Despite what countless romantic-comedy movie montages would have you believe, not everyone loves a shopping spree set to a catchy Top 40 song.
For me, it’s a challenge I have to psych myself up for, and I think most men approach the task the same way.
If you’re like me, you commit to your time at the mall the same way you commit to an afternoon with your significant other’s grandparents… It’s not going to be fun, but you’re going to get through it.
So, for all you shopping-phobes, here are some tips to make the chore a little more managable.
Prepare: What do you need? An all-new fall wardrobe, or just a few new sweaters? A suit? What color? Make as many decisions about what you intend to buy before you get to the store. Bring a list, and check things off as you find them.
Go alone: I’ve never shopped well with others. If you have a (really) patient spouse or friend, bring that person along, but know that you’ll tear through the mall faster without anyone else in tow.
Buy for the season: Try to tick as many items off your list as possible in one trip. Going out for a new pair of socks here, or a replacement pair of jeans there, eats away at your schedule, and you’ll probably spend as much time looking for one thing as you do for five.
Take your time: This may sound crazy, but if you’re able, I highly suggest you take a day off from work to do your seasonal shopping. Hitting up stores after work and on the weekends when you’re exhausted and they’re fully packed can discourage you from even trying anything on. If you can take even a couple hours to do some shopping on a Tuesday, you’ll get through your list more quickly and with less hassle.
Buy in bulk: If you find a staple that fits just so, buy as many as you can afford. If, for instance, you wear V-neck tees all the time, buy several at once so that one is always clean and ready to wear. If you want to buy the same thing in different colors, go for it, but be realistic about the shades you’ll really end up wearing.
Love what you buy: This one should be a no-brainer, but if you find yourself reluctantly bringing an item up to the register just because you “need something like it,” don’t buy it. You won’t use it. If necessary, wait a day to decide, then buy it online. Paying for shipping is worth the confidence you’ll have in making the purchase.
Ask a salesperson: That’s what they’re there for! I’m the first to make a beeline for store employees, usually before they can even ask if I need any help, an offer usually turned down by shoppers with a quick, “No, just looking!” Exactly. And if the store doesn’t sell what you want, you’ll know right away without hunting all over for it.
Treat yourself: Searched through a stack of shirts 20 high and can’t find your size? Can’t fit in the same size pants you used to?
Shopping is hard, and can make you feel pretty awful sometimes. When you’re feeling discouraged and want to just go home and watch trashy reality TV on your couch (or, OK, maybe sports), treat yourself to an ice cream cone/Orange Julius/pretzel/etc. at the food court.
No, it’s not healthy, but whatever gets you back out for round two is worth it.
“Style Girlfriend” columnist Megan K. Collins writes about men’s style and more at .
