Do you ever think about what to wear for a SERIOUS shopping spree? Well, you should. I’m not talking about a casual stroll through the mall with your friends. I’m talking about CODE RED shopping events like: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Back to School, Black Friday and post winter holiday sales.
Why It Matters
When you plan to do some serious shopping, wearing the right clothes can make a huge difference in both how you perceive what you are trying on as well as your stamina.
Personally, I’m much more at home shopping online. But there are times (like during these big events) when I want to get a feel for different fabrics, try a few seasonal trend pieces and generally stock up. For those days, I never regret dressing appropriately.
Who wants to continually re-tie shoes or re-buckle a belt? Not to mention, look how much better the Caslon utility pants that I tried on in this post look with a plain white tee as compared to with the incredibly cute, but clashing Lily Pulitzer top? You can get a much better feel for how the things you try on will actually be worn by making a few strategic shopping day outfit decisions.
What to Wear
Undergarments: Stick to nude/skin tones bras and undies for the best look under the widest range of clothing. Particularly important for summer shopping as you may be trying on more whites/lights.
Main Outfit: Go very basic. A white/cream tee, shirt or sweater will go with most any bottom you try on. Jeans are my go-to bottom for the same reason – they work with most tops. If jeans aren’t your thing, stick with a dark grey or black cropped pant. Dresses seem like they’d be great but they limit you at stores where you only find tops or bottoms and not the other half. AVOID: Bright prints that will clash with most everything.
Shoes: Easy on, easy off is the key. Think flip-flop style sandals, slides, mules, slip-on sneakers or low slip on boots for fall winter. Avoid those awesome gladiator sandals of yours with a millions straps/buckles.
Accessories: Minimal. Smaller hoops or studs. No necklaces/bracelets. They get in the way and are just one more thing you have to take on and off repeatedly. Same goes for belts.
Extras: I’ll toss a pair of my own Peds into my bag before shoe shopping so I don’t have to use the skimpy store ones. If you are looking for dramatic tops or dress, consider bringing along a strapless bra as well.
Remember, #NSale opens to the public THIS FRIDAY. Dress appropriately for some serious shopping and score those deals! Check out my #NSale Top 10 Guides if you need help narrowing your options. More being added daily.
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Ha! This is so great. I feel like to me, it’s just common sense to wear nude under garments and easy jeans and shoes but one too many times I’ve been in a fitting room sweating trying to get over-the-knee boots on/off or in a dress around my ankles 😉
Yes, it’s really worth considering you’re outfit if you’re in for a hard-core/major shopping event. Every little bit of extra ease helps!
I will NOT wear a coat in the winter when shopping. Having to carry that thing around, sweating in the dressing rooms, no thank you!
So smart! I try to go without as well but fir the most biiter winter days have a lightweight puffer that I can roll into my bag while inside.