The Plus Sized Autumn

Something that’s hard for a lot of people? Clothes shopping. It can be time consuming, stressful, expensive, and there are either too many or not enough options to choose from. Sizing can vary across brands, stores, styles, and even because of when or where the clothing is made. That can be a gigantic bruise to the ego! I’ve bought a new pair of shorts and loved them so much I went back for more colors, only for half to be either too big or too small. The exact same style of shorts, from the same brand, in the same size, just different colors. I got to looking at the tags and it turns out they were manufactured in 3 different countries! Thank goodness I was excited and tried them on before I cut the tags off.

Online shopping is extremely popular and convenient, sure, but comes with challenges: shipping fees, delivery timelines, inaccurate representations, and photoshopped models can be a big deterrent. It can be hard to tell the accurate colors and even see details through a screen, so much so that a lot of sites have a disclaimer. Making returns or exchanges is almost never hassle-free and sometimes just isn’t worth it. For a few months now, I’ve been noticing an uptick in the number of NWT (new with tags) listings on Poshmark, in consignment shops and thrift stores, and in various Facebook groups.

If you’re like me, shopping in person is easier and a lot more fun. You can try things on to make sure you get the best size, visualize any alterations you may need for the perfect fit, and see how thing look on your real body versus a photoshopped body. It’s easier to see the real colors and details of what you’re buying, and to do a quality check. I even use my shopping time as a kind of mental health escape! On the other hand though, you also have the travel time, waiting in line, unflattering dressing room lighting and color schemes, and it’s easier to accidentally spend more money than you planned.

Since I love shopping in person, I’ve accumulated a list of tips and tricks over the years. I developed some myself based on my personal needs and experiences, and some were passed along from friends, family, professionals, and of course the good old internet. So, here are my best tips for creating a positive in-person shopping experience:

• Plan ahead, and shop with intention. Are you looking for something specific today, like tops or dresses?
• Shop when you are in a good mood and have a healthy mindset. I’m not a breakfast person, but if I’m going shopping I make sure to eat something beforehand. I have low blood sugar so this is especially important for me!
• Wear makeup and do your hair, if that’s normal for you. If you don’t usually wear makeup though, stick to your usual look! I’ve found this to be a big one for me too, because it helps me to visualize what clothes would look like for me on a day-to-day basis. It also helps my self confidence.
• Stick to your pre-determined budget, even if you’re “just browsing.”
• Nothing ever looks the same on the hanger as it does on a body. Keep an open mind. If you like it but you’re not sure it’s going to work, try it on anyway. It doesn’t hurt to try, and you may be pleasantly surprised!
• Try to plan around overstimulation and anticipate your needs. If you know you know: trying on clothes can be a lot. It can get sweaty, hair can get frizzy, and makeup can smear or wear off.
  • I always, always, always bring a hair brush, hair clip or hair tie, and makeup touch-up kit with me. That way I’m covered in case of sweating, frizzy or messed up hair, or messy makeup! I also keep hand sanitizer and lotion in my purse for when I need them.
  • I live in South Carolina, and our summers and early fall are disgustingly humid and unbearable…but despite that, a lot of stores will limit the usage of their ACs during non-peak hours to reduce costs. This is a little embarrassing, but as someone who runs hot anyway, I sometimes even bring baby wipes and dry shampoo in case I need a refresh afterwards!
• Dress for the occasion: wear comfortable clothes that are easy to slip on and off, and the same goes for shoes. Choose your undergarments wisely too!
  • As for jewelry, wear things that won’t catch or pull. If you plan on removing your jewelry while you’re trying on, bring a small bag in your purse so you don’t lose anything!
• With investment pieces, never forget to evaluate your cost per wear. That gorgeous, versatile leather handbag you plan on carrying every single day will likely last forever, as long as you take care of it- but don’t forget your budget either. No amount of girl math is going to change what you can and can’t afford!

Whether you’re shopping in person or online, you can adapt all of these tips to best fit you and your needs. For me it’s worth it to shop in person, but I know a lot of people who prefer shopping online and trying on in their own homes. That’s absolutely understandable and honestly, I do the same when I get my purchases home! It’s nice to make sure I have things in my closet that already match, and to get an idea on how wearing something would feel on a day-to-day basis or “in real life” instead of in a cramped fitting room. So take these tips and run with them, adapt them, and use them in a way that makes sense for you.

As always, please reach out to me if you have questions, additional tips, or future content requests. I’m always happy to help and I truly love getting suggestions and input from my followers/readers! Thank you so much for being here ❤

– Dressing room photos from recent shopping trips! March 2025 –