See Yourself Slim - The Fitting Room Diet

When I look at myself in a fitting room mirror, I rarely think I look hot. Dismal and dumpy is more like it. Now I know some people get pretty good glimpses of themselves in those elongated mirrors, shrouded in foggy lighting and ambiance. But mostly, I just don't look that great. I show much better at home, in the light of my own bathroom.

It's no secret that lighting is key in fitting rooms, but never has it been more apparent than now, when the economy is swirling down the toilet and retailers are scrambling to make a buck. Dressing rooms are where the sale is made, say experts, and those trying to score some funds might be capitalizing on making that little black dress look better than average. All it takes is something simple, like nixing the overhead lighting and adding some illumination alongside the mirrors.

A recent University of Florida study reveals that female shoppers, ages 18 to 35, have a preference for side lighting. Overhead lighting is just not flattering, says Anne Baumstarck, who did the research for her master's degree in interior design at UF. When a customers' surroundings register as negative, it distracts them from paying attention to the merchandise. "You never want a consumer to be thinking 'I hate this lighting' instead of 'I like this dress,'" she said. And while this study didn't touch on the topic, I'm thinking that when a reflection of someone's body in the mirror registers as negative, it also distracts from the purchase. When I don't like what I see, I don't buy. Make me look better (and by better, I mean lighter, thinner and more fit) and I'm more likely to fork over the green.

There's a whole psychology thing going on with fitting rooms. Bad economy or not, folks have long lingered behind the scenes, messing with our minds, convincing us to open our wallets and spend. In 1993, a reporter for "The New York Times" took a tour through some known stores and uncovered a few tricky tactics. She found that the Gap, for instance, used mirrors that didn't extend to the floor. Can't see your feet that way, which translates into a lengthened look. She found bigger dressing rooms are better, full doors (don't you hate those mini things that showcase your ankles and head to all passersby?) are better for self-esteem and a lack of shadows smooths the skin -- seems those pesky shadows enhance the appearance of cellulite.

I'm all for positive shopping experiences. Heck, I'd love to feel all comfy and cozy and look like America's Next Top Model in every fitting room I visit. There's just one problem: When I get home, and realize I don't have lighting good enough to erase my fat, I'm going to feel duped. It's not that I like looking frumpy in department stores. It's just that I'd rather look frumpy there and pretty at home than the other way around. But that's just me.

Tell us: Do you think dressing room enhancements prey on our body image issues? Or not?