Let's face it, shopping for clothes can be a daunting task, especially for women. Despite the vast array of options available, many women find themselves struggling to find an outfit they love. According to a survey conducted by OnePoll, the average woman spends 287 days of her life shopping for clothes, with 57% of those purchases ending up as mistakes. Yikes! That's a lot of time and money down the drain!

But it's not just about wasting money. Shopping can also take a toll on our emotions, leaving us feeling frustrated, doubtful, and even hating ourselves. I've had clients who blame themselves for not having a sense of style or for not having the "perfect" body, thinking that finding clothes would magically become easier if they lost a few pounds.

But here's the thing: it's not your fault. Seriously, it's not! There are so many reasons struggles with clothes shopping can happen, and none of them are a reflection of your personal shortcomings.

Here are five common reasons why shopping can be tough, along with some tips to help you navigate the retail maze.

Reason #1 Impulse Shopping

We've all been there, right? You spot something that catches your eye, and without even thinking twice, it magically ends up in your cart. Those persuasive marketing tactics employed by retailers, like limited-time offers, flashy displays, and alluring packaging, are designed to tempt you into buying things you don't actually need or want.

But here's a trick to combat this impulse: give yourself a little time to think it over. If you're shopping online, leave the item in your cart for 48 hours before making a decision. Still thinking about it after those two days? Well, then maybe it's worth considering. If you're at a physical store, put it on hold for a day (or even just an hour while you browse other stores). If you're still willing to make the trip back to get it, then it's probably not just an impulsive purchase.

Oh, and here's a pro tip: identify when you're most likely to give in to impulse shopping and plan your response ahead of time. If you're a sucker for a good sale, decide in advance what you want to do when you see a piece on sale. Should you pass it up, ask yourself if you really need it, or put it in the cart for 48 hours? Setting a plan like this will eventually become a habit, making it easier to resist those impulsive buys.

Reason #2: Last-minute desperation

We've all experienced that frantic last-minute shopping frenzy, right? When you're under pressure to find something quickly, you often end up making hasty decisions that don't align with your style or budget. And let's not forget the disappointment of settling for something that isn't exactly what you wanted because popular items or sizes are already sold out.

To avoid this stress-inducing scenario, take a moment to assess your wardrobe and make a list of the items you actually need or want to add. Next time you're getting dressed and an outfit doesn't quite work, pause and ask yourself what's missing. Maybe you need a purse that matches better or darker jeans for a dressier look. By being aware of what you need in the moment, you can plan ahead and avoid those last-minute desperation purchases.

Also, consider going through your calendar every month or quarter to note upcoming occasions and take stock of your outfit options. Do you need a new outfit? If so, schedule some time in your calendar to find it. By planning your outfits in advance, you can avoid those panicked, last-minute purchases that often leave you dissatisfied.

Reason #3: Styling struggles

Trying to put together new items with your existing wardrobe can be a major headache. It's frustrating when nothing seems to work, and it can make getting dressed in the morning a total nightmare. You end up spending more time than necessary trying on different outfits, only to feel like nothing looks quite right. It's a real downer that can leave you feeling discouraged and unhappy with your appearance.

When you keep running into this problem, it can make you second-guess buying a piece of clothing unless you're totally sure you can style it with pieces you already own. And that might mean you pass up great pieces and leave the fitting room empty-handed, time and time again.

To overcome these styling challenges, try seeking inspiration from Google or Pinterest. Look up outfits featuring similar pieces to your new clothes (ie., black peplum top or red skirt outfit) to get some fresh ideas and think outside the box. It can also help you see how your current pieces can complement your new clothing item.

Here’s another pro tip for women’s clothes shopping, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations in your wardrobe. Try pairing pieces that you wouldn't normally think of wearing together. You'd be surprised at how many great outfits can come from unexpected combinations.

And if you're really struggling, it might be worth considering a personal stylist. We can help you identify pieces that work well with your existing wardrobe and show you how to style them. With our expertise, you'll learn how to mix and match different items to create a variety of looks that suit your personal style. It's like having a fashion guru by your side!

