Try It On, Be Cool: Fitting Room Rules That Matter
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Let’s be honest: fitting rooms are weird.
You walk in feeling kind of hopeful, and five minutes later, you’re sweating under fluorescent lights, one arm stuck in a sleeve, jeans half-zipped, and questioning your entire existence. Wasn’t this supposed to be fun?
In this episode of Wear Who You Are, stylist and BU Style founder Natalie Tincher dives headfirst into the strange, emotionally-charged world of the fitting room—where confidence is made, broken, and occasionally saved by good lighting.
Natalie ran two anonymous surveys—one for shoppers, one for retail sales associates—and the responses did not disappoint. From petty frustrations to surprisingly vulnerable confessions, it’s clear: everyone’s trying, no one’s quite sure of the rules, and there’s a lot of unspoken energy in those tiny rooms.
What Sales Associates and Personal Shoppers Really Wish You Knew
Let’s just say… they see it all. And the top five things they want shoppers to know?
Don’t leave the room a disaster.
Neat-ish piles go a long way.
Don’t play hero with re-shelving—just ask.
Saying why something didn’t work? Super helpful.
You don’t have to buy. Just don’t ghost.
Turns out, kindness (and maybe not leaving trash behind) is the real dress code.
What Shoppers Actually Do
On the flip side, shoppers admitted they’re often winging it. No signs. No guidance. Lighting that makes them want to cancel all plans. And let’s not pretend we haven’t all snapped a “do we like this?” selfie, brought in more than the item limit, or sweat through something while trying to get out of it.
But when the experience is good—clean room, kind associate, decent lighting? Shoppers remember. And they come back.
In the Middle: The Personal Stylist’s View
Natalie’s been in both worlds for 15 years—styling clients while navigating stores and sales teams. Her takeaway?
Clean stores lead to better shopper behavior.
People want to do the right thing—they just don’t always know how.
Fitting rooms deserve time… but also awareness.
It’s okay to leave empty-handed.
Respect (on both sides) changes everything.
The Bigger Point
Fitting rooms are tiny rooms with big feelings. They can frustrate or empower, depending on how we treat each other in them. Communication, clarity, and decent lighting wouldn’t hurt either.
Whether you’re shopping, styling, selling, or sweating through a jumpsuit—it all works better when we meet in the middle.
Show Notes:
—Want ongoing stylist support at a lower price point? Check out BU Style Circle, our membership community designed for style-minded folks who want expert tools, shopping guides, and seasonal resources—without the cost of one-on-one services. It’s a welcoming, supportive space to explore your style with structure and intention. Join us!
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