Here are my best tips for online shopping and how I do it for my clients.
⏱ First of all: set a timer. Seriously. Give yourself a limit and take a break when you hit it. Now for the actual shopping:
Use the filters (but not too much!)
This is where I start when I’m shopping for a client. I filter for garment type and size right off the bat. For example, if I’m looking for dresses and tops and shoes for the same client, I choose one to start with and filter for that. So, let’s say I start with dresses in size 10. I may click on those two filter boxes and end up with 1800 results! The next choices I’d make are typically sleeve length and overall dress length. Then color—but be careful here. Sometimes over-filtering for color or a specific style of dress (A-line for example) can leave me with only 18 choices. Not enough! What I call ‘pink’ and what the online retailer calls ‘pink’ may be different. So pay attention to the number of results and if they feel too skimpy, remove one or more of your filters.
Visualize the fabrics and silhouettes
Body measurements are helpful for online shopping but, in my opinion, the shape of the garment (the silhouette) and fabric content is of utmost importance. For example, an oversized shirt or top doesn’t necessarily need a bust measurement to fit well. Knowing if the fabric will drape well or be clingy or be more structured and stiff is important to your comfort with the garment especially because many items are still shown on very, very tall very, very thin models. Read the fabric composition of each item. If you’re not sure what fabric is what, check the tags on the inside of some of your favorite pieces hanging in your closet.
Click to shop ↑
One important measurement to know: the rise of your pants. Sometimes I want a mid-rise jean, sometimes a high-rise trouser—those measurements are different for everyone, but important to know before you order any garment online. Again, check your favorite pants or jeans. You can measure the rise yourself if the tag isn’t clear. Lay your jeans flat and use a tape measure from the top of your waistband where the button is to the where all four seams connect at the crotch. A bit separately from this point: knowing your unique body shape and proportions is extremely helpful. While some stylists talk about “apple” shapes vs. “rectangles” I feel it’s much more individualized than that. Two people can both have a rectangular shape, but one is 5’9” with a narrow frame and the other is 5’4” with a wider silhouette. A one-hour virtual session with me can give you all the info you need about this. Reach out if you want to know more about this service.
Read the comments (with a grain of salt)
Other people’s comments can be helpful, but remember to filter them through your own personal lens. What others think is a problem may not be for you. Focus on fabrics, silhouettes and your personal style. Sometimes people just like to complain (thus a negative comment) so don’t let that dissuade you if everything else about the item ticks your own boxes.
Check size guides from each retailer
They really are different from each other (size Medium is a 6-8 at some places and an 10-12 at others, for example) so carefully reading these is extremely helpful before ordering online. Sometimes, I will order two sizes of the same garment or shoe to be able to choose at home, but I try to avoid over-ordering. I know returns can be a real problem especially in terms of sustainability issues. But it can be very helpful to try the item on, back to back, in different sizes.
(cick on any photo above for more details)
Know your fabrics and silhouettes! 100% cotton means no stretch. Packable fabric can mean more clingy. Tall sizes are not only longer in the arms and legs, but also in the torso/rise. And the opposite is true for Petite sizing—it’s not just shorter legs.
Shipping Costs + Returns
Always check the return policy. Note how many days you’ll have to decide (set a reminder on your calendar if you tend to forget and miss these windows). Additionally, I make sure nothing I order online is marked Final Sale—unless it’s a duplicate/update of something I already have (for example, my favorite Tretorn sneakers that have fit me in the same way in the same size since high school I would definitely order Final Sale). There are a very small handful of vendors who charge large shipping or return ‘restocking fees’—typically, I scroll to the bottom of any website to find return info and read all of these details before ordering. I found the cutest jacket yesterday but the shipping charge was $18.67 (what?!? random and pricey) for orders under $150 plus I would have had to cover the cost of the return shipping. I didn’t love the jacket that much!
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There are always more things one can consider when online shopping, but these are my top suggestions for you. Let me know which of these you already do; or if you try some of these and end up having better success than you’ve had in the past.
If online shopping still feels just onerous to you, give me a buzz and I can do the shopping for you 😊 🛍 💛 maria@mariaturkel.com