Reason #4: Fit frustrations

Ugh, the frustration of finding clothes that look amazing on the hanger but disappoint you once you try them on. Trust me, you're not alone in this! It's tough to objectively assess your own body and figure out what styles work best for you. On top of that, there's an overwhelming number of clothing options out there, and it's easy to get lost in all the trends and fashion fads. Plus, trends often dictate what's popular, making it tricky to find classic styles.

Eventually, you may find yourself returning poor-fitting clothes with a heavy heart, blaming your body and believing it needs to change before you can successfully find clothes you like. (Which is so not true! Check out this blog post about why finding great fitting clothes is so hard and what you can do about it.)

Here's a little trick to help you out: take a closer look at your favorite fitting pieces in your wardrobe and identify what you love about their fit. Is it the fabric, the cut, the silhouette, or the rise? Make a note of these insights and use them as a guide when shopping for new items.

Also, pay attention to the clothing brands that make your favorite pieces. Different brands have unique aesthetics and approaches to fit and construction. So, if you find a brand that consistently delivers clothes you love, stick with it! You'll have a higher success rate of finding other pieces you adore from the same brand.

Remember, it's crucial to focus on finding pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable, rather than trying to conform to societal expectations. Seek out brands and retailers that prioritize inclusivity and diversity in their sizing and marketing. By doing so, you can support positive change in the clothing industry while staying true to your own unique style.

Reason: #5: Unclear personal style

Ah, the age-old question: "What's my personal style?" Without a clear understanding of your own style, it's challenging to know what types of clothing and accessories will truly fit into your wardrobe. You end up buying pieces based on trends or the suggestions of others (like that overenthusiastic sales person or your bestie with a drastically different style), rather than taking the time to consider how each item aligns with your personal aesthetic.

Moreover, discovering clothing items that truly resonate with your personal style can prove to be a daunting task when you lack clarity on what you're searching for and why. When you don't know what colors, cuts, styles, and details best reflect your individuality and preferences, it becomes a gamble to find something that will genuinely captivate you once you try it on.

To gain clarity on your personal style, start by exploring different styles and experimenting with various outfits. Pay attention to what you like and don't like about each piece, and use that information to refine your personal style.

Oh, and don't forget to check your facial expressions when you look in the mirror. A smile and a glow of happiness are great indicators that you've found something that resonates with your personal style.

If you're still feeling stuck, consider seeking the help of an expert — a personal stylist! We can work with you to identify and refine your unique personal style. We provide guidance on fit, color, and style, so you can make more informed purchasing decisions in the future. With our help, you'll feel confident and empowered when shopping for clothes, knowing that you're making choices that align with your personal style and preferences.

So there you have it! Shopping for clothes doesn't have to be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. By following these women's clothes shopping tips and strategies, you can easily find clothes that match your personal style and preferences, saving time, money, and emotional energy.

Start implementing these tips today to make shopping for clothes a more enjoyable and successful experience! 🥂🛍️🎉

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ABOUT:

I'm a Minneapolis personal stylist on a mission to eradicate outdated style 'rules' so women can unleash themselves in all their beautiful, authentic glory!

I offer personal styling services that empower women to wear what they love by helping them ditch any outdated style rules keeping them stuck, showing them how to dress in a way that embraces their beautiful body and, the key to it all, having fun! I believe in a liberated style approach so there are no style rules, body shapes, seasonal colors or dos and don’ts given out here. Rather, I help my clients tap into what lights them up and dress with the purpose of expressing their authentic selves rather than impressing others.

This is all done through a combination of styling services (including wardrobe edits, shopping trips and styling sessions) available in thoughtfully curated styling packages designed to help clients unleash their true self through the power of style.

When I'm not helping women take back their power style, you can find me reading (about a gazillion books at once), learning the art of pole dancing, making & decorating cakes, binging a random circa 2000's TV show with my hubby, Aaron, while playing with my adorable rescue pup or, of course, shopping! :-)