My brother does this thing where he won’t let people see the clothing he tries on. Whether he loves it or hates it, the entire decision is up to him.
At first, my entire family thought it was super weird. Why wouldn’t he want our opinions?
But then it hit me. He knows what he likes and what he would want to wear, so there’s no use talking him into something he doesn’t love. He is who he is, and no one knows his style better than he.
I, on the other hand, am very different. When I’m getting ready, it is truly an event. I run around the house asking for every single person’s opinion. And, when that isn’t enough [because it never is], I decide to send pictures and FaceTime my friends.
I’m convinced that it’s a sickness. Or maybe I just care too much. Either way, I can’t be the only one who does this, right?
The difference between my brother and I is that he is genuinely happy with every single outfit that he puts on and I get halfway through my day questioning my fashion choices. That, my friends, is the most literal representation of confidence and self-consciousness that I can possibly find.
Yes, I am proud of myself for stepping out of the box every so often. No, I am not proud that I let other people’s opinions weigh on me so much.
So, I decided to test out the wisdom of a 14 year old myself. I made it my mission to go into the fitting rooms by myself, make my decision, and get out. I even started going shopping by myself to test the waters a bit.
At first, it was extremely hard to do this. Not only do I value my friends and close family’s opinions, but I genuinely like trying stuff on for people. Because, let’s face it, everything is more fun [especially at a thrift store] trying clothing on is half of the fun.
It wasn’t until the second shopping trip that I found the power of a fitting room. No one else — just me and the mirror — making decisions the good ‘ole fashion way.
If you know anything about me, you know that I can’t make a decision to save my life. It doesn’t matter how big or small the task may be. But I found that when the decision was just up to me, it was a heck of a lot easier. Who knew my brother had such great fashion advice?
Not only was decision making a lot easier, but I was finding pieces that I actually loved. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bought something just because one of my friends said it looked great on my and then never worn it again. Well, not anymore!
Who knew a 14-year-old could be so wise? [Brandon, if you’re reading this, don’t let that go to your head.] Do you guys have trouble making fashion decisions? I’d love to hear in the comments whether or not you’d give this solo-shopping experience a try!
xx.
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Can’t agree more with him, we know ourself the best and we should be the only judge when it comes to our fashion and style. xx
He really is wise beyond his years! It’s completely changed the way I shop xx.
Absolutely love this!
Thanks, Chloe! xx.
love this 😂 such good advice! I go shopping by myself every now and then, it’s kinda nice!
It really is! I’m an introvert, so it was perfect for me haha xx.
That’s awesome! I do the same thing- buy stuff because people tell me it looks great and then never wear it again. I might have to try this!
You definitely should! It’s amazing how well it helps xx.
This is really great advice!
I’ll let my brother know! Haha, just kidding. Thank you, Abigail xx.
Ah I agree with him so much! I’m also struggling to wear what I really want and I always ask other people’s opinions. I’ll try this advice too ❤
Great! Let me know how it goes! xx.
Sure thing!! ❤
This is relatable! I mostly send pictures of clothes I like to my mom to ask if it’s worth the price. I normally shop by myself. 🙂 ❤
I’ve really started to like solo shopping! It’s kind of a relaxing xx.
I completely agree! Trying things on is just for you and that fitting room mirror! Of course it’s okay sometimes to ask for an opinion I usually ask my mom but usually if I like it I buy it and thats it!
Agreed! It’s so much less complicated that way xx.
Your brother is so wise! Deciding about anything never works with me though 😀
Right! Who Knew he had this much wisdom in him haha. It’s definitely helped with my decision making in other areas of my life as well xx.
I agree with your brother! I shop along quite frequently, and not show people the tops I try on. I know what I like 😀 I normally show people what I bought after the fact, because I love it so much and I want people to see 😀
It’s funny how much more confident you are when you pick out the outfit yourself! xx.
I feel your pain. 🙂 Dressing rooms are places of intense pressure sometimes!
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This shopping tactic actually helped ease the pressure! xx.
I have to agree with your brother too. I actually prefer and love shopping alone. No distractions and no one to tell me “oh that does not look good on you” while trying out pieces that I actually do like. I don’t really care much about other people’s opinions of me, especially regarding what I wear. Your brother is indeed wise! 🙂
P.S. “I can’t tell you hoe…” I think you mistyped that. I just wanted to let you know. Hahaha. It made me laugh, though :p
Oops! Haha that’s quite the mistype. Thanks for letting me know! xx.
