Trying on clothes, sucks.  Most people don’t like to.  And in my own experience, it usually ends up with disappointment.  “Nothing fits right.”  “I’m not tan enough.”  “This looks horrible!”  The bad thoughts only increase and I feel worse about myself than when I went in.

Shopping should be fun. Trying on clothes should be fun!  Dressing Rooms should not be terrifying.  So here’s a few tips to ensure that your next shopping trip ends in some great clothes that make you feel confident about yourself.

• Have an idea of what you are looking for.

Are you wanting spring clothes?  Do you need more shorts or tops?  Do you need a dress for a certain occasion?   Having no clue what you’re looking for opens your options up to anything.  This can lead to either major over spending or major disappointment since you don’t know where you would wear something.  Having even a small idea of a few things you want will help.

• Get there early or go at non-peak hours!

Saturday is most likely going to be the busiest day of the shopping week.  Avoid Saturday if possible.  For example, my favorite store Forever 21 is always busy.  My favorite time to go is Sunday when the mall opens.  Everything is still in order and the dressing rooms aren’t busy, yet.  When stores get busy, employees get antsy and try to empty the dressing rooms quicker.  By getting there early or going at non-peak hours, you can take your time trying on, seeing how it fits, and adjusting sizes.  Plus, the employees are friendlier when they aren’t being harassed by waiting customers.

• Wear clothes that are easy to take on and off.

This should be a no brainer, but I always forget.  Sunday I knew I was going shopping.  When I was picking out what I was going to wear, I picked up a button down shirt and hubs stopped me.  “Aren’t you going to be trying on clothes? Shouldn’t you wear something easy to take on and off?”  DOH!   Don’t wear something that has to be buttoned or zipped or is hard to get on and off.  Same goes for shoes. Slip ons or flip flops are best.

• Put on a good face of makeup.

I know sometimes us girls run errands with no makeup, maybe stop by our favorite store to get a top or something.  Then come out disappointed.  If you are planning a shopping day, take time in the morning to do your makeup.  It not only gives you a better idea of how you will look in the top with the right face but makes you feel more confident. (or at least for me)  Sometimes its hard to imagine a piece of clothing outside of the small dressing room and bad lighting with fully done hair and makeup.  Already having on a good face of makeup will alleviate some hard imagining.

• Fix you hair in a style.

I’m not saying take an hour to curl or straighten it.  Just don’t throw it up in a ponytail.  Attempt to  style it like you would on a day when you would wear such an item that you’re attempting to find.  Whether its pinning it back or pulling it into a low pony, some “style” will help the whole “imagining” process.

I took this approach to my shopping trip and ended up feeling/liking the way I looked in the stuff I tried on more than usual.  Keep these tips in mind the next time you go shopping and maybe you’ll end up wanting to try on more stuff than you normally would.

Good luck, loves! Happy Shopping!