Black Friday Prep: Closet Refresh & Online Safety
Black Friday is almost here, and the sales are stacking up! The thrill of finding deals can be tempting, but before you hit “buy,” let’s ensure you’re prepared to shop smart - both for your wardrobe and your online safety.
Take a moment to understand your wardrobe needs. In my Unlock Your Personal Style Code program, we go deeper into this process, but here's a quick closet audit to help you focus your shopping list for this November.
By doing this quick audit, you'll be less tempted to buy things just because they're on sale.
Clear the Closet: A Fresh Start for a New Season
- Clear out last season's clothes: store what's not in use, donate or discard what's no longer needed.
- Assess what's missing: Think about essentials you'll need for the season ahead (e.g. layering pieces, outerwear, cool dresses, etc.)
Example Subcategories for Sorting
- Pants: casual, formal, and by colour.
- Shirts: t-shirts, collared shirts, sweaters, etc.
Assess: Get Real With What's Left In Your Closet After Sorting
For each garment, ask yourself questions like:
- "Does it fit me well?" Sometimes, we hold on to things, hoping they'll magically fit someday.
- "Is it still in style, or does it feel dated?" Trends come and go, but your style should reflect what feels good today.
- "Does it go with the rest of my wardrobe?" Pieces should harmonise with what you already own.
- "Does it still suit my lifestyle?" If you're working from home most days, that stack of suits may need a second look.
- "Is it damaged or stained?" If so, decide if it's worth mending or if it's time to part ways.
TIP: Create three piles as you go – Keep, Maybe, and Donate/Sell. Try on questionable pieces to help make decisions, and remember a large "maybe" pile means it's time to get selective.
Follow-Through: Clean, Mend, and Donate Responsibly
Clean/Mend Pile: Repair or clean any items you plan to keep that need a little TLC. If something's beyond saving, it might be time to let it go.
Sell/Donate Pile: Consider consignment shops, thrift stores, or online platforms like Depop or Facebook Marketplace. Even damaged items can be donated for textile recycling, reducing landfill waste.
Example closet Audit Results
- Pants: 40
- Collared shirts: 55
- T-shirts: 50
- Coats & jackets: 20
- Suits and sports coats: 35
- Sweaters/sweatshirts: 12
After The Audit
- Reduced from 40 to 30 (-25%)
- Reduced from 55 to 35 (-36%)
- Reduced from 50 to 35 (-30%)
- Reduced from 20 to 15 (-25%)
- Reduced from 35 to 18 (-49%)
- Reduced from 12 to 7 (-42%)
This example audit cut down the closet by 35%. This not only freed up space but also helped to stay mindful of what was actually needed.
Be Mindful of What You Need
Understanding your closet will help you avoid impulse buys and make confident style choices. So, let's return to the season you are in:
Create a list of must-have pieces for the new season. (e.g., cosy sweaters, timeless boots, versatile jackets, fabulous dresses, sandals etc.) and consider investing in pieces that will last beyond one season.
Now Let's Engage in Smart Shopping Online: Style Meets Cybersecurity
There's value in patience when shopping for good deals - don't rush into impulse buys just because of flashy discounts.
- Shop from trusted sites: Stick to well-known brands and retailers. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true on unfamiliar websites. Cybercriminals use phishing kits from dark web sources to create emails and websites that look just like your favourite retailers, so be wary of emails that seem too good to be true.
- Be cautious with unsolicited emails: Always go directly to the retailer's website instead of clicking links in an email. Google the offer or search the URL link directly on Google. Often, other users may have flagged the link or reported scams associated with it.
- Verify the sender: Look for spelling or grammar errors and carefully check the sender's email address. Scammers often use addresses almost identical to the actual company but may have slight misspellings or extra characters.
- Use official apps: Avoid clicking through emails and ad links and open the retailer's official app or website instead or enter the URL directly into your browser.
- Secure payments: Ensure the site uses safe payment methods (look for "https" and a padlock icon in the URL).
- Beware of phishing scams: Be cautious of emails or messages offering unbelievable deals. Always double-check the legitimacy of the source - search for contact information. Legitimate companies will have clear contact information on their website, such as a customer service phone number, email, or chat support. If you're unsure, try calling their official number (found on their verified website) to confirm the deal.
- Use strong, unique passwords: If creating accounts, use a strong password and consider a password manager.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for an extra layer of protection on your accounts.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi: When shopping, use a secure network rather than public Wi-Fi, which can be risky.
Common Black Friday Scams
Fake Websites
Many fake websites pop up around Black Friday, imitating legitimate brands with "too good to be true" deals. Services like ScamAdvisor or WHOIS can provide background information on websites, including when the domain was created and if it has a trustworthy rating. New or short-lived domains are red flags.
Gift Card Fraud
- Gift cards are popular holiday gifts but can be high-risk if not purchased directly from trusted sources. Scammers drain the value on some gift cards before they even reach the buyer.
- Buy directly from retailers: Avoid third-party sites for gift cards.
- Check the balance: Confirm the balance immediately if you receive a gift card.
- Most retailers offer an online balance-checking tool. Go to the retailer's or issuer's official website and find the "Gift Card" section, where you can enter your card number and PIN to view the balance.
- Call the Customer Service Number: Many gift cards have a customer service number printed on the back. Call this number and follow the prompts to check your balance. Be sure to have the card number and required PIN ready.
- Visit a Store Location: For gift cards from major retailers, you can visit a physical store and ask a cashier to check your balance. This is especially useful if you're unsure about online or phone options.
Fake Order Confirmations
- Fake order confirmations often contain links to phishing sites or malware.
- Don't click unexpected order confirmations: Contact the retailer directly through their official website if unfamiliar.
- Look for legitimate order numbers: If an email is missing specific order details, it's likely a scam.
Social Media Scams
- Social media platforms are rife with fake ads and accounts offering incredible deals. Be cautious about clicking links or sharing personal information through social media.
- Follow only verified accounts: Avoid deals from unknown or unverified accounts.
- Be wary of "too good to be true" deals: Scammers create fake ads to lure you in, so think twice before clicking.
If You Miss Black Friday, Don’t Panic
It isn't the end of the world if you miss out on deals - many brands continue sales over the weekend, especially on Cyber Monday.
Rather use this "festive" time to refine your list and research the best options (both for style and safe online shopping).
Final Tips for a Stylish and Safe Black Friday
- Stick to your wish list and your budget.
- Focus on quality items that will last through the season and beyond.
- Use cybersecurity best practices while shopping online to protect your personal and payment information.
Black Friday is your chance to refresh your style for the new season. With a little planning, you'll find exactly what you need - stylishly and safely.
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My professional odyssey over the past 25 years has been a journey through a kaleidoscope of fields- Technology, Hospitality, Art, Retail, and beyond. Yet, if there's one passion that’s remained constant, it’s the art and joy of styling.
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