By Cheryl Mattox Berry
I’m always at a loss for words when a stranger approaches me in a department store and asks my opinion about something she’s thinking about buying – usually clothes. It happened again the other day in the dress department of Macy’s.
A woman holding a navy cocktail dress wanted to know if it was appropriate for a church banquet. She said there was a sales associate nearby, but she wanted an unbiased opinion.
That still doesn’t explain why she picked me of all people. I didn’t look like a fashionista that day. I had on a pair of black sweats and sneakers. Of course, I was wearing my cute gold, braided hoop earrings, so maybe they screamed fashion diva.
My first reaction was to blow her off, but I decided to ask her a series of questions so that she could determine if it was the right dress. The line of inquiry went like this:
- What religion are you?
- Where is the banquet?
- Is this the type dress your first lady would wear?
- Are you comfortable wearing a sleeveless dress?
Because I didn’t know the woman, I had no idea if the dress was even her style. Nor did I know how it looked on her because she wasn’t wearing it. Not that I would’ve commented on the fit anyway. My standard response in the fitting room when someone asks my opinion is: “I’m not sure. Is that how you normally wear it?”
Buying a dress for a special occasion is too important a decision to be left to a stranger. Before you go shopping, do your homework. Flip through fashion magazines or browse the Internet to get some ideas.
Take a friend along when you’re ready to hit the mall. If you go alone, you can try on several dresses, snap pictures with your phone and send them to someone whose style you admire or opinion you trust.
A stranger will tell you anything and have you leaving the store with a dress that will make you feel self-conscious and look a hot mess at your affair.
As I was walking though the mall, I ran into the lady again and asked if she bought the navy dress. She said no because she found another one that she liked better. I hope she made that decision on her own.
I feel completely different. In fact, I sometimes comment to the person without being asked. Not that I think I’m a fashionista, but I just feel comfortable doing it. I like to give tips, like placing the garment near your face to see if it enhances or washes out the skin tone. Another is, “can you sit/dance comfortably”. I guess I’m just crazy that way. No one has cussed me out yet.
It’s those social worker skills at work. I’m going to take you with me from now on, and you can answer the questions while I shop:}