Remember when we used to sleep on things before we bought them? Well, the internet killed that.

Convenience, coupled with the low cost of fast fashion, means we are making more poor purchases more frequently.

Melissa Lewis, founder of personal brand and image consultancy Style Confidante, says guilt and the fantasy of wearing a garment often causes her clients to hang on to bad purchases.

"Maybe the piece was on sale, or [they] were in a hurry, or the shop assistant said it looked great," she says, adding that most women only wear 20 per cent of their wardrobe.

Even fashion experts make mistakes. Columnist Clare Press once bought a pair of Miu Miu boots in Rome she has never worn.

"When I look at those shoes I feel guilty because I bought them on a whim... My wardrobe is full of glittery things that turned out to be liars. The industry makes us promises it can't keep."

Press, author of the sustainable fashion book Wardrobe Crisis, said converting to slow fashion makes people more likely to buy things with a story and less likely to leave us feeling like we've consumed empty calories.

"Let's buy [things] in a way that is more likely to make us feel sated and excited," she says. Here's how:

SHOP LOCAL

Press says it pays to seek out someone who knows their stuff and what looks good.

In turn, they get to know you and keep things aside for your next visit so you don't bow to the pressure to buy things just to give you a fix.

DON'T COMPROMISE ON SIZE

It's easy to fall for the "they will stretch" self-talk we use when buying a pair of shoes half a size too small, or a dress that's two sizes too big.

Unless you have a tailor on speed dial or it's truly a collector's item, don't do it.

SLEEP ON IT

Because it works. Most stores will hold overnight, or another trick is add it to your online cart and walk away.

If you still lust after it the next day, it's yours, with no regrets.

CHECK THE RETURN POLICY

A trap of online sales and Facebook groups is most sales are final, so read the fine print before you commit.

TIME YOUR ATTACK

We're more likely to make poor decisions on deadline or to avoid confronting an emotional issue. Shop when you already feel good and never 24 hours before a big event. Renting is a better option.

KNOW YOUR FORMULA

Sarah Gilsenan, head women's wear designer for Rolla's, says if you have a style of jeans you know suits, don't reinvent the wheel. If you wear skinny black jeans but want to experiment, change the silhouette or the colour – but not both.

"Go with what you know suits you. The way you find that is through going into a good retailer and doing a try-on session."

WALK AROUND IN IT

Fitting rooms are small and static but life is dynamic, so move around.

Gilsenan says: "Take your time, move around – do a few squats, you're probably going to sit down at some point." Buying a dress? Make sure you can lift your arms in it.

SPEND THE MOST ON CLASSICS

And scrimp on the trends, unless it's something you love so much you will wear every day, like a coat, for example.

Tanya Lunardon, marketing director of Chadstone shopping centre, adds leather jackets and a good bag to the list.

DON'T GIVE INTO GUILT

Made a mistake? Don't worry. Sell it or donate it and get on with your life.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/mermaid-trumpet-evening-dresses | www.marieaustralia.com/one-shoulder-formal-dresses