What To Wear When Shopping

So today I was the female Gok Wan as my mother insisted I become her personal shopper for the day. All in all, it was actually fun but I know many people never know what to wear when shopping so here are a few tips I've learnt over the years along with a few about shopping in general!

Me posing in today's outfit in Dorothy Perkins

• Layers are really important when shopping especially with the British climate. I paired a long sleeved top under a cardigan and a leather jacket purely because it was a bit chilly today. This may differ if you are shopping in a centre such as Meadowhall or Trafford Centre; if you are, then I'd suggest ditching the jacket and just going for a top and cardi or hoodie. The great thing here is you can easily take off the cardigan and put it in your bag if it does get too warm. They're lightweight to carry and not very bulky to just pop in your handbag or shopping bag.
• Similarly, wear clothes that are easy to take off. Straight-leg jeans are great because unlike skinnies, they don't take three years to wiggle in and out of!
• Also, I try and wear items that have pockets in so I can have my phone handy and shove any spare change I get into another one.
• Try not to wear too much jewellery. It can get caught in clothes and can often just be a pain in general! If you choose to wear jewellery of some sort, make sure it fits properly so it doesn't fall off mid-shop!
• Next, comfy shoes are a must! If you're going to be on your feet all day, don't wear a brand new pair of shoes; I guarantee they will give you blisters! I envy those women who can walk around in heels all day long but for me, I always stick to Converse, brogues and ballet flats.
• On the shoe topic, if you do happen to be shopping for shoes, I'd suggest wearing shoes that you can take on and off quickly because laces when shoe shopping are a right pain. Also, take a pair of socks with you because a lot of places won't allow you to try on shoes if you aren't wearing socks, including my workplace, Clarks.
• I tend to tie my hair back when shopping; it means it's out of my face and you can always take it down if you're trying clothes on in the fitting room and you want to see what an item would look like with your hair down.
• Bags are a bit of a 'mare for me. I usually take a bag with a long strap so I can wear it crossed over my body. Either that or I choose a bag that will fit comfortably on my shoulder without sliding off because that is a right pain!
• Staying with bags, make sure you don't pack too much into your bag because don't forget, you might be carrying it around for a good few hours! Just take the essentials- purse, mirror, lipbalm/lipgloss, keys, phone and the like.
• Now I am a massive list maker but I know not everyone is a fan of this. I always take a little notepad with a list of what I'm looking for so I stay focused. For instance, if you're holiday shopping, just jot down a few items you know you'll need on a piece of paper or even as a memo on your phone. Trust me, it does help if you don't have a massive budget!
• Think about if you really need to buy that item. Think about if it will go with other items in your wardrobe and if you will actually wear it!
• If in doubt about an item, try it on and take a few photos wearing it in the changing room. Then get a second opinion from someone you trust who will give you an honest opinion. Alternatively, take a friend along when shopping so they can see the item properly, check the fit and if it suits you or not!
• Research your body shape before hand just so you know what will suit you!
• Drink regularly and take breaks to eat!