I think we can probably all agree by know that I love to shop. It’s pretty much the only cardio I do on a regular basis and it’s something that I’m fairly good at!
A few weeks ago, Karla from White Cottage asked me via Instagram if I had any tips for what to wear when you go clothes shopping.
Um, that would be a yes! And as luck would have it, last week I hit the shops myself (don’t tell anyone but I totally cheated on Westfield Carindale and headed to Westfield Garden City to check out their new renos!) and took a couple of snaps of my clothes shopping outfit before I left.
Kirsten’s Top Tips for What To Wear When You Go Clothes Shopping:
Ok, so first things first. Repeat after me: COMFORT IS KEY.
That’s right folks, when you’re hitting the shops with the intention of trying on clothes, you need to be comfortable.
My go to shopping outfit isn’t the most flattering combination in my wardrobe (oversized shirts do nothing for an hourglass shape) but let’s face it, when you’re on a clothes shopping mission, it’s a case of enter shop, select clothes, enter change room, whip off own clothes, try on new clothes, sigh at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you really should eat less and move more, take new clothes off, put own clothes back on, tell shop assistant you’re fine for sizing thanks very much unless she can somehow change your actual size and make everything in the shop fit and flatter asap, pick up handbag & clothes on hangers, decide which ones are worthy of burning a hole in your credit card/bank account, pay, leave AND REPEAT MANY, MANY TIMES in a 3-5 hour period.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a coffee break from just reading that paragraph!
So, long story short, when you go clothes shopping, you need to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to whip off and throw back on in the change rooms.
I like to stick to one layer on top. None of this tshirt with a cardi/jacket/scarf business. It might be cool outside, but you’ll work up a sweat soon enough once you hit the shops!
I also keep jewellery to a bare minimum, wearing only earrings and rings. Sometimes a bracelet but never a long necklace.
That way, when I’ve got tops to try on, I’m not a) running the risk of any of my jewellery accidentally catching on the fabric of what I’m trying on or b) wasting time taking off long necklaces that just get in the way/left behind!
On the bottom, I like to wear a really comfy pair of jeans. Preferably something with a bit of stretch in them that are easy to get on and off. The pair I’m wearing in this shot are from Katies and have no zip. They’re basically leggings cleverly disguised as jeans that you pull on and pull off. Perfect for quick and easy change room try ons!
Shoes need to be flat with a bit of cushioning in the soles. Don’t even think about wearing a pair of heels. If you make the fatal mistake, after an hour of brisk walking through a crowded mall you’ll be frantically searching for a pair of cheap thongs (flip flops/jandles for the US/kiwi readers amongst us) to wear instead. Or so I’ve heard!
And finally, can we just take a moment to discuss your handbag. I’ve got two handbags on high rotation in my wardrobe at the moment. The one in the photo below, which is perfect for shopping as I can fling it over my shoulder. This leaves your hands free to carry all of those shopping bags!
My other handbag doesn’t sit well on my shoulder and has to be carried instead. This creates a huge first world problem when shopping because it really only leaves you one free hand. That makes riffling through clothing racks for your size a bit tricky and don’t get me started on the issue it creates when you’re trying to balance those shopping bags while also attempting to pay for a coffee!
Which brings me to my final tip for what to wear when going clothes shopping. You MUST stop for regular breaks. Feel free to do a quick run back to the car to unload those bags from your aching hands, before settling in at your favourite coffee shop for a quick cuppa and possibly a sweet treat. Don’t worry about the calories. Everybody knows they don’t count in malls!
What To Wear When Clothes Shopping, Outfit Details:
Top: Wayne By Wayne Cooper Oversized Shirt With Mesh Insert, purchased from Myer (size 14) Currently on sale for $81.75
Jeans: Slim Ultimate Jean, purchased from Katies (size 14) Currently on sale for $19.95
Shoes: Supersoft Ballet Flats, purchased from Myer last year (no longer available)
Handbag: Coach Shoulder Bag, a 40th birthday gift from Scott & the kids (purchased from the Coach Outlet Store at Harbour Town, Gold Coast, for substantially less coin than the online store!)
What do you like to wear when clothes shopping? Something comfortable or do you shop in your pi’s from home?!
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