trusting sales associates

Q: I often shop alone but want a second opinion before buying something. I've come home before with some great steals, but also ended up not liking what I bought too. Can you trust the lady's advice in the store? How can you be sure that something really fits when you try it on there?
- Tasha

A: Hi Tasha! You brought up quite a few common dilemmas. I see concern for fit, but also a lack of surety on what you feel looks good on you. Everybody will have a different opinion about how something looks given their preferences on color, style and even body shapes. So please take external (in)validation with a grain of salt. If you ask someone who really enjoys bohemian, flirty flounces if a military-tailored blazer will look good on you for your upcoming brunch, you may not get the most enthusiastic response. 

Do you know what shapes best fit your body? Study your closet. Try on some great fitting pieces you already own before shopping. What things do you not like about your current wardrobe? This will help as a basis of comparison when you're out. If you're trying a cut you've never tried before, take pictures and send to a couple close friends whose style you admire. I don't like to be rushed into buying anything. If you don't have the time that day, just know you may need to make the time later for potential returns.

Now for the sales associates. They not your friends. They are paid to make sales. You are their target. It's important to know whether they are on commission or not. I find those that are often have in-depth knowledge on product lines, but can be quite pushy. They are the ones telling you their name more than once (so you remember at the register), already trying to upsell you in the the fitting room, and who are a little too agreeable. It is, by design, very difficult for them to be objective with you, as their truth may hurt their own livelihood. So do not solely rely on their advice. For salaried or hourly associates, I say pick their brains. It can be especially boring for them on a slow-moving day, so engagement is welcomed. They are also highly knowledgeable, and usually very willing to help style or recommend relevant alternatives when they see a mismatch or an ill-fitting garment.

Instead of just asking if something looks good on you, try probing with more specific questions that may help to better inform or sway your decision:

"Does this fit me in the [waist, length, bust, hips, etc.]?"

"How else would you wear this?"

"Where is this style trending right now?"

"How would you accessorize this?"

"Where would you wear this?"

"Could you see this outfit at a [formal/casual/after-work/romantic] event?"

Over anything, it's about how you feel. Confidence will carry you so much further than a brand name or trend ever could. If you feel amazing in something, get it. Just don't struggle with your light bill to do so. I don't subsidize ConEd.