1. Make A List Of What You Need – Many shopaphobes are simply overwhelmed when they get to a store and don’t know where to start. So having a list will give them guidelines to keep them on track. Go through your closet and write down exactly what you need prior to your shopping trip. When you get to the store, look only for those items. Better yet, do it in small doses. Look only for 2-3 items at a time. Go home, rest, and if you need other things, go back another day. It doesn’t need to all get done at once.

2. Stylist/Personal Shopper/Friend-

Stylist: A stylists will assess what you have and need. Once they have done that, they will figure out what type of look/style you will be best suited with and shop accordingly to create a pulled-together look personalized for you. This option literally is stress-free. You don’t have to do any work or worry about a thing.

Personal Shopper: A personal shopper can do all the work for you and either take you shopping or even better, do all the shopping for you so that you don’t have to even go into a store. They will bring you a bunch of pieces to try and then you keep what you like. If they strike out, the personal shopper can go back to the drawing board. Many larger stores and even some boutique often offer these services at no cost to the customer. While some stores may not offer a personal shopper formally, there are quite a few service oriented stores whose sales people can provide you with excellent assistance.

Friend – If you can’t afford the services of a stylist or personal shopper, sometimes it helps to bring a friend along to keep you focused and so you don’t feel like you are facing the demons alone. Please note it’s best to bring along someone whose style you like so you are getting good advice.

3. Shop Online – For many people the crowds and lack of service in stores can be frustrating and overwhelming. In these cases, I suggest online shopping. Online shopping can be done any time of the day or night and works well for people with busy schedules. Most of the stores people are familiar with have online stores. So you can start there. Or perhaps there are brands you like, google them. With many stores offering free shipping and free returns, it’s often less expensive to shop online. Bonus: If you are ordering from an online store that does not have a business presence in the state in which you live, you will not have to pay sales tax.

4. Timing – If you are going to brave the wonderful world of retail, mid-weekdays are the quietest as most people work 9-5. You should always dress comfortably; particularly your shoes. Comfy shoes are a must. If your feet hurt you will want to go home. Wear supportive undergarments. Wearing the wrong bra will not allow you to truly see how a top fits. If you are possibly buying items that require a strapless bra, bring one along. If you are going to be buying pants, it’s best to bring the shoes with you that you will be wearing them with so you can have them hemmed at the store. Most larger stores provide alterations. These tips will prevent you from having to go back for returns.

5. Make it fun and think positively. Shopping can be very rewarding when you find something you love or when you dress up in your new purchases and feel like a million bucks!

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