If you’re anything like me, you’re tired of being stuck in your house and are dying to get out shopping.

Especially as the weather shifts and you’re in need of a change, wouldn’t it be great to head to Chico’s or Loft for a few fresh pieces?

But the reality is that we’re living through this weird time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So while you’d love to browse the racks at your favorite store, you’re nervous about what it’s going to be like when you can finally get out there.

As the New York Times so eloquently put it, “Consumers may turn to shopping, as they have in the past, to deal with the emotional stress of this moment. Yet how can they escape that stress when they’re surrounded by reminders of it?”

So if the idea of heading out shopping is stressful, you’re not alone.

In fact, according to CNBC, a recent survey found that 65 percent of women wouldn’t feel safe trying on clothes in dressing rooms.

I want to make sure that when you do get out to your favorite stores, you don’t feel stressed out and anxious while shuffling through stacks of clothes that you might not even be able to try on due to dressing room closures.

That’s why I’m sharing my top 4 tips to safely shop for clothes as stores reopen.

Because I would hate for you to clutter your closet with more clothes that you don’t end up wearing.

4 Tips To Safely Shop For Clothes As Stores Reopen

1. Know your body silhouette and the styles and colors that flatter you

Now more than ever, this is the time to know what pants styles suit your body.

When you already know what makes you look your best, you can focus on finding just those items, instead of having to touch hundreds of items that don’t suit you.

2. Be clear on your signature style

My clients know how much less stressful it is to walk into a store knowing how to narrow down their clothing options with confidence, because they already know what to choose to feel confident and attractive and show off their personality through their style.

When you’re clear on your signature style, you can shop strategically and minimize the time you spend in-store.

3. Do research ahead of time so you know what to expect

Before you head to your favorite shopping destination, take a look at their website or call their customer service line.

Find out if a store’s dressing rooms are even open, what sanitization procedures are in place, and what their return policy is, so that you minimize your in-store stress.

Each store has its own procedures, so take a few minutes to check with each store you plan to visit.

For example, while Macy’s plans to have a few dressing rooms open, both Kohl’s and Gap have completely closed theirs.

Be aware that stress can trigger emotional spending

The last thing I want is for you to come back from your shopping excursion with clothes you don’t love, that will hang in your closet with their tags still on.

I also want to make sure that you’re not wasting time returning items that don’t suit you because you felt the urge to buy them in an emotionally-charged retail therapy session.

By keeping in mind that you might be tempted to buy items due to stress, you can avoid emotional spending and buy pieces that perfectly reflect your style instead.

Implement these tips before your next (or first!) trip to the mall, and you’ll reduce your anxiety and avoid buying clothes that don’t make you feel your best.

Need help finding your signature style so you know exactly what to buy when you shop? I’ll show you the 7-steps to discovering your Million Dollar Look in this FREE Masterclass.