A Fashionista’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Shopping Outfit
The year that is quarantined and deep
Made our dreams merely sleep.
I promise, all of its dullness will be replaced
As first light to twilight is retraced.
It’s finally June! Can you believe that we are nearly halfway through the year?! Well, the past few months have had all of us riddled with stumbling blocks, having to travail our way out of the Coronavirus outbreak. While I’m gradually starting to ease out of my Quarantine life and all of the shenanigans that I got up to, I’d like you to know that there is always a silver lining even in the darkest of clouds. Our daily life will soon embrace sanity again and when it does, I thought all you fashionistas would love some cool tips to help you pick the perfect shopping outfit!
Now, we are all aware of the woes of shopping… You spend half an hour putting together your ‘look’, only to spend a frustrating 15 minutes or more in the trial room trying to peel your legs through your skinny jeans to try on bottoms you’ve picked out. Beyond the naivety of donning something just to “wow”, you need options to make your shopping experience a little easier. So, before you head out to your favourite fashion spots, with hours of meandering amidst colourful choices ahead, I want you to spare a moment to understand the importance of picking the right outfit to make your shopping experience that much more enjoyable. Read through my curated guide that will help you decide what to wear for a day of shopping.
Shopping is pretty high on my list of things to do while Vikram and I are visiting new destinations. 🙂 I.e. I have come to understand the importance of wearing clothing that are easy to slip on and off {read ~ fuss-free try-ons}. Since I’m not a compulsive shopper and prefer to try on what I intend to purchase, you’ll find me in a pair of comfortable paper bag-waist trousers {read ~ loose-fitting bottoms with an elastic waist} in cotton or linen, paired with a racerback {especially if I’m planning to go shopping for the whole day!}.
In fact, for most outfits that beckon me in a store, the unmatched comfort this ‘uniform’ offers, added to it being a breeze to slip on and off without breaking a sweat, ergo makes an excellent case for the perfect shopping outfit! If trousers do not fit your “ease of removal” philosophy, then I would suggest wearing either a skirt with a comfortable yet stylish T-shirt or a summer dress. A seamless bra, like a t-shirt bra, and a panty set in nude, is also a no-brainer.
A shopping day also means that a lot of walking is on the cards. This brings to mind Carrie Bradshaw ~ the gaze of the world turned to her as she strode with confidence and elegance, celebrating the height of her heels ~ not! For us mere mortals, mindlessly picking “style over comfort” isn’t going to cut it; unless your heels are in-soled the heck out for comfort! So, do your feet a favour and reach for either comfortable flats or sneakers, that tick all the right boxes.
What the occasion also calls for is a cross-body bag. Because the last thing you want is a bulky bag that restricts your movements while you browse. Another smart trick; always go shopping with your hair and makeup done. The rumour is that you’ll get better service, but more importantly, along with your cool accessory {read ~ cross-body bag} that goes comfortably around your body, this will help you picture the potential of a fully put-together look in the mirror.
There you have it, simple and easy tips for making your shopping experience a more enjoyable one. While I’m aware that shopping and travelling may not be on the cards yet, I know you will emerge stronger through these tough days. Until then, stay safe.
Do you have any tips on what to wear for a day of shopping that would be worthwhile adding to this list? Comment below and let me know!
This post has some great suggestions, Tanya! I do want to look cute, but comfort is definitely the name of this game! By the way, the more I see you in the lounge pants, the better I like it! xx
Aw ~ thank you, Amrita.
I love all these tips – so simple and easy! Totally on board with the bra and panty wear, as it makes such a difference. Thank you for sharing. xx
You’re welcome, Dimple.
All your tips are very doable and will make my shopping day go so much smoother! The less items I need to pull over my head, the better (and faster!) for shopping. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed reading the article, Sushama.
These tips will carry me through a mall day in style and ensure that I can try things on with ease. In any case, I always believe in dressing up a little for my shopping day ~ you never know who you may bump into! 🙂
Glad to hear it, Shweta.
There is nothing more annoying than the repeated taking off and putting on clothes in a dressing room! Thank you for your guide on exactly what to wear for a LONG day of shopping! Much appreciated!
