A wild day of power shopping, especially when there are bargains, deals, and steals on the agenda, can be a wonderful thing. However, just like a soldier going into battle, you have to prepare by wearing the right uniform and carrying the right equipment.

So, what then should you wear when going power shopping?

• Loose clothes: Power shopping means trying on dozens of clothes, so don’t wear clothes you have to pour yourself into. I’m not suggesting moldy sweats, but avoid anything too tight. Jeans are always a good choice.
• Neutral colors: If you find a great item to try on, having neutral colors in the rest of what your wearing will help you focus. A great buy that goes perfect with what you have at home may be disguised by the bright pink spandex pants you chose to wear.
• Underwear: For most of us, wearing underwear is a given. However, for those of you who choose to eschew knickers, keep a couple pairs around for shopping trips. You don’t want to be slipping denuded into clothes others have had on, and it’s incredibly rude, not to mention unsanitary, to do to those who may try on the article after you.
• Socks: Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I hate the sight of feet, even my own, and believe strongly that everyone should be required to wear socks at all times, on pain of death. However, there is a good reason for wearing them when shopping: You may well find a perfect pair of shoes, and if you aren’t wearing socks, you’ll have a hard time knowing if they fit. For ladies, be sure to carry a pair of stockings with you as well, in case you need to try on pumps.
• Comfortable shoes: In line with wearing socks, wear comfortable shoes, preferably trainers. If you spend all day power shopping, you’ll need the support trainers provide. Nothing is worse than getting halfway through the mall and not being able to walk another step because of a silly shoe selection.
• No makeup: Ladies, leave the makeup at home when power shopping, or at least keep it to a bare minimum. If you try on clothes, you’ll mess up your makeup, and may well end up ruining a great find, so just forego it and save yourself the trouble. You’re out to find bargains, not Mr. Right.
• No jewelry: If you find a great piece of jewelry, you’ll have to take off what you have in order to try it on, which is annoying, not to mention you could lose your own in the process. If you’re trying on clothes, you may catch them on your jewelry, or knock items off onto the floor. If you leave it at home, it can’t become a problem.
• A watch: You don’t want to lose track of the time. Sure, you’re stomach will probably tell you when it’s time to eat, but if you’re planning on hitting several stores, you don’t want to find it’s suddenly half past three and you’re still in the first one.
• What you’re looking for: If you know you’re looking for something to go with another item, make sure you wear that item. That way, you won’t have to guess if what you’ve found will work.

Among the things you should consider carrying (particularly for ladies, who have handbags to carry things in) are a measuring tape and a camera. If you find something you aren’t quite sure of, you can take measurements and photographs, which you can use later to match to what you already have. Those two items are also quite handy when shopping for furniture or other big items.

And of course, the most important items to bring along: A good friend who enjoys power shopping as much as you do, and a car big enough to haul home all the steals you find.