may see a budget adjustment is needed; trust me, it happens, especially when a “slightly” over budget article can’t take its eyes off of you.

For instance, you have really been wanting a crisp, tailored midnight suit. You find one that is 10% over your budget, but it fits almost better than your favorite 59FIFTY. Make a note and continue moving. We can evaluate our decision on what exactly we are going to buy more in the next step, but for now, note that you found a piece you had to peel yourself away from, rank it, and know the price means it could be the lone purchase on the day.

Complete this analysis in all of the shops and boutiques you visit, again opting to try on items that have potential to move up the power rankings. Your list can shorten dramatically by trying on articles to assess the fit and feel before committing to the purchase. You want to make sure the article not only complements you, but creates your desired persona and vibe.

Make sure to keep your handwritten or electronic notes near you. They will make the next step an enjoyable trip highlight. Take pictures of items where appropriate. This will also make your break session more interesting, allowing you to compare articles without the use of only your imagination.

Tip 4: Take A Break

“Let’s go eat a (BLEEP) snack!” Rex Ryan commanded the New York Jets in the HBO Series Hard Knocks. Reluctantly admitted, shopping can be a little stressful, so it’s important to take a break, grab drink, and of course a snack. The snack will also come in handy for your court time later on. The down time should also be utilized to mull over all noted items and associated costs. This will help you wrap up your trip in a reasonable amount of time.

Review what you’ve found, and plan how you will distribute your funds. Think about each item and the reason you want the item. Think about how the item tells a story about you. Think about outfit combinations and other items in your current wardrobe you can pair with. Be efficient, narrowing your list down to what you are going to get the most out of. Is the piece versatile? Is it one-of-a-kind? Have you run through all of your personal justifications? You’re adding new pieces to your puzzle. It’s a hair-raising decision-making process, best complemented by a bubbly or earthy drink and a snack, whether or not Rex Ryan demands it!

Tip 5: Purchase (or not) Confidently

So now you have now identified the perfect items, fitting comfortably on your body and snugly within your budget. Or maybe you only made mental notes and added items to your background application. Not every trip must result in a purchase. Sometimes it’s essential to take extra time to think. If it’s meant to be it will be, so don’t stress about leaving an item behind for the time being. You have other things to get done, so try again later, or look online. Revisit some stores if you must, trying on items a second time if need be. You want to be at least 95% sure about an item before purchasing.

However, If it’s the last item in the store, and it happens to be on your list, in your size, and not Olympian long-jump range outside your budget, you’re gonna have to make that happen.

Maybe the items you’ll be purchasing complement each other. That’s an exciting proposition, as well as nudge that you’re making the right decision for your personal style. Or maybe your eyes and wallet still believe the tailored midnight suit is going to be the best purchase. Perhaps you’ll walk away with nothing. The beauty of shopping is that every excursion is a little bit different, you’re continuing to perfect your wardrobe puzzle, and increasing your knowledge and clarity about your personal preferences.

Shopping can be a very stimulating and creative experience even without making a purchase. It’s amazing how many brands and pieces you can discover that further add depth and personality to your wardrobe. You’re putting together a mental and physical collection of items that express you. Now close the app drawer, get out there, and stunt a little bit, because nobody dresses like you! Oh, and don’t forget to lace ‘em up tight, you don’t want to sprain an ankle out there dropping double or triple digits. “Kobe!”