When shopping, wear clothes that are easy to take off and put on. Think of a cardigan or polo with a zip, simple trousers and shoes that come off quickly. Work with thin layers, so you can switch easily between inside and outside. Neutral colours make it easier to judge new clothes next to your own outfit. This makes trying on simpler. Below you can read what to look for in each part, with outfits for women and men.
Why your shopping outfit matters
In the weeks before Sinterklaas and the holidays, many people head into town to shop, for themselves or for gifts. Anyone who has stood in a small fitting room with a tight polo neck, laced boots and a heavy coat over their arm knows why a smart outfit helps. Above all, choose something comfortable in which you can walk for a long time and try things on easily.
1. Top layers that go on and off quickly
Choose top layers with a fastening: a cardigan, a polo with a quarter zip or a blouse with buttons. You take these off without disturbing your hair or make-up. A fine-knit cardigan such as the Veronique in light blue, made of 100% lyocell, is ideal: light, thin and off in a second. A ribbed polo with quarter zip such as the Ophelia in black, also made of lyocell, slips over your head without effort thanks to the zip.
For men, a soft polo, such as the Montgomery in navy, made of modal, works perfectly under a coat. Thin enough to fit a shirt or sweater over it, and neutral enough to judge next to every new purchase.
2. Trousers that cooperate
If you are going to try on trousers, it helps if your own trousers go on and off quickly. Avoid trousers with many buttons, belts with complicated buckles or very tight styles. Jeans with some stretch, such as the Adelaide in light blue, a high-waist contour-fit jean with 2% elastane, are comfortable during a long day and easy to take off. For men, soft trousers with elastane, such as the Vincent in black, a slim-fit trouser with a mid-rise, are a neat and comfortable choice.
3. Shoes for hours of walking
On an afternoon of shopping you quickly walk kilometres, often over hard paving and stairs. Choose shoes you have already worn for a whole day. Slip-ons, loafers or sneakers without laces are handy when you are trying on shoes or trousers: you slide them off and on quickly. If you are going to buy shoes, wear the socks or tights you want to wear with them later.
4. Layers for warm shops and cold streets
In November, shops are often heated warmly, while outside it is cold and wet. So choose a coat that you can easily wear open or carry over your arm, with thin layers underneath. A thick wool sweater under a winter coat quickly becomes too warm indoors. Two thin layers, such as a polo and a cardigan, are much more flexible.
5. Neutral colours as a background
Wear plain, neutral colours such as black, navy, grey, white or light blue. Then in the fitting room you can see clearly how a new garment combines with what you already have. A busy print or a bright colour distracts and makes it harder to judge whether something suits your wardrobe.
Two shopping outfits
| Women | Men | |
|---|---|---|
| Top layer | Black ribbed polo with quarter zip, light blue cardigan over it | Navy modal polo |
| Trousers | Light blue high-waist jeans with stretch | Black slim-fit trousers with elastane |
| Shoes | Loafers or slip-on sneakers | Suede loafers or leather sneakers |
| Coat and bag | Coat that can be worn open, crossbody bag | Light jacket, small shoulder bag or no bag |
6. A bag that leaves your hands free
A crossbody bag or small backpack keeps your hands free. A large handbag on your arm is awkward in a busy shop and in a fitting room. Take a foldable shopper for your purchases; it carries more easily than loose bags.
Trying on smartly
- Take the shoes you often wear with you, or wear them, if you are going to try on trousers or dresses. You can only judge the length of a trouser properly with the right shoe.
- Sit down, bend and stretch your arms in the fitting room. Clothes must also be comfortable when you move.
- Look at a piece in daylight if you can, for example at the entrance. Shop lighting can make colours look different.
- If you are unsure about the size, also try the size above and below.
Shopping for gifts
If you are mainly going to buy gifts in these weeks, make a list beforehand of names, sizes and preferences. That saves wandering around and hesitating. With clothing, always ask about the options for exchanging, and keep the receipt. A fine-knit cardigan or a polo is a gift that almost always fits, because the fit can be a little looser than with trousers. If in doubt, choose a neutral colour such as navy, grey or cream. If possible, plan outside the busiest hours and take a break in between.
Prefer to try on at home?
If you want to avoid the crowds, you can also order online and try things on at home in peace, with your own shoes and next to your own wardrobe. At Issu & Lloyd you can return from €5 and you get your money back within 14 days; read the details on our shipping page. For an afternoon in town you will find inspiration in our Boulevard collection for women and City Life for men.
Shop the look
Veronique: fine-knit cardigan in lyocell, light blue
Ophelia: ribbed polo with quarter zip, black
Montgomery: modal polo, navy
Adelaide: high-waist contour-fit jeans, light blue
Vincent: slim-fit trousers with mid-rise, black
Frequently asked questions
What is the handiest clothing for shopping?
Top layers with a fastening, such as a cardigan or polo with a quarter zip, trousers with some stretch and shoes without laces. This way you try on quickly and comfortably.
Which shoes do you wear for shopping?
Shoes you have already walked a whole day in, preferably slip-ons, loafers or sneakers without laces that you take off and put on quickly.
Which colours are best to wear when trying on clothes?
Neutral, plain colours such as black, navy, grey, white or light blue. Then you can see clearly how new pieces combine with what you already have.
