Dressing Room Survival 101

Last week I took a day off work (one of the benefits of being the boss!) and went shopping. It was fun…until I found something I wanted to try on! Over the years I've learned to not become attached to the number on the little tag inside the piece of clothing. Single digits or double, it doesn’t matter. My body size ranges from low single digits to double digits, depending on where I am shopping.

My first stop at the dressing room was for a pair of trouser jeans. Since it was a nice store (sizes seem smaller) I grabbed two sizes off the rack- a single and double digit size. I would love to get a specialist to analyze dressing room mirrors! When I stand in front of one I can almost hear the mirror people laughing when they added in a special glare to distort the reflection!

The next store I went to is one of my favorites. I already know exactly what size tops and bottoms I wear in that particular brand so picking out clothes is a breeze. I was standing in line at the dressing room, my arms loaded with goodie to try on, and while waiting I observed two friends. Friend #1 was trying on clothes while Friend #2 was patiently waiting with arms full, evaluating the clothing choices of Friend #1. I was amused at the struggle for honesty Friend #2 had. Friend #1 would swing open the dressing room door to parade her outfit. If she had a big smile on her face, Friend #2 would carefully look her over and hesitantly agree it looked “great!” Friend #1 would point out some flaw and Friend #2 would quickly agree. I saw that Friend #1 did not want to hear anything different than her own opinion. Perhaps that is why she chooses to shop with Friend #2 who couldn’t form her own opinion.

When I finally got into a dressing room I considered getting Friend #2‘s opinion for myself but decided against it and used my own assessment I use when shopping without a friend:

1. Is it modest?
2. Are the colors complimentary?
3. Can I combine any of the pieces with my existing wardrobe?
4. How many seasons can I use it?
5. Do I really need/want this?

Those are the five questions I answer before walking out of the dressing room. It is always more fun to shop with a friend, but don’t take a friend who will just tell you what you want to hear! You need an honest friend who will point out a color, shape, and size or immodesty issue to you. Without an honest evaluation those new clothes will just hang in your closet and never be worn.

Do you have your own assessment for buying clothes? I would love to hear them!