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Step 1
Make a list of everything you need or want a day or two before you go shopping. If you need shirts or pants, skirts, dresses or shoes, write it down. If you have 75 shirts, you'll probably want to focus your attention elsewhere–unless none of them fit. Keep a very careful list so you know exactly what you're looking for.
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Step 2
Get ready for the trip. Take a shower, do your hair and put on an outfit you look nice and feel comfortable in. Wear shoes that are easy to slip into and slip out of. Going into the trip feeling good about yourself will help make it more successful, and will keep you from being discouraged about the small things that escalate quickly.
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Step 3
Bring someone with you who you trust, has a good sense of style and who will tell you the truth.
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Step 4
Try on everything. This is the single most important rule of shopping: Try it on. You never know what something looks like until you've seen it on you. It doesn't look the same way on the mannequin or the hanger as it does on you. Just because you don't like something on the hanger doesn’t mean it won't look good on you–and just because you do like something on the hanger doesn't mean it will look good on you. Put it on, check it out in the three-way mirror and take a spin in front of your friend. Check how it fits, where it hugs and the colors. Listen to your trusted friend's advice.
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Step 5
Buy the clothes you like and be proud of your purchases.
