The dressing room is a fascinating place for me. I promise I really am minding my own business but it’s hard not to listen to the questions women ask as they look for validation in their shopping choices. Most often these questions put a shopping buddy in the most awkward of positions. So, when shopping with a friend, do you tell the truth or sugarcoat the situation?
Today the question I heard was “Be honest, on a scale of 1 to 10 can I pull off this bathing suit bottom?” The friend waits a few too many seconds and responds, “Well you can and you can’t.”
 I didn’t see the alleged suit bottom but let’s be honest—it is difficult to be completely honest with a friend about an article of clothing you just don’t think is right for them.
What do you say when a friend looks to you to validate something that just doesn’t look that great?

  • Let your friend know that you aren’t a style expert and aren’t sure about it. This is a great opportunity to involve a trusted sales person who may be able to suggest a more flattering alternative.  

 

  • Tell her that it isn’t your favorite dress on her. Compliment something about it like the color or the print and then ask her what in particular she likes about it. Often this will give you great information to help you find a different option that encompasses what she likes.  

 

  • Remind your friend to calculate the cost per wear. How many times does she think she can wear the dress? Divide the number of times into the price of the dress to help her determine if it a good wardrobe addition for her.  This makes a buying decision rational instead of emotional.

 

  • If you notice your friend continues to make choices that are wrong for her body shape bring up a conversation about how great it would be to hire a style coach. A style coach can teach you the tricks to dressing your body so that you always love what you wear.  

 

  • Remember that everyone’s personal style is unique and different. When offering advice, put your personal style opinions aside and think about it from your friend’s style perspective.

 
Have you ever been put on the spot in the dressing room? Leave a comment and let us know your advice on how to handle a sticky style situation.

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