As a fashion writer, I spend a lot of time shopping for new outfits and putting looks together. Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right “shopping outfit” makes a huge difference in the experience. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in an uncomfortable, constricting ensemble while trying on clothes for hours.
I still remember one particular mall trip where I wore skinny jeans and a button-down shirt. What was I thinking? I spent so much time undressing and redressing, getting stuck in sleeves and zippers. By the end, I was a sweaty, frazzled mess and hardly in the mood to actually buy anything!
From that day on, I’ve dedicated myself to finding the perfect shopping outfit that makes trying on potential new pieces a breeze. In my opinion, the key factors to consider are ease of removal, movability, and looking put-together without being overdressed. With the right pieces, you can seamlessly slip items on and off while staying cool and comfortable.
I love putting shopping outfits together and highly recommend having a go-to look planned for your next shopping trip, whether you’re hitting the mall with friends or browsing boutiques solo. It’ll save you so much time, energy and frustration! Let’s break down the perfect shopping outfit from head-to-toe:
Plan Your Grooming
Hair & Makeup Tips
When it comes to grooming for a shopping trip, you want to look decent but not overly done up. I recommend doing your hair in a simple, no-fuss style like beach waves or a sleek blowout. Avoid any intricate updos that could get messed up constantly pulling shirts over your head.
For makeup, stick to a natural, fresh-faced look. I love wearing tinted moisturizer, a swipe of mascara, and tinted lip balm. This gives you a polished appearance without heavy makeup that could smear or rub off on clothes.
What to Avoid
Stay away from bold lipstick or bright eye makeup that could transfer onto light-colored fabric when you’re trying things on. You’ll regret that pretty quickly! Also skip any intense hair products that have a tendency to get onto clothes and leave stains.
Top Picks
When shopping for new tops, bottoms, dresses etc., you want to be able to easily remove and put on pieces repeatedly. That’s why I always start with the right top as the foundation.
Loose, Drapey Tops
Look for flowy tops without any buttons, zippers, or skin-tight fits that are a pain to take off. Some top options I recommend:
- Basic t-shirts (v-necks, scoop necks, etc.)
- Slouchy, oversize sweaters or tunic tops
- Drapey tank tops or sleeveless blouses
Avoid anything tight or structured that will cling and be difficult to move around in.
Tops in Neutral Colors
In my opinion, it’s best to stick to neutral-colored tops when shopping so you can easily mix, match, and envision how new potential pieces will pair with them. Think versatile shades like black, white, gray, tan, olive green, or navy.
I also highly suggest lightweight, breathable fabrics that won’t cause you to overheat while running around stores. Cotton, linen, and modal blends are perfect for staying cool.
One great layering trick is to wear a tight tank or cami underneath lower-cut tops. That way you don’t have to get totally undressed to try on different neckline styles.
Example Top Recommendations
Some specific top styles I own and love for shopping trips:
- Basic cotton v-neck tee – Soft, flowy, and the v-neck keeps you cool.
- Oversized linen tunic top – This drapes beautifully and the longline covers my bum for trying bottoms.
- Modal sweater – The cozy yet lightweight fabric makes this ideal for breezy shopping.
Benefits of Recommended Tops
The great thing about tops like these is how effortlessly they slip on and off. The relaxed, stretchy fabrics allow you to quickly undress and redress as needed when browsing racks upon racks of new arrivals. They’re unfussy yet still look pulled-together.
I personally own multiples of these wardrobe workhorses in various neutral shades to mix and match with any potential purchases I want to try. Having a few color options lets you easily put together outfits on the fly while shopping.
Bottoms for Breeziness
Pull-On Bottom Styles
Next up, bottoms! When shopping for new pants, shorts, skirts etc., you want pieces that allow you maximum movement and can be removed at a moment’s notice. That means avoiding any complicated buttons, zippers, laces or other fussy closures.
My go-to bottom choices for shopping are:
- Pull-on knit pants or joggers with elastic waists
- Stretchy leggings (leather, faux leather or cotton blends)
- Flowy maxi skirts that can be stepped in and out of
- Drawstring athletic or linen shorts
With pieces like these, you can step in, pull them up, and be ready to try on outfit after outfit hassle-free.
Sizing & Colors
For extra ease, I recommend sizing up in your bottoms by one size from your typical fit. This gives you some extra room to breathe and pull them on and off easily over other layers if needed.
As for colors, it’s best to keep bottoms neutral like the top picks. Think black, gray, olive, navy, tan, etc. Neutrals make it easy to pair them with any tops, dresses or outerwear you may want to try on.
Benefits of Bottoms
Bottoms designed for comfort and stretch provide such freedom of movement for walking around stores, hopping in and out of dressing rooms, and bending down to sift through sale racks.
I love being able to quickly pull on and off these types of bottoms whether I’m trying on jeans, dresses, tops to tuck in, you name it. The elastic waists and relaxed shapes make getting in and out of clothing samples efficient without any struggling or getting overheated.
The Right Undergarments
Speaking of getting in and out of clothing, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the proper undergarments underneath your shopping outfit. There’s nothing worse than visible panty lines, bra bulges, or ill-fitting undies distracting you from how potential new purchases actually look.
