As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, non-essential shops will start reopening on Monday, June 15, and when they do, the retail landscape will look decidedly different.
How to shop successfully for clothes when fitting rooms are closed
Measures will be in place to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff, such as introducing one-way systems on the shop floor and limiting the number of customers who can enter at one time.
Fashion retailers have said that fitting rooms will be closed, which means some guess work will be required when deciding what to buy.
So, how can you shop successfully when you can't try on most items?
We asked a fashion stylist for his advice on how to shop like a pro when stores reopen. Follow these expert tips for finding garments that fit, so you don't end up having to return half your haul.
Measure yourself
"The first, and perhaps most important thing you should do in this new era of shopping, is to get proper measurements of yourself," says Anthony McGrath, celebrity stylist and lecturer at the Fashion Retail Academy.
"Once you have a more accurate idea of your size, you'll be able to shop more successfully.
"If you want to be really organised, take a measuring tape shopping with you. With an accurate idea of your size and a measuring tape in hand, sizing up clothes will be a whole lot easier."
Use in-store mannequins
"If there are mannequins in store, which are dressed with outfits you like, check the height of the mannequins and note whether they are wearing heels or flats," McGrath says.
"This will help you determine the length of trousers, dresses and skirts."
Refer to sizing guides
"Once fashion retailers reopen, some will likely make a conscious effort to display their sizing guides throughout stores," McGrath says.
"If they do, it would be useful to take a picture and refer to this as you shop.
"If they don't have their sizing charts on show, they are available online, so make sure you take a screenshot and use it as a reference."
If in doubt, size up
"If you are torn between sizes, make sure you go for the larger size," says McGrath.
"You can always make adjustments if you have surplus material, but it's extremely difficult if you don't have enough."
Go with brands you know
Sizes can vary considerably between brands, so use what you've already got in your wardrobe to guide your choices.
"Simple notes that you can refer to when shopping at different retailers can come in very handy," says McGrath.
"For example, 'H& dress size 12 fits very comfortably; Topshop, size 10 in trousers but size 12 in tops' etc."
Choose easy silhouettes and fabrics
"Naturally, some silhouettes are more difficult to judge with the naked eye than others," McGrath says.
"For example, if you're looking for a pencil skirt, it's essential that you get true measurements of your waist and hips to ensure that it fits comfortably.
"With fitting rooms closed, it's best to shop for easier silhouettes, to avoid the risk of having to return lots of items.
"A-line skirts, tent and shift dresses are much easier to judge with the naked eye than a more tailored or fitted style.
"Similarly, lightweight fabrics are more flexible and adapt much better to the body than rigid fabrics."