It’s hard to tell if you’re shopping online – no fitting rooms!
I’ve never had much luck when it comes to online fashion shopping.
Maybe it’s different when you’re young and slender (like Miss 17) – you could buy a sack online, add some accessories, and still look totally awesome! đ
But for me? Well, I’ve found that my forays into online fashion shopping have only resulted in disappointment – and who can be bothered sending stuff back, and paying return postage.
Some of my duds have included a dress that was way too long; shorts that gaped at the back of the waist; and another dress in such a clingy fabric, it really didn’t do me any favours.
However recently I decided to risk online fashion shopping just one more time. And this time, I was actually thrilled to bits with my purchase!
Top Tips for Successful Online Fashion Shopping
I’ve finally discovered the secret to successful online fashion shopping: go with a brand/label that you are already very familiar with.
Choosing a brand/label you already know and love helps in so many ways when it comes to online fashion shopping:
- You are familiar with their sizing, and the way they shape their garments. Some clothes look fabulous on the hanger or on the model; but not so fabulous when you try them on. Dur, that’s why stores have changing rooms! I’ve made it my mantra not to buy anything unless I absolutely love it ON ME; shopping online makes this extremely tricky – as it’s guess work only! But you have a much better chance of being satisfied with your fashion purchases online if you stick to a brand you already know and love.
- By choosing a style or brand that you already have in regular rotation in your wardrobe, you are more likely to be happy with your purchase. Online clothes shopping is NOT the time to take risks – especially if you are on a budget. If you want to change your look, go and try things on – this is not the time to shop online.
- When you know the brand or store you are buying from, you will have a better idea of what fabrics they use. Online, it’s really hard to gauge the texture and thickness of a fabric from a grainy photo or two. If you stick to a store you already know and love, chances are you will be happy with the fabrics they use too.
So why shop online? Because you really can’t beat it for convenience!
Although my dress (pictured at right) came from Katies, and there are stores not far from me, I just didn’t have the time to get out to the shops to try it on or buy it.
As it happened, I also managed to purchase it in an online sale so it was a fraction of the price in store (even after paying postage). Bonus!
What stores have you found are the best when it come to online fashion shopping?Â
It is such a risk but I do love that I can buy something a bit unusual. I used to only buy things with a bit of give but I have graduated now and stick to shapes that I know work for my shape!
I love finding bargains online! It’s a pity that when most of them arrive in the post they only fit my 14 year old daughter đ So yes, I totally agree with your advice. Stick with brands and labels that you’re familiar with.
Great tip! Love your new frock x
Thanks! I’m really happy with it đ
The last few things I’ve bought online have been disasters, so I just don’t do it anymore. Even if I know the brand, although that does/can help tremendously. I don’t mind shopping online at Target because you can go exchange/return those if they don’t fit. Does Katie’s let you do that? I often find a few things in there I like and they do have very good online sales. x Aroha
Yep, Katies lets you return in store too. đ
I have never bought fashion online, tons of other things but not clothes, I am just so fussy about how things fit. My daughter stalks ebay (3 little parcels arrived today actually), but at 17 it just all fits. đ
I like buying books online, I think some of the big bookstores even have free postage in Australia. Miss 17 is always buying makeup bits and bobs online from overseas because it’s heaps cheaper!
I love online shopping, however I normally stick to shoes, handbags and that type of thing because as you say the sizes are all over the place. I have online shopped at Witchery and Country Road for clothing because I fairly comfortable with their sizes. I also like to shop online with New Balance for my fitness attire and have always got the sizing right.
I haven’t bought shoes or handbags online – yet! But I’m sure I will discover the fun of that before too long!
Hi Janet
I think I have had some online wins and some losses. It’s always a gamble. And it’s a gamble if they are going to arrive one time! (E.g. Christmas presents). I find sizing the hardest part of shopping online. Usually I would buy a brand I actually know, and preferably something I have tried on, and know works. I buy Metallicus (second hand) online because you can’t go too wrong with that brand. s
I went into a Metallicus store for the first time recently and everything looked like it was made for skinny minnies – not sure if it would work for me. How do you find the sizing there?
Usually it’s one size fits all. I find the fabric surprisingly flattering though. x
I will have to try something on next time I’m in a Metalicus store xxx
I’m not usually one to buy clothes online, in fact I rarely think of myself in this respect, but online does have its appeal!!!! In saying that, I’m a different figure so most ‘normal’ sizes don’t fit me đ
When I was at a dressmakers recently (for my daughter’s formal dress) they told me a lot of their business comes from people who’ve bought something online that doesn’t fit. I suppose if it was something expensive then that would be an option. Oh to be young and slender and able to wear a sack huh.
I sure miss those days! đ
I don’t shop online often, as I know I will over-shop! Don’t forget there are also loads of micro businesses using Etsy and Big Cartel to sell their wears. If you find a crafter or artisan who makes the clothes/items themselves you can usually email any questions you have about size or quality.
I just can’t do it! I hate clothes shopping at the best of times these days, cause nothing makes me feel like I look great. Online is just too much of a risk!
I like shopping on line from stores I already am very familiar with also what you buy hasn’t been picked over. xxx Rae
Love that new dress Janet, it looks great with the shoes.
I prefer to buy instore, take home to try on, then return if I don’t like it. I find this the best way to match with pieces I already have too. xx
Love that Katie’s dress on you. It is tricky to buy online. I haven’t bought much but have been pretty lucky with the things I have. Good tips đ
I absolutely love that dress on you. You look gorgeous!
http://www.bivver.com is a new great place to find cheap and beautiful clothes.I personally have
started buying from there some really good stuff.go try it..