4. Go When it's Quiet and You Have Some Time

This may not always be possible, depending on your situation, but try to go when stores are nearly empty and you have a little time to look, like a weekday morning. Not only will store clerks be more available to help, you'll have plenty of time to go through store inventory.

If you hate crowds or have to constantly monitor your watch as you shop, you're more likely to give up quickly or buy unsatisfactory pieces just to get it over with.

Simple solution: shop online.

5. Leave The Kids At Home

This may not always be possible, but if you can shop when they're at school, leave them with a sitter, or swap sitting duties with another mom so you each have free time, do.

6. Buy and Return

If you don't have time or inclination to try on clothes before you buy them, go to a mirror, hold clothes up in front of you and see how they look. If it looks like something you might like, test size in places it's most likely to give you trouble, like shoulders, bust or hips, by grabbing edge of garment and seeing where it hits on side of your body. If it goes half way, chances are, you have a close fit. If it doesn't or if it goes beyond halfway point, go up or down a size, respectively. Buy it, take it home, and try it on there. If it fits, keep it. If it doesn't, take it back.

7. Hire Help

If you truly don't want to attempt any of this on your own, or if you're after a certain look but don't have time to track it down, hire a personal shopper. Many better department stores and boutiques have one on staff; just ask. Or, check online, in newspaper, or in phone book for freelance personal shoppers in your area. The Association of Image Consultants International

http://www.aici.org

might also be able to recommend someone locally.

While fee for department or boutique staff shoppers is usually free (they receive a commission on clothes you buy from their store), most freelance shoppers will charge either an hourly or flat fee for their services, plus cost of clothes. If that's what it takes to get you out door, looking your best, with a minimum of stress, pay it. It will pay you back many times in increased confidence, reduced stress, and a workable, wearable wardrobe.

Shopping for new clothes should be an enjoyable event you participate in at least twice a year, to refurbish your closet for new season. If you hate to shop or always wind up with stuff you don't need, try these tips to get your closet in order. Who knows? You may actually start to enjoy yourself!

Examples of classics include:

Jeans

Turtleneck

Cardigan

T-shirt

Sleeveless Sheath

Tailored Jacket

Crisp shirt

Trench Coat

Kelly bag

Penny loafer

There are some years when these styles are more popular and some years when they're less, but they continue to sell well because they fit a variety of body types and offer a simple, unfussy silhouette. Get them in basic, solid colors, and you can wear them for years to come.

But won't you get bored with “same old thing?”

Only if you have no imagination.

The neat thing about classics is that they not only look great all by themselves, they serve as a wonderful backdrop to flashier pieces. Add a snazzy jacket, funky hosiery, or a great pair of shoes, and you'll be able to brilliantly showcase new piece using your classic staples as a backdrop.

Your friends, family, and coworkers will think you spend a fortune on your clothes, when in reality you're merely adding a few “to die for” pieces each year. It's a clever way to expand your wardrobe choices without overspending your budget or over-cramming your closet.

So next time you're in a quandary as to what to add to your wardrobe, opt for classics. They're clean, versatile, easy-to-wear, and make most of your budget. Dressing well just doesn't get any easier than this!