If you’re a frequent shopper like me, you’ll know what I mean by having a “productive” or “unproductive” shopping trip. You’ll know what I mean by having “good days” or “bad days” – when everything either seems to look good on you or when nothing seems to flatter at all.

Chalk it up to experience, but I’ve uncovered the top 3 mistakes every chronic shopper makes. And hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you not only make the most of your time and money, but also feel the best about yourself while shopping for clothes.

THE MISTAKE: 

Wearing jeans, jeggings, any other type of tight pants, shirts with buttons, lace up shoes or boots. Never. Wear. Boots.

Yes, the point of a shopping trip is to buy NEW clothes. But the existing clothes that you choose to shop in make a difference too. So many times I’ve walked into a store, spotting so many things that I want to try on. But lo and behold: I’m in my ultra-skinny tight jeans, and the entire prospect of taking them off and putting them on again just seems like too much work for me to bother.

THE CONSEQUENCE: 

Wasting valuable time changing in and out of the clothes or if you’re lazy, then missing out on a potentially great piece of clothing altogether.

THE CURE: 

Wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Slip-on shoes (no buckles, or fastens, or laces). If you plan on trying separates, then avoid wearing one-pieces to shop in (unless you intend on doing that half-unzipped dress, hanging off your waist while you try on a blouse thing). My go-to shopping outfit is usually a tank-top/t-shirt and shorts, with flats or loafers. Wearing simple separates can help you imagine what the top/bottom would look like when paired with something else.

THE MISTAKE: 

Going shopping when you’re bloated/sick/hungover etc.

Basically, just going shopping at any time when you know you’re having an abnormally bad day. Whether it’s your mood that’s particularly temperamental or your physical body that’s just not as you as usual.

THE CONSEQUENCE: 

Feeling frustrated when you can’t find the particular size/colour/style or feeling upset with your appearance when clothes don’t seem to fit right.

THE CURE: 

Choose a day that you generally feel good and confident, and the time of day when you’ll know your body will be most cooperative (e.g. for me, that’s in the morning). Or to prevent unnecessary distress, bring in a couple sizes of the same item into the dressing room with you. If you feel good, it’ll show.

THE MISTAKE: 

Buying something a) you will never wear, b) that is cheaper somewhere else, c) both.

Ah, the number of times I’ve been guilty of this… If I were to raid through my closet at this very moment, I’d probably be able to fish out a decently sized pile of clothes I have either never worn, worn only once, or don’t fit me at all whether size-wise or style-wise. Just admit it: you have some version of that eccentric knitted scarf you bought when you felt particularly artsy, or that excessively studded biker jacket you got when you were feeling especially edgy. And if you’re like me, you’ll probably also have 5 variations of basically the same thing – each succeeding the previous one with some sort of weak excuse like “but this one has a button”.

THE CONSEQUENCE: 

Letting a lot of money and material go to waste. Not to mention, a total misuse and misallocation of your wardrobe space.

THE CURE: 

Never buy something immediately after seeing it. Take a picture of it then carry it around for a bit while you look at other stuff, because there’s a good chance you might change your mind within that short period of time. Check other stores for similar items in case they might be selling it at a better price, or specifically look for it on a website you know will have it at a bargain. Another important thing to note is to stop buying a “slightly improved” version of something you already own, especially if it’s a staple piece. If you’re looking for that perfect leather jacket, then save up and hold out! Don’t just buy the next best thing, 10 times in a row, to tie you over till you finally find the one.

My final tip to all you shoppers out there, is to:

Most customers aren’t aware that they can reserve items at the counter (in exchange for just your contact details) for at least one full day, sometimes more. I do this often if I don’t have enough money on the day itself, am curbing impulsive buying, or am trying to buy time before I make up my mind.

So there you have it – my years of retail experience condensed into one organised page. Hopefully this helps make the slightest difference for you guys towards the productive shopping trips we women deserve!

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