Dressing for retail therapy
Dressing well when you go shopping gives you two main advantages. You will be better able to judge clothes on yourself if you are well made up and well groomed and you will also receive better service. Remember Pretty Woman? It is not fair, but it is true that salespeople will respond to you according to the way you look and the impression you first make. If, for example, you are looking for a new dress and you go shopping wearing scruffy trousers and an old shirt, the sales assistant will probably assume that you are a person of limited taste and money to spend and they will concentrate on the customers who look as if they will actually buy.
Dressed smartly, with neat and clean hair and nails, with some make-up on, even if just the basic lipstick, blusher and mascara you will solicit much more attention from a fawning salesperson.
Before going shopping, you should also consider what you hope to be buying. If, for example, you are shopping for jeans, then wear trousers but if you are looking for a new dress or suit, dress accordingly. Remember to take any shoes with you that you might wear with an outfit to ensure the hemline is right. It really is impossible to decide if a new and elegant evening dress is flattering on you if you are wearing socks and pumps and your hair is a mess.
Go through your wardrobe and make a list of all the items of clothing and accessories that you are looking to purchase. Note down the colour you are looking for and the size and, if necessary, take an item with you to match up in the shop.
For anyone whose lifestyle leaves little time for shopping, being prepared and looking good are both factors that will help you to shop more effectively and in a shorter period of time and by knowing which colours suit you best you will be able to choose outfits with confidence.
About the Author:
Caroline Husbands is a Senior Style Consultant with Colour Me Beautiful, Europe's leading image consultancy. Services include colour analysis and image consultations.