The trials and tribulations of a lady in the dressing room

Today, I was in a dressing room, checking out a new outfit. Close by, two young ladies were chatting and I couldn’t help overhearing one of them say “In this, I look like a… [expletives deleted].” True, dressing rooms aren’t always a pleasant experience: unflattering lighting, doors or curtains that barely shut etc. I know, the mirror is an unforgiving thing: the wrong fit, size or colour can cut deep into your self-esteem.

A little empathy goes a long way!

Fitting room etiquette is a real thing, and it’s one that some people definitely don’t abide by. Whether you realize it or not, your habits in the dressing room could be making you the annoying customer who no one wants to deal with.

The fitting room attendant is there to help you out when it comes to trying things on or getting different sizes: speak mindfully to the store assistant, a “No thank you” or “Pass” will do.

We’ve all walked into a fitting room, only to be greeted with a giant mound of clothes that one or multiple shoppers rudely decided to leave behind. Not only is this an inconvenience for anyone who uses the room after you, but it’s a major pain for employees who work in the fitting room.

Even if you can’t fold the clothes the exact way the employees did or you don’t have the time to make sure they’re perfectly centered on the hanger, just do your best. It really is the decent thing to do.

Take the Dressing Room Challenge

Don’t let your inner critic enter the dressing room with you. Leave her behind. Have fun in there. Believe in yourself, and spread that belief to a stranger…

Whenever I see a stranger who is looking in the full length mirror and I genuinely like what she has tried on, I don’t hesitate to tell her she looks absolutely amazing – and that dress/jeans/shirt she’s trying on has her name written all over it. Watch her reaction. I invite you to do the same. Make someone’s day. Beautiful comes in many guises!