Are You Shopping at the Wrong Stores? How to Find the Best Fit for Your Body, Style, and Color Type

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Have you ever walked into a store, tried on 10 things, and walked out feeling frustrated—like nothing looks good on you? It’s not you. You might just be shopping at the wrong stores.

Different retailers cater to different body shapes, sizes, age groups, and even color types. If a store’s fit, style, or color palette isn’t designed with you in mind, you’ll always feel like something is off. But once you know which brands align with your body, your style, and your colors, shopping becomes so much easier (and way more fun!).

Why Some Stores Just Aren’t Made for You (And That’s Okay!)

Fashion brands design their clothing with a specific customer in mind. This means:

✅ Fit & Shape Matters – Some brands design for curvier bodies, while others fit straighter figures better.
✅ Size Ranges Differ – Some stores run small (looking at you, fast fashion!), while others embrace extended sizing.
✅ Age & Style Influence – Certain stores cater to trend-driven 20-somethings, while others prioritize timeless pieces for women over 40.
✅ Color Palettes Vary – Ever noticed some stores are filled with muted earth tones while others are bursting with bright jewel tones? That’s intentional!

If you’re shopping in a store that doesn’t align with your body, age, style, or best colors, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. But don’t worry—there are gems in every store. You just need to know where to look.

How to Find the Stores That Work for YOU

Here’s how to identify which stores cater to your unique needs:

1. Know Your Shape & Fit Needs

If you have curves, seek stores that design for them (e.g., Madewell, Universal Standard, Chico’s).
If you have a straighter figure, structured cuts might work better (e.g., Banana Republic, Everlane).
Petite or tall? Look for brands with dedicated sections (e.g., Anthropologie, J.Crew, Ann Taylor).

2. Find Brands That Match Your Color Type

Bright & Cool? Try J.Crew, Boden, and Kate Spade.
Warm & Earthy? Free People, Eileen Fisher, and Anthropologie might be your best bet.
Soft & Muted? Stick to brands like Loft, Everlane, and Talbots.

3. Consider the Age Factor

Trend-driven fast fashion (Zara, H&M) often caters to younger bodies and bold styles.
More mature brands (Talbots, Chico’s) focus on sophisticated fits and timeless pieces.
There’s crossover! Some brands like Nordstrom and Anthropologie mix modern with classic styles.

4. Remember That Hidden Gems Exist Everywhere

Even if a store isn’t designed for you, there’s often a hidden section that is!

A store that mostly caters to trendy 20-somethings might have a great basics section.
A brand known for neutrals might surprise you with a seasonal color collection.
Even a store that doesn’t fit your body shape well might have great accessories, shoes, or layering pieces.

Shop Smarter, Stress Less

Next time you’re out shopping, ask yourself:
❓ Does this store typically fit my shape?
❓ Do the colors match my best palette?
❓ Does this store’s style align with how I want to dress?

✨ Ready to make shopping easier? Learn your best colors first with Your Color Style!

Shopping shouldn’t be a battle. When you know where to go, you can stop forcing bad fits and start finding clothes that truly work for YOU.

And if you TRULY HATE SHOPPING, it may be time to hire someone to do it for you. Stylists are not just for celebrities anymore. Check out the options from Your Color Style.

Gail Scott

Gail Scott is Creative Director for Style and Beauty. She is a makeup expert and personal stylist. If you would like professional advice with Gail, please sign up for her exclusive 2-hour 1:1 session. Or schedule a 15 minute Style Chat with Gail to ask your questions.