I normally go solo-shopping. I love being able to try on as many outfits as I like without thinking about whether I am taking too long. I agree though it is fun to shop with other people and get their opinion :). However, I have gotten a lot better in choosing items I love and would actually wear repeatedly.
It’s much more fun with friends, but much speedier without! xx.
oh definitely!
I’m the exact same way as your brother! It’s not weird at all. Some people are just a little shy to show an option out or ask for opinions, and some people just know what they like and what looks best on them and value their own opinion. Sometimes I’ve sent pictures to friends but that was when I didn’t really know much about style and fashion or what I liked lol I just wore cute shirts and jeans. But they got me into trying skirts and dresses out. I loved dressing up more but at the same time I knew what I was most comfortable in and it isn’t dresses. I’m glad you tried something different and found it helpful✨ what a cool little brother😎
He is quite cool isn’t he! I agree, there’s a time and a place for a friend’s opinion, but it’s nice to be alone sometimes as well xx.
Totally agree! I go shopping a lot by myself. However, I ask for opinions on my clothing from my mum because she has similar style to me and she knows me pretty well haha. I live away from home/different town so I send her Snapchats in the changing rooms for opinions sometimes 😄
That’s a great way to do some bonding from far away! xx.
I think this advice is lovely! I might have too try this next time I go clothes shopping! I hate it so much, and maybe this is one of the reasons why, feeling you have to try something on because you friend likes it!?
There’s so much pressure when you want to impress someone, you know? I definitely recommend his advice xx.
I know exactly what you mean! I love it, your brother is a wonderful person!☺️
He is pretty awesome. He’s the one that actually take most of my photos too! xx.
I love this! Kids have such wisdom! If I go shopping, it is usually with someone or else I do everything online. If I like something, I will show it to them and get their opinion, but usually I have already made up my mind. Sometimes if something is truly hideous (like this romper that was truly horrid and ill fitting on EVERYONE even my Giselle Bundchen-esque friend) I will show them just for the laughs. 💗
Showing friends for the laughs is always fun! Especially with the bizarre items that I find thrifting! xx.
Yes it is! Oh my gosh I bet! 💗
Darn it, that does sound like fun! You’ve given me an idea for a fun afternoon 🙂
I’m glad to hear you’re stepping out on your own. I tend to prefer shopping alone because if a friend offers up something that I don’t like, I have to pretty much tell her that I don’t like her choices, and that’s just awkward. I’ve gotten more and more free with my style over the years and, not to be snobby, but I like to think I use more imagination in my decisions than all of my friends, except one. Her, she can always give her opinion because she’s pretty creative as well. If it takes me forever to decide whether I like something, I just figure it’s not worth spending the money one. That took years to learn!
I think it can be fun to compare fashion choices with friends, but you’re right that it can be awkward. Just have to pick your shopping friends wisely! xx.
Quite true, that makes all the difference.
Omg, I really need to try this. I usually try one what pleases me, but still I always want to hear another opinion before really buying it. Not anymore, hopefully!
love, elena
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I felt the same way! It was like I HAD to know that someone else liked it. It’s so freeing not to have to do that anymore xx.
That’s so awesome! I have to agree with your brother as 90% of the time people try and convince me to get something I only end up wearing it once if that as it’s simply not me! Great post! Many Blessings, Grace. Xxx
Thanks, Grace! The more I use this advice, the more I get clothing that are actually me! xx.
Wise brother over there. He’s exactly right. Know thyself.
I prefer shopping by myself. No need to care about pace. Plus, if I need a second opinion, that item isn’t worth buying.
He is very wise indeed! Good tactic, but then you miss out on trying on goofy outfits with friends! xx.
Problem is I worked in the industry for a long time, I poop over shopping by sharing quality issues/estimated cost price. Friends aren’t happy. I am quite a terrible shopping partner. 🤣 I shop like a men and try to get out asap.
A thrifting trip would definitely change that! hehe xx.
I admire your brother! I mean, that idea hit me when I was 25! I stopped asking people if the dress or the top suits me. Now, I just buy clothes if I totally love them!
And your style is so cute ❤
Love it! I’m glad the tactic is working for you xx.