I have seen with clients recently, and throughout London, that people are concerned and unsure about what will happen with shopping in the future. In Italy, my hometown, they permit you to try on clothes in their shops, with face masks and hand sanitiser required to ensure the safety of shoppers. However, in London, some bigger brands such as Zara, are not permitting shoppers to try on their clothes in their shops. Smaller brands will allow you to try on the clothes, and they will then take these away, sterilise them, steam them, and putting them back into the store for safe use.

For me, it is very difficult not to try things on. Even if shops will allow you to take clothes home, with extended returns policies, there may be some difficulties in terms of bringing back items.

Here are my tips for shopping with these new regulations in place, to help put you at ease.

1.  Research shops in your local shopping centres that will permit you to try on clothes. You can find out on their websites what their policies are, and this can help you navigate the shops that will give you the time and opportunity to really ensure the items you are buying will fit.

2.  Plan your shopping trip at less busy times, if you are able. With the new measures in place, many shops are only allowing a certain number of shoppers into their stores, so you will want to, if you can, go at quieter times. This will stop you having to wait for a long time in queues.

3.  Take several items home with you. This can be the best option when trying isn’t allowed but you really love something, take it home with you and then plan the time to return the items (if any!).

4. Use a personal stylist! They can do the research and planning for you – taking away the stress of wondering if a shop will permit you to try on clothes. You can then be much more confident that when you are going shopping with a personal stylist, that the shops you are visiting will allow you to try on clothes.

5.  A personal stylist can also take back your return items should you have found items in stores that are not allowing customers to try on clothes.

A personal stylist is someone who can take away the stress of shopping in pre-covid situations, and now, more than ever, their knowledge and experience can truly assist you in your shopping experience. They will know a huge range of brands that can work for your figure, your personal style, and your preferences. They can also assist you with finding items you may not have originally thought about, making it a fun and exciting experience.

Now is a great time to use a personal stylist too, as the shops are less busy, giving you more time to safely browse through clothes with your companion by your side, helping you find items that will truly work for you. Sales assistants will also, more than ever, be more available as they will have less customers in their stores and are working hard to ensure customers get the best experience during the less busy times, as customer loyalty is essential for their brand.