This Is Exactly Why Dudes Hate Shopping

First step: have a plan.

A lot of guys find shopping for clothes frustrating — but it doesn't have to be. We talked to Preston Konrad, a NYC-based celebrity stylist, and Anna Wisinewski, a stylist at Trunk Club, to get some tips to make the process easier.

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"Guys [historically have] taken shopping cues from ladies, who typically love to browse and spend time in a store. So, I think guys expect that it's going to be a long process, but it doesn't have to be," Konrad told BuzzFeed. "The first step to having a positive shopping experience is to analyze what you need in your closet."

Here are some other tips and tricks on how to make the most out of every clothes shopping experience:

1. Know the building blocks of a good wardrobe.

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Konrad suggests multiple pairs of jeans as an essential staple of any dude's wardrobe. Of course, not everyone has the means to buy a million pairs of jeans.

You should have:

* a light pair of jeans

* a dark pair of jeans

* If you want to get fancy, you can swap out a dark-blue pair for a black pair

* and if you're feeling extra special, add a white pair of jeans into the mix too.

Beyond jeans, everyone should own:

* a crisp white dress shirt

* a denim button down shirt

* some sort of print like a gingham check or plaid shirt.

* a slim-straight khaki or non-jean pant

Konrad advises that you be selective about your layer pieces. That means that you should try to have a staple navy-blue blazer, and some sort of V-neck sweater or crewneck in your closet, too.

Besides those basics, you can then mix and match and incorporate many trend pieces (like a Hawaiian shirt, or maybe a bowling shirt, for example) into your daily outfits.

2. Also, know your obstacles.

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"I think the biggest challenges guys face when shopping for new clothes is fit," says Wisinewski, who works at Trunk Club, an online personal shopping company that focuses on providing its customers with a customized shopping experience. "In the past decade I've watched clothes become a little more tailored and a little more modern, and I think guys want help deciphering that," she said. "Guys want to know, 'What do these new trends and styles mean for me and my body type?'"

3. Do your research ahead of time.

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"The most important thing you can do to set yourself up for shopping success is to have a plan," Konrad says. That means doing a little research before you actually go out and start shopping. Think about what you like and what you don't like. One way to do this is to identify the pieces you already own that you love. This way when you go into the store you know exactly where to go and what to ask for.

4. Another great way to research? Find a celebrity whose style you admire for inspiration.

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Celebs have stylists and huge budgets, and while you might not have as much spending power, you can use them for inspiration. Konrad suggests doing an easy Google search for a popular actor you admire, like maybe Ryan Gosling. Look up what they're wearing, take screenshots of a few outfits of whomever's style you like, and you can take that into the store with you when you go shopping.

5. Make a list before you go out and shop.

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Now that you've done your research and found your style inspiration, it's time to write down everything you need. Make a quick list that you can write on a piece of paper or type in your phone and take that with you to the store.

You have a game plan, you know what you need, and you can get into the store and optimize your experience.

6. Do that by analyzing what you already have and what you need for your closet.

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It's important to know what you have and what you need. This way you won't duplicate or buy unnecessary items. If you need new jeans or shirts for work, write that down so you can take it with you to the store and stay on track. On the other hand, if you have a favorite pair of jeans, write down the style number and fit too. Even better, wear your favorite item while shopping, so you have an idea of the fit and style that works best for you.

7. Don't be afraid to ask the store associates for help.

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A lot of guys wander around a store hoping some inspiration will hit them, but there's a better way. Ask for help! The associates are there to assist you with finding exactly what you need and they're also aware of styles and trends and can point you in the right direction, or tell you if something looks flattering. Definitely take advantage of them because they're there to help you. This will speed up the time you have to actually spend in the store.

8. Try stuff on while you're in the store.

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This is perhaps the single most important thing you can do while shopping. Trying things on is crucial. "Always get in the fitting room. I know most guys don’t have time for that," Konrad says. "But if you have time for one thing, make sure it's to try things on. It's about making sure the fit is right that’s super important."

9. Try on a few different sizes to compare how they look.

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This is an essential thing when shopping. You don't want to have to go back to a store and return or exchange something because you eyeballed a fit.

Konrad suggests, "Always bringing in two sizes into the dressing room. I'll pick out the size I think I am, and one that's more ambitious." Keep in mind that "with mass brand stores like Old Navy, Gap, or J. Crew, the sizing can be more forgiving, versus a European brand, which might be more tailored," he says. So make sure to get something that fits your body correctly and you'll save time after the fact.

10. Also don't forget to take advantage of certain store's personal shoppers.

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Stores like Topman and Macy's nowadays have entire personal shopping departments, specifically meant to help curate and personalize your shopping experience. Don't be afraid to take advantage of them. Most stores offer them free of charge, too.

If you absolutely don’t want to go to a store, a service like Trunk Club might be a good alternative. Trunk Club picks out clothes for you based on your preferences and sends you a box of options to try.

11. Know the value of a good tailor.

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Tailoring is crucial and is often the difference between looking sloppy and looking much cleaner and more presentable. No matter what your size is, sometimes things off the rack just don't fit as well as they could with tailoring. Find a local tailor you like and take your suits, jeans, and other things you already have to give them a fresh update that's made specifically for you.

12. And finally, be careful with trends.

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Trends are great — they offer fun and new ways to express your personal style. But when building a wardrobe that will last you for years to come, make sure you're aware and careful when it comes to buying trend pieces. Konrad says, "I’m not one to shy away from a bright pattern floral shirt,” Konrad says. “[But in my experience,] most guys are looking for something classic that they can wear from the office to a date or a lunch. And while there’s a time and place for trends for sure, I wouldn’t go overboard with them. Normally I'll get my prints or floral shirts from a place like Old Navy and dress it up with something more classic that I have to make an outfit really pop."

And of course, have fun!

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Now get out there and get some new clothes!