[Topic] Lifestyle & Clothes

How often do you shop for clothes? I haven't bought new clothes for a year. What about you?

What type of lifestyle do you have? Do you have a need for things and possessions? Or do you care more about relationships and experiences? If that's you, then you can call yourself a minimalist.

Minimalism is a type of lifestyle where a person who lives with only the things they need. Minimalists are free from the desire to buy and accumulate more. Instead, they find happiness in relationships and experiences.

• Minimalist: a person who can identify the unnecessary things in their life and remove them so that life becomes much simpler

• Declutter: remove unnecessary items from (an untidy or overcrowded place).

• Simplicity: the state or quality of being simple

On contrast, materialism is the belief that having money and possessions is the most important thing in life.

• Materialist: a person who is focused on objects, ownership and wealth. Example: Someone who is materialistic is focused on only wearing designer clothing.

• Possessions: could be anything, including clothes, shoes, handbags, cars, electronic equipment, and gadgets

• Shopaholic: a person considered to be addicted to shopping

Do you have a lot of clothes? → Yes, I have a lot of clothes.

Do you think you have more than you need? → Yes, I have more than I need. I am decluttering my room and will donate clothes I don't wear anymore.

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Let's talk about shopping for clothes:

Conversations when shopping: 1. If a shopkeeper asks you ''Can I help you?'' you can reply:

A) I'm just looking, thanks. → You would like to take a look around the shop. Not looking for anything in particular.

B) Yes, I am looking for...

→ You are looking for something specifically (ex: a pair of leather shoes for work)

2. Before you buy an item of clothing, you want to make sure it's the right size. You ask:

A) May I try this on? → You should ask if you can try it on. Then ask where the changing room is located: B) Excuse me, where is the changing room?

3. If it is not the right size for you, you can ask the sales assistant:

A) Do you have this in a smaller size?

→ It is too big for you. You need a smaller size.

B) Do you have this in a bigger size?

→ is too small for you. You need a bigger size.

4. When a sales assistant tells you: A) That's the last one in stock! → This one is the last one they have in store.

B) That looks great on you! → Gives you a positive opinion.

C) That isn't the right color for you!

→ Gives you an negative opinion. The color does not look good on you.

5. If you're buying a gift a good question is:

A) Can I get a refund?

→ Can the store give back your money if your friend does not like the gift.

B) Can I exchange this?

→ Can the store exchange the size if the size is not right (mainly for clothing/shoes).

Now, let's practice listening! Listen to the BBC Talk on The meaning of Clothes

1. What is the talk about?

2. Do you dress formal or casual?

3. Do you choose trendy items or old comfortable ones?

4. Do we value tradition when deciding what to keep in our wardrobe?

5. Describe the traditional dress in your country.

6. What is the maximum length of a sari?

7. What words are new to you? Make your own sentence.

↘Comment below your answers for the quiz! Tag a friend who loves to go shopping↙