Seamless Underwear Picks
My top recommendations are seamless underwear and shapewear pieces. Brands like Commando and Spanx offer great options that lay smoothly under clothes without any lines or lumps. While not the sexiest, these undergarment choices provide a smooth foundation.
The Perfect Shopping Bra
When it comes to bras for shopping, you want a versatile, comfortable t-shirt style that gives you a smooth look under different necklines.
Bring Backup Bras
It’s also a smart idea to throw an extra nude bra into your shopping bag. That way if you end up trying on tops or dresses with varying necklines, you can quickly swap bras in the dressing room for the most flattering fit.
Be sure to leave any lacy, embellished lingerie at home. You want undergarments that are as inconspicuous as possible under your new try-on pieces.
Layers for Temperature Control
Jacket Recommendations
While out running errands and shopping all day, you’ll likely need a lightweight layer to pop over your outfit as you go from the cold outdoors to heated indoor stores. But you don’t want something bulky that will be annoying to remove and carry around.
Instead, opt for an open-front jacket or cardigan that’s easy to slip on and off as needed. Some perfect picks:
- A jean jacket or utility jacket
- Sweater jacket or open cardigan
- Lightweight anorak or jacket without zippers/buttons
I personally own a few open cardigans and drapey utility jackets that are ideal for shopping trips. Look for thin, breathable fabrics that can be easily tied around your waist if you get too warm inside.
Lightweight Cardigan Picks
Two of my go-to layering pieces for shopping are the Barefoot Dreams cardigan and Free People longline jacket. Both have open fronts so I can slip them on over any outfit. The relaxed, cozy fabrics are perfect for temperature transitions.
Benefits of Smart Layering
Having a smart layering piece with you allows you to easily adjust for any climate control craziness between different stores and the outdoors. An open front design means the layer can be quickly removed without disrupting your entire outfit.
I also love layering picks that have pockets for stashing away keys, cards, and cash while my hands are full checking out potential new items. With a few strategic layers, you’ll stay perfectly comfortable no matter what over the course of a long shopping day.
Smart Shoes
Now we come to shoes – possibly the most important part of any good shopping outfit! You’ll likely be doing a ton of walking and even some squatting to check out sale racks. You need shoes that are practical yet still look stylish with your shopping ensemble.
Flat Shoe Favorites
Stick to flat or low-heeled shoes with good traction and arch support. You don’t want to be hobbling around in high heels or slippery soles that could lead to achiness or even injuries on hard mall floors.
Some of my favorite flat options for shopping days are:
- Ballet flats
- Loafers or mules
- Flat sandals (in warmer months)
- Well-cushioned sneakers
I tend to prefer slip-on or backless styles that don’t require any fussing with buckles, ties or complicated straps that would slow me down.
Tips for Shoe Packing
One shoe tip – be sure to bring along a backup pair or two in your shopping bag, especially if you plan on trying on dresses, skirts, shorts etc. You want to get a feel for how the full outfit looks by slipping into the proper shoes.
Having your potential new shoes with you also allows you to walk around a bit and make sure they’re as comfortable as they seem while trying them on.
Accessories
The Ideal Shopping Bag
When accessories are concerned, you want to keep things minimal and hands-free for shopping. That means sticking to a crossbody bag or pouchy tote that can be slung across your body.
Something like the Longchamp tote or Madewell transport tote are perfect for shopping, as they have room to stash away purchases yet still leave your hands free to comb through racks. I also love a zip-top nylon crossbody for running quick errands or mall trips.
Minimal Jewelry Suggestions
As for jewelry, keep it minimal with simple studs or tiny hoops if you must have earrings. I tend to avoid necklaces and bracelets since they get in the way, catch on clothing and are just one more thing to remove when getting dressed and undressed constantly.
You may want to bring a scrunchie or hair tie to pull your hair into a pony once shopping gets serious!
Don’t forget to hydrate, especially if you’ll be pounding the pavement for hours at outdoor shopping areas or malls. Pack a water bottle in your trusty shopping tote to sip on as you shop.
Conclusion
There you have it – all the elements of the ideal shopping outfit from stylish yet comfortable tops and bottoms to supportive shoes and minimalist accessories. With purposeful preparedness like this, your next shopping trip is bound to be productive and enjoyable.
The benefits of curating a dedicated shopping outfit are plentiful – you save time dressing and redressing, stay cool and comfortable throughout the process, and avoid obstructions from your own clothing. Plus, you’ll just feel more pulled together and “shopping pro” ready to take on the racks!
I always recommend having a tried-and-true shopping ensemble that makes trying on potential new purchases a total breeze. With easy stretch fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and smart layers, you can efficiently dress and redress to your heart’s content without overheating or feeling restricted.
So take some time to thoughtfully put together your shopping look before your next outing. It’s a game-changer for making the most of browsing new styles – whether you’re going solo or hitting the mall with your girlfriends. You’ll have so much more fun being comfy yet feeling confident and pulled-together as you build your new wardrobe!