My pleasure, Amitruhee.
We’ve all been there… When you are on a mission for apparel, which outfit you put on before heading out the door will make all the difference! And nothing beats easy on/easy off pieces, with minimal accessories! xx
Right you are, Priyanka.
For me ~ going to the mall isn’t all about shopping ~ it’s also about showing off my super-cute look! Haha! And yes, I do try to wear make-up (minimally) and style my hair a little (even though I know it will be messed up from all the put ons, take offs). 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome, Jasleen.
Thank you for this lovely and simple guide, Tanya. I’d like to share that I choose my bra carefully – so I know that I have the right kind for the new top, especially if I’m shopping for a tightish top. xx
Thank you for sharing, Jigisha.
Excellent advice for trying on clothing! I like to dress in something that I feel GREAT in – in fact, I have a “Shopping for Clothes/Shoes Capsule.” And always make-up – I don’t feel great otherwise!
A shopping capsule sound’s fun, Mahathi!
Whether you love it or hate it, shopping for clothes needs to be planned with military precision! I’ve also found it’s always easier to assess the overall effect with light make-up and well-groomed hair vs. the bare face and ponytail routine. Bookmarking this post before I shop next time!
Thank you, Muskan.
Fantastic list! These are similar to the guidelines I give myself when planning a serious shopping expedition. I have a choice of several different slip-on shoes, leggings – so that I can try on skirts over them (without having to take the leggings off), a tank top or cami with an easy on/off fitted tunic over it! Easy-schmeasy!
Thank you for sharing, Rachaiyata.
Can’t believe how beautiful you are looking, Tanya! In any case, I find that if I wear my current favourite outfit that I am much more picky about what I am willing to try out and bring home. Maybe even nothing. I do wear a crossbody bag, and in winter I will use a tote bag instead. xx
Thank you for sharing, Sushmitha.
I rarely head out for an entire day of shopping, where I’m just wandering around looking for anything I fancy, so I don’t have a special ‘shopping outfit’. But if I’m looking for a specific pair of jeans, say, I’ll wear jeans and a pair of slip-on shoes or boots that have zips instead of buckles or laces. 🙂
That sounds sensible, Sadaf.
Wow, these are all great suggestions! I usually wear an outfit that I feel really good in. I find it helpful to compare how I feel in the outfit I have on, to any new item I try on. xx
Thank you, Snehal.
Cool share! I try and wear easy on/off footwear if I know I’m heading out specifically to clothes shop. And. I do bear in mind the sort of clothes I am looking for and wear the corresponding style of underwear. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Pooja.
You look gorgeous, Tanya! I’d like to share that I wear flat-fronted trousers, classically-styled jeans (dark indigo denim rather than bleached or ‘dirty-look’ denim is best) or an unpatterned neutral-coloured skirt if I am looking for tops. xx
Thank you for sharing, Thasni.
Tanya ~ loving this post! Btw, I combine smart casual-wear with just a touch of sport-wear – such as a fitted hooded zip-up top worn with drawstring linen trousers and plimsolls.
Glad to hear it, Surabhi.
I love the outfit you have on ~ so vacay appropriate! My classic summer shopping outfit would comprise a pair of drawstring cotton trousers, a fitted T-shirt, a light-weight denim jacket and either canvas plimsolls or leather or rubber flip flops. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Ruby.
I absolutely agree that a bag that can be worn across your body is best, as it eliminates the need for carrying more than you have to. I usually take just a small bag with me to hold just my absolute essentials – phone, keys, lipstick and that all-important credit card! xx
Absolutely Azra. 🙂
I choose better the pieces I want to buy if I feel confident with the way I look ~ so the plan is to use your ‘feel comfortable guide’ to continue buying and buying! 😀 Keep up the good work!
Happy shopping, Simmi!
All very good points to remember before going shopping! It’s better to wear items that don’t take you too much time to take off, and you can look stylish at the same time! Absolutely love your chic outfit ideas that besides making me look beautiful, are perfect for go shopping! xx
Glad you enjoyed this post, Aplish.