The idea that all women enjoy shopping for clothes is a myth
You know that stereotype of the shopping-crazy woman? Often, it is completely false! For every woman I meet who loves shopping, there is another who absolutely dreads it.
In my book, The Power is In The Pearl, I explore some of the reasons shopping can be such a terrible experience. Before we get to them, let’s talk about why you should learn to love it: because a style that truly speaks your language is one of the most powerful tools any man or woman can wield.
I have never met a person who wouldn’t love to always look put-together, confident, approachable, yet totally professional. While a professional stylist can help you uncover your inner style icon, it’s also important that you learn exactly what it takes for you to walk out the door dressed head-to-toe like the person you believe you can be. For most of us, that process starts at the clothing rack. So, let’s look at why you might be dreading a shopping trip, and what you can do about it.
TOP 4 REASONS WHY MOST WOMAN HATE SHOPPING
Reason 1: you don’t know what you want.
This is probably the #1 reason for just about anyone who hates shopping. It’s okay to go shopping without knowing what you need. I frequently shop for clients, so I usually know exactly what I am looking for before I even step foot in the store. Even so, there are still times when I do not know exactly what I’m looking for, but I’ll know it when I see it.
Still, if you are frequently in this situation, it quickly gets fatiguing. Here working with a personal stylist can provide great help. My clients don’t give up as easily on the task at hand—finding new clothing—because I don’t let them.
Reason 2: you don’t want to deal with sales clerks.
Do you hate being shadowed by overeager salespeople, especially when you’re just browsing? This turns off many women who prefer a little extra time and space while shopping. The best way to deal with over-eager store employees is to be polite. Try saying this: “Thanks for asking, but I’m just browsing. If I need any help I’ll be sure to ask.” Be sure to get her name as well. Some clerks are paid on commission, and if she approached you first, she deserves to be mentioned when you check out.
Reason 3: nothing seems to fit quite right.
There are a number of reasons why clothes might not fit correctly. For instance, are you shopping the right shapes for your body type? Are you in the wrong section of the store (e.g. Petites, Women’s, Plus…) or even the wrong store altogether? Knowing what looks best on your frame will help quite a bit.
The most important, but also the possibly most forgotten, piece of advice I give to women is this: in order to get your clothes to fit properly, you will need to have your clothing tailored. Many women, and also men, don’t realize they can’t always just go into a store and find something to fit them perfectly.
I am not sure whom most clothes are designed to fit, but the patterns used to make clothing are not universally flattering. For instance, often I have tried on skinny jeans, thinking I could find a great pair. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a pair that looks good on me. They just are not made for my body shape.
But there is hope for your wardrobe. Tailors are easier to find than most people realize, and the value they contribute to your overall look is immense. It might cost you $15-20 to have your pants tailored to your body. The long answer, however, is this: when you think about how many times you’re going to wear those pants, tailoring is really one of the smartest investments you can make.
Reason 4: it takes too much time.
For many of us, the time investment required to browse through many different stores, looking for just the right thing, can be prohibitive. Luckily, online shopping is a good solution. Shopping online is great because each part of it can be done on your own time. You don’t have to worry about driving to the mall or a specific store, and you can try clothing on in the comfort of your own home. I particularly like to shop for swimsuits online.
Keep in mind retailers will often have more options available on their websites than in stores. If you are looking for plus sizes, additional pant lengths, or another color, be sure to check the boutique’s website. Many of my plus-size clients really enjoy shopping online because they don’t feel judged by fellow customers or store employees.
Still hate shopping?
Of course, the ultimate solution is to work with a professional stylist and/or a personal shopper. My career is built on a foundation of successful, stylish women who simply prefer to have professional guidance in crafting their unique looks. The value provided by an experienced professional can serve you very well indeed!
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