Transform Your Clothes Shopping Experience: 10 tips for a stress-free trip
- Chelsea Hester-Bradt
- Jul 22, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Making Clothes Shopping Enjoyable: A Guide to a Better Experience
Going clothes shopping can sometimes feel like the worst thing ever.
One minute you’re giddy with excitement at the idea of finding the perfect outfit to woo your boo and the next, you’re crying in the dressing room because the zipper won’t zip. Yikes. Been there, done that.
But shopping doesn’t have to be exhausting or trigger insecurities.
Subtle changes to your shopping habits can significantly affect how you feel before, during, and after your dressing room saga.
Here are 10 tips to make clothes shopping less stressful
1. Set a time limit ⏰
Decide ahead of time how long you will shop. A good rule of thumb? Keep it short and sweet. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, remind yourself it’s not you; it’s the store. Try again another day!
Walking into stores feeling equipped, centered, and confident is key, and if you've been shopping for hours on end, chances are you don't feel so centered and confident anymore. 😵💫
Take time to plan your shopping trips intentionally. To avoid burnout, limit yourself to 1-2 stores per trip. Preparation can make a world of difference. Know which stores you'll visit, and try to go at times when they are less crowded.
2. Choose your stores strategically
🎉 Set yourself up for success.
Before heading out, do a bit of research on which stores cater to your size and style. Look for stores with plus size, curvy, petite, and tall options if that fits you best. This can save you time and help you avoid stores that might not have what you want (preventing disappointment and frustration).
Find clothes that fit your body, not the other way around.
3. Have a clear vision
Go into the store with an idea of what you’re looking for. Envision it. Imagine it fitting well and feeling good on your body. Find that specific item, and don’t settle for anything less. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, it's the store’s fault, not yours.
Write down what you need before you go shopping. Whether you need a new pair of jeans, a summer dress, or work attire, having a list can help you stay focused and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed.
4. Grab multiple sizes
Get 2-3 sizes of each piece of clothing you want to try on. Try on the biggest size first. If it fits, great, you're done. If it’s too big, continue to the next size down.
Clothing sizes are inconsistent. Minimizing the amount of times you try on clothes that are too small and might make you feel "too big" can help prevent negative self-talk and frustration.
5. Face away from the mirror
👉 Feel first, look later.
When taking your clothes on and off, face away from the mirror. When trying on clothes, assess how they feel on your body before looking in the mirror.
Your body knows comfort before your brain does. If a fabric feels scratchy, too tight, or restrictive, honor that first. Trust those sensations before checking the mirror.
By focusing on comfort and feeling, you can reduce the anxiety that often comes with trying on clothes and seeing your reflection.
6. Only buy what fits
Don’t buy clothes based on the premise that “I’ll wear this when I lose weight” or “I’ll buy this to motivate myself to get down a size.” That ‘goal weight’ dress? It’s just a reminder of stress.
Invest in clothes that celebrate you now.
You deserve to feel good in your clothes today, not some hypothetical future date. Celebrate your current self by choosing clothes that make you feel great right now.
7. Prioritize comfort
You deserve to be comfortable. Find clothes that feel good. If you’re not comfortable with a particular style, don’t wear it. Choose what makes you feel confident and at ease.
It’s possible to find stylish clothes (if that's your priority) that are also comfortable. Look for materials that feel good on your skin and cuts that give you freedom of movement. Don’t compromise on comfort for the sake of fashion.
8. Decide on your shopping company
Figure out if you prefer shopping with a friend or alone. Do whichever makes you feel more comfortable. If having a friend helps reduce stress, bring someone supportive. If shopping solo feels more relaxed, use it to connect with yourself and enjoy solitude.
9. Shop from home
Consider online shopping services like Stitch Fix* or Dia & Co. These services connect you with a personal stylist and deliver outfits to your doorstep. You can try on clothes in the privacy of your home and return whatever doesn’t fit or you don’t want. This can be a great way to avoid the stress of in-store shopping.
While online shopping eliminates dressing room stress, it’s still okay if things don’t fit perfectly. Keep a flexible mindset and take advantage of easy return policies.
*Using this link gets us both a $25 credit!
10. Practice self-compassion
Be kind to yourself. During your shopping experience, notice your thoughts and self-talk. Whenever you catch your mind slipping into criticism or judgment, gently place your hand on your heart, return to your breath, and have compassion for your hard work.
Shopping can be challenging (hello, mirrors and fluorescent lights), so take time to check in with yourself and see how you're doing. Pay attention to how you feel throughout the process. If you start to feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a break, breathe, and remind yourself that it’s okay to try again another day.
Your worth is not measured by a number on a tag. Clothes should fit you, not the other way around.
Clothes shopping isn't easy
Try to be gentle with yourself and this process. You deserve to feel good in your clothes, no matter what. And if a shopping trip doesn't go well, it’s not a reflection of you; it’s just a sign to try a different store, a different day, or a different approach.
By incorporating these strategies into your shopping routine, you can transform a potentially stressful experience into a more enjoyable one.
✨May your next shopping adventure be full of laughs, compassion, and joy. Sending you so much love today!
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