Living

Finding the right fit requires some trial and error, but it doesn't have to be so frustrating. Here are tips from fashion designers, merchandisers and researchers on how to do it:

— Take clothes for a test drive: Like taking a car out for a spin before buying it, slipping into clothes before purchasing them is the best way to discover what jibes with your body shape, personal taste and lifestyle. Perhaps a pair of pants from the "petite" section got mixed in with the "misses" clothes. Or maybe a sweater doesn't coordinate with a skirt as well as predicted. You won't know what works and what doesn't until you try it on.

— Consider a couple of sizes: Eliminate the hassle of running back and forth between the dressing room and the clothing rack by bringing along the size you think you are and a backup (either a larger or smaller size, depending on how snug or loose the apparel runs). The alternative size may fit better than the one you anticipated.

— Experiment with different brands and designers: For everything there's a season, even clothing stores. Brands that were once staples of a wardrobe may no longer provide the best fit for a body that has fluctuated in size and shape from childbirth, weight change or aging. So peruse places with clothes designed with your demographic in mind. Coldwater Creek, Talbots and Chicos tend to create styles for the mature professional woman, whereas American Eagle, Aeropostale and Abercrombie & Fitch target the young-adult crowd.

— Stick with what feels good: Once you find the brand that best flatters your figure in all of the right places, commit to it. Why mess with a good thing?

— Make comfort the focus: Forget about measurements and designer labels, and make feeling confident and a little cozy the goal of your wardrobe. So what if you can squeeze into a size 2? If it looks and feels awkward, it probably won't make it out of the closet much. Invest in ensembles you'll be excited to wear.

(Email Sara Bauknecht at sbauknecht@post-gazette.com.)