What to Wear on Your Last-Minute Shopping Trips

If there was any doubt before, it is now gone: the holiday season is in full swing.

I am a shopper; there’s no doubt about it. But what to wear when I’m shopping… that’s often a more tricky proposition. You want to make sure you look nice while combing through the racks, but you also want to be comfortable enough to navigate the crowds. Full-on sweats or skinny jeans and stilettos are equally inappropriate for a holiday shopping trip.

So what should you wear as you check off your list of those who were nice this year? Here are a few suggestions for planning your perfect shopping outfit:

1. Plan around your shoes.

Don’t put on those super cute leggings if they’ll look funny with your comfortable kicks. And I know your boots are gorgeous, but unless they’re highly comfortable as well you’ll likely have to cut your shopping trip short if your feet won’t last in them. Your feet will do the most work on your shopping trip, so prioritize them. Everything else comes second.

2. Layer intelligently.

Speaking of everything else, shopping can be a bit of a workout. From pushing heavy carts to toting arms full of clothing and walking miles all over an outlet mall or shopping center, you’re likely to sweat it out. But you need to be prepared for the cold, too, which usually means a coat. I prefer not to take my coat into stores if I don’t have to, so instead I opt for a heavier sweater with lighter layers underneath. This way I can take it off and tie it around my waist if I get too warm. Any other cold-weather accessories should fit in your bag. Speaking of which…

3. Think about your handbag.

You’ll want something handsfree yet big enough to hold your personal items, cold weather accessories, and even smaller purchases. I like to carry a big ol’ satchel for these kinds of trips. It slings easily over my shoulder yet is roomy enough to hold everything.

4. Don’t neglect your eyewear!

Perhaps the smartest fashion choice you can make while shopping is to wear your glasses. Contacts can tend to dry out your eyes more quickly, an effect worsened by drafty department stores and quick changes in temperature. But you don’t want to forego eyewear entirely; you need to be able to see every last bargain! So don your cutest designer frames to complete your cozy, layered look, and start shopping!

For the gift of eyewear, check out your local Eyeglass World.