For many girls, the very idea of going into a shop and buying clothes for themselves is not only
a daunting but sometimes terrifying thought. I know from my own experience that particulary the first few times were very
difficult and I still have a problem with makeup.
There are a few times each year that we can take advantage of, eg. Xmas, St Valentines etc, when
it's easier to go into the shops with confidence knowing that you will most likely be taken to be buying gifts for wives,
girlfriends, partners etc. I personally found these times the best times to start when buying in shops, once you get
into the mindset of buying as gifts you soon realise that nobody really takes any notice and you can walk in with confidence.
Of course asking to try things on would still be a problem 
.
The next thing to think about is what size you will be needing, this again can be a bit tricky
if you have no idea to start with. The actual sizes of clothes do vary between stores and you will find some will come up
larger and some smaller.
Once you have an idea of your sizes, start by buying a top, preferrably knitted as this will give
quite a bit if you have bought too small. You should then know pretty well what your top size is and will probably find your
bottom size to be 1-2 sizes smaller. Buy one size smaller to start with and you can always use a belt if they are a little
loose.
If you do buy something that once you get home you find is totally unsuitable dont be afraid
to take it back. Most stores have a money back policy although some will only issue vouchers, if you need to know ask at the
till when buying, say 'can I bring this back if she doesn't like it'. If they say 'only for vouchers', it's your choice!
The next item on the list is shoes, these are so important to the girl about town and the choice
really is endless. As for size I have always found that there is little difference in male size to female size when it comes
to length, the big difference is in the width, males usually having wider shaped feet than women. With this in mind you may
need to buy a size larger than usual. High street stores such as Evans range of shoes are nearly all wide fitting and definately
worth a look, although they dont seem to cater for very high heels, most being around 2". Unfortuately most womens shoe
stores seem to only go up to size 8, so you may need to look in catalogues, the internet etc.
| Size |
|
8 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
| Bust |
inch |
32 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
47 |
49 |
| |
cm |
81 |
84 |
89 |
94 |
99 |
104 |
109 |
114 |
119 |
124 |
| Waist |
inch |
24 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
| |
cm |
61 |
64 |
69 |
74 |
79 |
84 |
89 |
94 |
99 |
104 |
| Hips |
inch |
34 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
47 |
49 |
51 |
| |
cm |
86 |
89 |
94 |
99 |
104 |
109 |
114 |
119 |
124 |
129 |
Above is a typical size chart for womens clothes, but as we are built a little
differently some allowances need to be made.
Bust: Measure around the fullest part, eg. 41 inches gives size 18. If you are buying knitted tops a size smaller will
generally be fine.
Waist: Measure your natural waistline then go one or two sizes smaller than the chart, eg 33 inches gives size 18
so you will probably need to buy size 16 or even 14.
This page is only a guide and only with experience will you know your true sizes.
Happy Shopping
