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! 😉
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.
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?