Today we’re going to share with you, our top tips and advice on how to shop fashion online. With quarantine the new norm, the way we shop has changed and the internet is our new mall, whether it be essentials or the small ‘pick-me-up’ purchases that help get us a bit of that exciting retail therapy boost. Right now, online shopping is the safest option and the only way to buy your favourite fashion pieces you have had your eye on. Plus, let’s not forget the great sales and offers that retailers are currently making available during this unprecedented time.
1. PLAN YOUR SHOPPING.
It might sound a little bit obvious, but planning your shopping is extremely important. Know exactly what you need, and what you want to purchase so that your online shopping experience is less tedious and overwhelming.
2. SET A BUDGET.
It is crucial to know your budgetary limits. Knowing this comes in especially useful when shopping online because you have a better perspective of which labels and brands to choose from. Also, determining the amount you want to spend is a key factor when it comes to avoiding any shopping regrets. Of course, don’t forget to look out for exclusive discount codes to add more value to your purchase.
3. CHOOSE SMART.
If you are on a tight budget try to go for basic versatile pieces from which you can create many looks. This way you will get the most wear out of your online purchases. Or, if you are just trying to make your wardrobe feel more current, more seasonal, go for the key statement pieces that would instantly upgrade and refresh your existing wardrobe. It is essential to think beforehand how you are going to wear a garment, what you are going to style it with and if it can give you at least three looks, before adding that garment into your shopping basket.
4. GET SOME INSPIRATION.
You really want to try it out a trend, but you do not really know how? Well, you can check out old favourites like Pinterest and Google and see how other people are wearing the trend. Alternatively, you can check out The Gaggler’s Get The Look section for the latest celebrity and influencer looks and see how they are styling it, or browse our Style section to read up on the latest trends. This way you can get all the inspiration and incorporate styling ideas into your personal style and make the trend your own.
5. TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS.
This next tip is going to save you a lot of effort, time and headaches – know your measurements. Knowing your measurements is going to help you better predict how that particular piece will fit you, as well as, substantially diminish the amount of big no-no’s and returns on your list. So, make sure to have your measurements for these critical fit areas handy – chest, waist, hips, inseam, shoulder to knee length, shoulder to ankle length – when shopping online.
6. KNOW YOUR BODY TYPE.
This is a very important part of shopping online. It is already challenging to try to figure out how selected items will fit you. Taking your body shape into consideration when shopping for fashion items is essential. By knowing the cuts that suit your body shape the most, and the fabrics and patterns that flatter your figure, your online shopping experience will be the most rewarding and successful.
7. CHECK SIZE AND FIT INFO.
Check the size and fit specifications. With access to brands that cater to many different markets around the world it is very easy to get confused with all the sizes and the equivalents. This is why we recommend you to always check the size specifications of the piece and the fit information. Always make sure the size option you choose matches all the measurement areas of your size by checking the fit and size conversion chart. This way you’ll be certain that this is the right fit for you.
8. USE FILTERS AND FEATURES.
When shopping online use the website filters wisely. It just makes the shopping experience smoother and less time-consuming. Personally, I tend to go for the size and category filters first and then as a second step I narrow it down to a designer or brand when I am sure of what is available in my size and category interest. Especially during sales time, using these features will help you to minimize frustration by knowing exactly what is available in your size. Also, don’t forget to play the product videos, if this feature is available. More and more websites are coming out with cool features like product videos that show a model wearing the actual product, so you have a better sense of reality, see how the product fits and moves on the body. Most of the time product images are altered to make them look more appealing to the shopper’s eye. By watching the product video and seeing how that garment really wears and flows on a moving body makes the whole decision-making process really easy and more accurate.
9. READ THE LABELS.
Read carefully the clothing fabric composition and the type of care that it requires. We all have different lifestyles and personal preferences. Make sure you’re getting what you are paying for and check if the type of care is something that goes along with your lifestyle. For example, if a product’s care instructions requires dry-cleaning only, you may want to think twice before adding that garment to your shopping basket if you are contemplating using it for everyday wear. Dry-cleaning can get pretty expensive if you are on a budget!
10. RETURN AND EXCHANGE POLICY.
Make sure to be aware of the return and exchange policy of the site you are shopping from as well as their policy’s time frames. When the items arrive make sure you do not remove any tags, wear any makeup and be extremely careful when trying the garments for the first time as you don’t want to get any stains or damage on them. This will ensure you do not face any issues in case you need to return your online purchases.
