I recently wrote a post on simple things you can do to change up your look and I wanted to dive into No. 5 a little more, which was grab a girlfriend (or an honest personal stylist!) and shop till you drop.
We all love shopping with our girlfriends. But more often than not, at least for me in this stage in life, stuff just gets in the way. I can’t remember the last time I actually went shopping with friends – if I have even a minute to shop, it is usually last minute and I bask in the alone time after chasing a toddler all day.
So, whether you have plans with your girls this weekend or are just like me in finding a free moment for shopping, I wanted to offer you some tips to help you make the best decisions when you are out shopping!
If you are going at it alone, I want you to keep something important in mind: there is a difference between knowing what works for you and falling into a fashion rut. I encourage going with a friend or stylist to get honest feedback, so if you are alone make sure to take pictures or get ready to hop into a video chat with a friend (and hey, I can even help with this, too).
Whatever you choose to do, here are 7 tips to help you get ready for your shopping excursion:
Channel your inner supermodel.
Regardless of what your daily look is, I encourage you to fix your hair and makeup. This is a tip I learned when I was bridal dress shopping and it makes such a huge difference anytime I shop. You will feel so much prettier (and less self conscious) when you are glammed up and ready to face your fashion world. (bonus tip – wear your most seductive evening makeup when swim suit shopping!)
Wear your favorite foundation.
Okay, now I’m not talking makeup here! I am referring to your wardrobe foundation, aka shapewear or a good bra (of in my case, the anti-bra!). You’ll feel so much more beautiful no matter what you’re squeezing into. And, if you go with my shapewear you won’t feel like you’re suffocating because of the technology and intention of it being meant for daily wear.
Try on every item that catches your eye.
Don’t overlook an item because it isn’t perfect on the hanger. I was looking for a thin-striped black and white top for so long and tried on every one I found on a recent trip to Kohls. The one I liked least on the hanger ended up fitting me the best!
Discover new ways to wear your existing wardrobe.
Wear your favorite wardrobe staple to make amazing combinations. Same applies to your capsule wardrobe.
Related: Create outfits with this wardrobe planning app
Get creative with a forgotten item in your closet.
Alternatively, wear an item that has been sitting in your closet that you haven’t found anything to go with. I always end up buying something I love in store (like pink & green wedges) and then never have anything in my closet that works with it. If you don’t buy a full outfit when you shop, this will help you so much when you do get out to buy one-offs.
Size doesn’t matter.
Don’t get stuck on numbers. I range between 2-3 different sizes (between regular and plus, too). Don’t let it get you down or prevent you from buying something you really like!
Take lots of pictures.
Sometimes looking at an item through your camera lens can help you make better decisions. And if all else fails, ask a girlfriend or family member.
***Edited to add***
I went live in January, 2019 to share more on this topic. Check it out below!
I hope these can help you next time you get out and shop till you drop!
What are some of your favorite shopping tips?
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Great suggestions! I definitely notice a big difference in my shopping experience when I have my hair done or makeup on vs when I don’t. It’s hard not to look at sizes but you’re absolutely right- they shouldn’t matter! Plus sizes change from brand to brand anyways so why stress over them!
Thanks! Makeup can really help a girl out, at least for me 🙂
I have to tell myself that sometimes, size doesn’t matter as much. I get too caught up in that.
For sure! It is hard not too, especially when something is made way too small. That’s my issue with bridal / special occasion wear!
Trying things on is a biggie for me. I will often just throw something in the cart and buy it without trying in on, only to find when I get home and try it on that it doesn’t bring me much confidence.
I have the worst luck if I do that! I think if you mentally prepare yourself for trying stuff on (and wear something easy to get out of) you may feel better about it. I always grab tons of stuff to make it worth it, and it’s funny what I end up is usually not my favorite item on the hanger.
Sp loving your blog, these are great tips. I always take pics too… you never know how it will look! I’m trying to buy more bright colors too! I’m definitely pinning this for my friends!
Thanks, Marisa! I appreciate you sharing. Love my brights in the sea of black, gray and white in my closet 🙂
Love the point of trying on anything that catches your eye – so fun!
Right! It is fun, very Pretty Woman without the unlimited charges (at least for me)!
I try to get familiar with a forgotten item at least once monthly. It looks brand new when paired with some of your newer things.
Yes! I always have forgotten treasures in my closet. The backwards-hanger always helps me keep track.
I agree that trying it on makes a difference! It’s a great way to find gems you usually wouldn’t notice!
Yes, for sure! I love good unexpected surprises!
Good tips. I really like to have someone with me who can run back and get me a different size in something I think I like but isn’t fitting. It is SUCH a pain to have to get dressed and go back and find another size and then get undressed AGAIN to try that new size. ugggggh!
🙂 gwingal
I totally agree, I hate having to do that! If I don’t have too many items I’ll grab a couple of sizes but it seems like it is inevitable. I miss when dressing room attendants would do it for us!
What a GREAT post and awesome ideas! I can’t tell you how many times I have gone shopping and just couldn’t get into it! I have always found that doing my hair and make up make a HUGE difference in how I feel about an outfit I try on – and yes! on the Size doesn’t matter thing! I can’t tell you how many times I have tried something on that is 2 sizes bigger than what I usually wear and LOVED it!
Thanks for that! I hate when I’m not into shopping – it should always be fun. We just gotta get into the right groove (and lipstick) sometimes! 🙂
These are great tips! I loathe shopping, especially clothes shopping for myself. However, I think if I would just follow some of these tips it might make it better and more enjoyable!
Thanks! I hope they can help your next shopping experience better. It should be fun, not a drag 🙂
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