Do you hate to shop for clothes?
According to a recent report by WGSN (Worth Global Style
Network), 28% of women HATE to shop for clothes. To them, it’s a
four-letter word that produces stress and anxiety any time they
think about hitting the mall.
Now for the 26% of women who absolutely LOVE to shop and
frequently ease their woes with retail therapy, this may be
inconceivable. How can anyone NOT enjoy the thrill of the hunt
or the big bargain score? Who doesn’t love modeling new clothes
in front of the mirror or being asked incessantly, “Great
outfit! Is it new?”
The answer? Plenty of people.
And for many women who hate to shop, the problem has little to
do with money. In fact, according to WGSN, when these women
actually force themselves to go buy clothes, they rarely look
for bargains.
Instead, they tend to avoid the mall because:
1.They don’t know what kinds of clothes look best on them.
2.They don’t follow fashion and don’t want to look ridiculous or
dated in their purchases.
3.They’re easily flustered when they can’t find what they’re
looking for quickly.
4.They feel uncomfortable trying on clothes in dressing rooms.
5.They may have put on a lot of weight and either can’t find
clothes that fit or don’t want to face the fact that they need a
larger size.
6.They hate crowds.
Does any of this sound familiar?
If you can really relate to this list, here are some tips to
make shopping easier, less expensive, and far less frustrating
than you may have experienced in the past:
1. Determine Your Body Shape
Start by taking a good look at your birthday suit in the mirror
the next time you change clothes or step out of the bath. Are
your hips bigger than your chest? Your chest bigger than your
hips? Is your waist the same size as your chest and hips? Does
your body resemble an hourglass? Make a note. Look for clothes
shaped the same way you are when you hit the stores. This will
lead to fast success and minimal frustration.
2. Determine Your Lifestyle
What kinds of clothes work best in your current situation? Do
you need business wear? Jeans? Ball gowns? If your lifestyle is
60% work, 20% social, and 20% leisure, for example, or 90% work
and 5% social and 5% leisure, then your wardrobe should reflect
as much. Otherwise, you may be hard pressed to find something to
wear for those activities where you spend the least amount of
time.
3. Assess Your Needs and Make a List
Once you know your shape and your lifestyle, it’s time to go
through your closet and see what you need. If you’re short on
tops, put them on the list. Feel fabulous in a coatdress? Add a
few more. Love your black A-line skirt? Buy another one in dark
blue.
Remember: if you start with a list, you can immediately hone in
on those pieces in the store. When you only look for what you
need, you’re a lot less likely to get distracted – or confused.
4. Go When it’s Quiet and You Have Some Time
This may not always be possible, depending on your situation,
but try to go when the stores are nearly empty and you have a
little time to look, like a weekday morning. Not only will the
store clerks be more available to help, you’ll have plenty of
time to go through the store inventory.
If you hate crowds or have to constantly monitor your watch as
you shop, you’re more likely to give up quickly or buy
unsatisfactory pieces just to get it over with.
Simple solution: shop online.
5. Leave The Kids At Home
This may not always be possible, but if you can shop when
they’re at school, leave them with a sitter, or swap sitting
duties with another mom so you each have free time, do.
6. Buy and Return
If you don’t have the time or inclination to try on clothes
before you buy them, go to a mirror, hold the clothes up in
front of you and see how they look. If it looks like something
you might like, test the size in the places it’s most likely to
give you trouble, like the shoulders, bust or hips, by grabbing
the edge of the garment and seeing where it hits on the side of
your body. If it goes half way, chances are, you have a close
fit. If it doesn’t or if it goes beyond the halfway point, go up
or down a size, respectively. Buy it, take it home, and try it
on there. If it fits, keep it. If it doesn’t, take it back.
7. Hire Help
If you truly don’t want to attempt any of this on your own, or
if you’re after a certain look but don’t have the time to track
it down, hire a personal shopper. Many better department stores
and boutiques have one on staff; just ask. Or, check online, in
the newspaper, or in the phone book for freelance personal
shoppers in your area. The Association of Image Consultants
International
http://www.aici.org
might also be able to recommend someone locally.
While the fee for department or boutique staff shoppers is
usually free (they receive a commission on the clothes you buy
from their store), most freelance shoppers will charge either an
hourly or flat fee for their services, plus the cost of clothes.
If that’s what it takes to get you out the door, looking your
best, with a minimum of stress, pay it. It will pay you back
many times in increased confidence, reduced stress, and a
workable, wearable wardrobe.
Shopping for new clothes should be an enjoyable event you
participate in at least twice a year, to refurbish your closet
for the new season. If you hate to shop or always wind up with
stuff you don’t need, try these tips to get your closet in
order. Who knows? You may actually start to enjoy yourself!