I've told many of my friends and co-workers about my online shopping habits and how I have chosen to cease them until Easter. A good number of them have claimed that they have never bought anything online before and I gasped. Many of my girlfriends are hesitant to buy something without trying it on, and of course you want to know that something looks great if you're going to purchase it. I usually don't have any hesitations when placing things in my online shopping cart, but here are some tips I use when I online shop for clothes and shoes:
If you are just starting to online shop, start looking at the stores you frequently buy from. You are more than likely familiar with what size you are in their brand and the fit that flatters you. Often online sites have sales that they don't have in stores and you could even find different styles or items that are only available online.
I often shop at the Forever 21 in my home town but with my move down here to Charleston, Forever 21 is only accessible through the Internet. So I buy in bulk to receiver the free shipping they offer over orders of $75 or more. They often have similar cuts and fabrics that are simulated in a variety of styles, so I base what I buy off their online store from what I have purchased previously from them.
If you are buying from other retailers online that you are not familiar with their sizing and fitting, read their size guidelines that are posted on their site. Be familiar with your measurements so you can compare it with their guide. Also, look through your closet to see what styles. shapes, and cuts you have. Take note of small details like racer back or sleeveless tops, A-line or empire waist and bubble hems or pleated bottoms. If the details that you like are incorporated with an item you've spotted online, and you know that the style is flattering on you then consider purchasing it. Just imagine yourself in that item with those details you are familiar with.
When shopping for shoes online, I make sure I know what size shoe I am and I read reviews of other people who have bought the shoe. Many shoe stores online have surveys which ask if the fit of a shoe was true to size or a half-size smaller. Make sure to read those reviews before placing an order. Online shoe shopping helps incredibly when you are looking for a particular type of shoe, if it's for a special occasion, a wedding, formal event. Modista is a great website that lets you search numerous online shoe/bag stores. You search for a type of shoe, color, etc.. and click on one that interests you. Then it sorts out through other ones that are similar to it in color and style giving you many options for you to find a shoe, again, with details you know you're familiar with. I usually purchase shoes from places like Zappos and Endless where there is free shipping and free returns. They even do free overnight shipping so the anticipation is short-lived since your shoe order would arrive the next day.Now talking about details you like and are in your closet already, I am not saying to get the same things that you own. Pick and choose things online that have those characteristics of what you have so you are familiar with what you are buying, instead of being nervous of never trying it on.
Always look at a online store's return policies: if it is free returns, or you pay for the return shipping (which is deducted from your purchase). If you purchased online from a store with a location in your area, you can usually return or exchange items there. If you have purchased something and it just isn't what you thought it was going to be and there is no means of returning it, post it up on eBay or Craigslist or let your friends know you had bought something fabulous but it doesn't fit you. They may be inclined to purchase it from you.
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