Surviving the Dressing Room with Positive Thinking
As the season changes, finding fresh fall fashions is on the minds of many women wanting to update their look. While shopping and trying on clothing is often a taxing experience, this season you can go into it with a new, positive outlook.
Let’s face it, size variations can often feel overwhelming. Some women even experience stress and feel as though there is something wrong when they have to try on numerous items and styles to find something that fits. Be patient. Remember, sometimes it takes time and experimenting with different clothing styles and sizes to find outfits that fit well and suit your own personal style.
One of the best shopping tips is to ignore the number. Many shapes can wear the same styles of clothing; you just have to find the looks and fits that you like best. It’s important to keep in mind that you may be three different sizes – even at the same store. The size on the clothes does not predict the fit, and it certainly does not tell you anything about a person’s character or health. Strive to find clothes that fit well and make you feel and look your best, regardless of the number on the tag.
This season, take the following shopping tips with you to the dressing room:
- Look at the numeric size last: After finding 2-3 sizes of the same item that you think may fit, try them on for how they look and feel before looking at the number on the tag. If it really bothers you, you can always cut out the number when you get home.
- Avoid negative comments and judgments about your body: Positive thinking is important when in the dressing room, so focus on positive things about the way you look in the mirror.
- Remember, the action comes before the feeling: Self-confidence and positive affirmations regarding the way you look will help you combat negative self criticisms. So compliment your reflection in the dressing room mirror.
- Avoid comparisons with others: Every body is different and no one size fits all. Especially if you are shopping with a friend, avoid the urge to compare sizes or body shapes. You and your friend should make a pact to remind each other to avoid bad body talk that can lead to a negative body image.
- Purchase clothes that make you feel good: The best clothes are those that feel comfortable and spark positive feelings about yourself and your own unique shape.
Whether you want to work toward balance and wellness goals, or simply attain a more positive outlook, a good place to start is with a positive, healthy attitude in the dressing room, a lesson well worth passing to our kids.
Do you have any fashion advice or tips for this shopping season?
Kristen Snow wrote this post for Together Counts on behalf of A Chance to Heal (ACTH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of eating disorders. Prior to ACTH, Kristen worked for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, fostering her commitment to enhance the lives of youth. She currently lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband and 3-year-old son.