It was a good day to shop.
But was it a good outfit to shop in?
- New Jersey tee (last seen here, I think) from Urban Outfitters, circa 2003– About $10
- Black crop pants from Gap Body– $15
- Black “Rain Crop” flats by Aerosoles– $19.99 on sale
Clearly I didn’t think the mirror/text thing through, but thanks to the magic of Photoshop…
There we go. Much better. Now Bryan Adams can make his 8 cents.
I took the photo and wore the outfit the day my friend M and I went to the mall(s) and updated her wardrobe. More on that soon, but first, a question: what do you wear to shop? Any tips, tricks or general rules? Or does it depend on where you’re going and whom you’re going with?
I admit I was lazy here– it was really M’s shopping day, and we had to cover a lot of ground, so I just went with something comfy. If it’s a serious shopping trip, comfort (especially in footwear) is always key, but if I’m looking for myself, I like to wear something more like this.
In general, I go for:
- Neutral/black separates, which make a great blank canvas for everything else I’m trying on
- Flats, for sure
- Everything comfortable and built for easy-on and easy-off– preferably no buttons or zippers
- If I’m going to a sample sale or the Running of the Brides, some sort of bodysuit for quick changes in (relative) public
- Otherwise, a realllly supportive, flattering bra and seamless (or really bare– think G-string) panties for trying on knitwear, etc.
- A pair of cheap-o footies in my purse for trying on shoes at cheap-o places that don’t provide them*
- A camera or camera-phone for documenting pieces I want to stalk or think about while I put them on hold
How about you? What do you bring and wear for a day of marathon shopping? One of these?
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*Just stuff a pair in your purse when you’re trying on shoes at one of those high-test places like Filene’s Basement.
Related posts:
- Pretty Savvy Friday: Hey, Big Spender!
- Pretty Savvy Friday: What Kind of Shopper Are You?
- Black Friday Yourself!
- Pretty Savvy Friday: The Best Deal Ever
- Pretty Savvy Friday: Where Do You Get Your Best Bargains?
I am with you on the simple, easy on-off clothes for shopping. I also never wear any jewelry, other than my wedding band. And, no fussy accessories (scarves in particular), layers, hats, gloves, etc. Of course, I live in Texas and can get away with shopping without peeling off layers of outerwear.
IIf my mom is trying to match a color, she carries a spooll of thread or fabric swatch of the item inher purse, rather than lugging the actual item around. Of course, she sews and has a thousand spools of thread in every color, whereas I have black, white and tan thread.
I try to leave my coat in the car whenever possible. I like to wear leggings and a tunic for shopping with a cami underneath. That way, you can try dresses on without taking off your pants (which is nice if you are pretty sure something’s not gonna fit and you want the option of zipping in and out of the dressing room). A cami is nice since you can try on sheer things without having to grab something from the rack. Flats are good, too. Water is essential for me, and often a snack as well because I don’t really go for fast food, and often that will be the only thing on offer at the mall. I hate that blood sugar dip in the middle of your shopping trip moment.
Lain, the thread idea is genius– or I guess, if you don’t have such thready resources, it might be a good idea to snap a photo on your cell phone/camera of whatever you’re looking to match (or pair something with), and bring it shopping with you. Hmmm… Yes, I like this idea.
Alexis, yes! Camis are a great idea, and some sort of refreshment is pretty much essential to prevent that Mall Malaise that kicks in eventually. It’s funny, though– I always leave my coat in the car, or at least take it off when I’m going to be inside a mall/big box store for a while– and it inevitably leads to folk thinking I work in the store. Even if I’m wearing a sweater and a skirt and I’m in Target, home of red shirted and khaki’d employees. I think People Without Coats in Winter = Store Employees to the addled brains of holiday shoppers.
The last time I went on a serious shop I wore opaque footless tights, an easy off/on dress with a fitted singlet top underneath, a belt and comfy heels.
Tights and singlet so if I’m somewhere that has no changing rooms (uncommon, but hey, be prepared I’m only slightly embarrassed changing publically.
Dress because it’s easy to get out of quickly.
Belt because I belt almost every outfit I wear, so it’s important for me to see clothing with one.
Heels because I mostly wear high heels so I’m more concerned about how outfits look with them.
My latest most random purchase was a pair of those blousy slightly parachute-ish long shorts/capris that are back in fashion, because they were cheap and I thought why not. They actually… look good. I am so surprised.