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 feel laborious or flare our insecurities.
Making subtle changes to your shopping habits can greatly impact 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 many hours of the day you will dedicate to shopping. Tip: make it short and sweet. If nothing fits or you don't find what you're looking for within that time, try another store 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. Limit yourself to 1-2 stores per trip to avoid burnout. Preparation can make a world of difference. Know which stores you're going to visit, and try to go at times when the stores are less crowded.
2. Choose the right stores
🎉 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 you fall into one of these categories. This can save you time and help you avoid stores that might not have what you’re looking for (preventing disappointment and frustration).
Remember, 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. Go 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 it’s a new pair of jeans, a summer dress, or work attire, having a list can keep you 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! Stop there; you’re done. If it’s too big, then continue to the next size down. This approach decreases the chances of your critical voice chiming in with rude commentary about your size.
5. Face away from the mirror
👉 Feel first, look later.
Face away from the mirror while taking your clothes on and off. When trying on clothes, assess how they feel on your body before looking in the mirror.
Your body will tell you if something is comfortable or not. Trust those sensations before checking the mirror. By keeping your focus on comfort and feel, 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 under the premise of “I’ll wear this when I lose weight” or “I’ll buy this as motivation to get down a size.” You’re paying $19.99 to feel guilty every time you open your closet door.
Focus on dressing the body you have 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 fabulous right now.
7. Prioritize comfort
You deserve to be comfortable. Find clothes that feel good. All bodies can wear all clothes, but if there’s a particular style you’re not comfortable in, don’t wear it. Choose what makes you feel confident and at ease.
It’s possible to find stylish clothes (if that's a priority of yours) 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 as a time to connect with yourself and enjoy some solitude.
9. Shop from home
Consider online shopping services like Stitch Fix* or Dia & Co. They hook you up 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.
*Using this link gets us both a $25 credit!
10. Practice self-compassion
Be kind to yourself. Make a point to notice your thoughts and self-talk during your shopping experience. Whenever you catch your mind slipping into criticism or judgment, gently place your hand on your heart, come back to your breath, and have compassion for the hard work you’re doing.
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’re feeling 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.
Clothes shopping isn't easy
Try to be gentle with yourself and this process. If you struggle with feeling guilty or shameful about your body while shopping, be sure to check out my blog post on shame and how to work with it.
Every successful shopping trip, no matter how small, is a victory. Celebrate finding a piece that fits well, feels good, and makes you happy. Remember, the goal is to find clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable, not to fit into a certain size or style.
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!