Dr. Fashion’s patience is being sorely tested by the hordes of holiday shoppers clogging malls and stores. Not because of their behavior, mind you, but because of their clothing.

Dr. Fashion is sad to say that few shoppers seem to have mastered the art of dressing for the occasion.

You can get through your shopping travels much more comfortably if you’re prepared – whether you’re wandering the shops downtown or the mall.

So allow yourself a moment to put on appropriate clothing. You’ll be more comfortable, which is good for you, and you’ll be much more pleasant to be around, which is good for the rest of us.

Here, now, are Dr. Fashion’s rules to get dressed by.

Indoors, at the mall

• Dress simply. Cords, khakis or nice-looking jeans are fine. Pair with a pullover or cardigan sweater, perhaps with a slogan-free T-shirt underneath. If you get too hot, you can take off the sweater and still look presentable.
• Wear the lightest coat you can get away with – raincoat, windbreaker, even a thick sweater might be all you need to survive the dash from car to store. Leave heavy outerwear, hats, gloves and scarves in the car.
• Comfortable shoes are key. Choose something with a sturdy sole and a low to medium heel. Loafers are ideal, especially if you plan to try on shoes. If not, lace-ups and ankle boots are fine.

Outdoors, on the town

• Coordinating layers are your best friend. Several thin layers will keep you warmer than one heavy one.
• Start with a lightweight thermal T-shirt or silk undershirt. Add a cotton T-shirt. Top things off with a flannel shirt or sweater.
• Pair these with comfortable trousers that will keep you warm. Choose wool pants if you want to look a little spiffier, cords if you’re going casual.
• Pamper your hands and feet, as they’ll feel the cold first. Wear warm socks (no, nylons don’t qualify) and sturdy shoes or boots with a nonslip sole. You’ll need gloves, as well as a reliable way to store them while you shop inside.
• Top things off with a coat or jacket that is water- and windproof, especially if the weather is sloppy. A hooded coat is ideal.

Accesorizing

• Keep your accessories to a minimum. No matter how trendy they are, jangling bracelets, ankle-grazing mufflers and oversized shawls only get in the way.
• Consider your pockets and pocketbook. What can you safely carry in them? What do you need? If it’s basically car keys and a wallet, carry a small shoulder bag.
• Dr. Fashion is not a fan of fanny packs – a less flattering accessory has yet to be invented, the Doctor believes – but concedes that they can be very useful. Choose something plain and black, in the interest of retaining at least some dignity.
• Pare down. If you can, skip the purse altogether and stash driver’s license, one credit card and a $20 bill in a business-card case. The card case and the car keys go into a buttoned pocket.
• Sometimes it’s worth toting something extra, however. A pack of question cards from Trivial Pursuit is easy to carry, and it will make the endless lines go faster.