Navigate the Online Clothes Shopping Maze With This Genius Checklist

With online sales at an all time high and Amazon postured to take over the world, surely you have tried your luck at buying clothes online.  How has your experience been?  Love it? Hate it? Still trying to figure out how to make the system work for you?  As a professional shopper (and image consultant), one of the most common questions I get is how to navigate the online shopping maze.  And maze it can be!  Buying toilet paper is one thing, yes people do buy toilet paper online and as long as you stick to two-ply you're set.  However, shopping for clothes that are good quality, the right color and actually fit is a challenge I'm sure you are well acquainted with by now.  To make sure you're buying what you really want, try out the checklist I use when shopping for my clients:

1. Read the product description carefully
   There is so much information packed into the condensed product description.  Some are simple and to the point such as “Slim Camo Donagel Shirt” and others may have a catchy name like “Hurley Phantom Jogger Fleece”.  They both speak volumes as to what the product is.  A slim fit shirt will be wider at the shoulders and tapered from the mid section to the hem, the shirt style is donagel (google it) and camo describes the camouflage pattern. If you’re looking for a boxier or rectangular shape for a shirt, then this one isn’t for you. For the other example, Hurley is the brand, phantom is what you feel like when wearing them, jogger is the style of pants and fleece is the fabric type.  If you’re not an aspiring phantom and joggers aren’t your thing, you probably won’t love these pants even if they look like run of the mill sweats.
2. Is the color description consistent with the color in the image?
   ​Colors can be misleading.  The way the color appears in the image is not always how it will look in real life.  Check the color name to make sure it’s actually the color that fits you.  A shirt may appear gray in the image but if the color description says navy, that's a cue not to trust the image.  It can be difficult to match colors online, your safest bet is to buy the same color from the same site. In other words, if you want a "deep ocean blue" top to match the pants you love, type in the color description "deep ocean blue" and you'll find all of the tops that are that color and guaranteed to match.
3. Read the reviews
   The reviews will generally mention if the color is not as expected or fit is smaller or larger than normal.  Look for consistencies here.  There could be someone who was just grumpy that day decided to take it out on this poor seller, but if you find similar reviews from others, there is likely some truth to it.
4. Check the fiber content
   In general, natural fibers are going to be better quality, especially when it comes to sweaters.  Look for marino wool, cashmere, or cotton and avoid viscose.  Genuine leather is always a safe bet over synthetic as well.  
5. Price is a generally a good indication of quality
   If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
6. Notice where it’s coming from
   If it’s coming from China, you could be in for a long wait and an even longer return process if it doesn’t work for you.  Yes, you can find a deal when getting it from overseas but make sure all of the above boxes are checked before ordering because it will most likely be yours to keep.
7. Study the return policy  
   Many online sites make the return process easy.  You just go to your order history, click the return box, print your label and drop it off at the UPS store or USPS location.  Because many are going this route, it’s natural to assume that all are.  Don’t assume.  Check the return policy.  Some make the process more difficult and some only give you 2 weeks to return if needed.
8. When in doubt, stick with a site that also has a brick and mortar store near you
   If there is a store you find yourself consistently going back to, it's also a great place to shop online.  You already trust their quality and you know which sizes are going to fit.  For those with special sizing needs, tall, petite, etc., you may want to go to the physical location, try on the clothes to get a general sense of sizing and then either have the store order the petite or tall in your size or go home and do it yourself.

​Yes, sizing and fit is tricky.  The online measurements or "fit guide" don't always work because a- measuring yourself doesn't work, b- if someone else measures you they usually don't make sure the tape is parallel to the floor or in measuring you at the widest part of your hip, and c- different styles fit differently within the same size and at the same store....so go back to tip #1 and read the description carefully.  

OR hire a pro to do your online shopping for you.  Not only will you have an expert eye to choose the color, fit and style that is harmonious with you, but you'll also get styling suggestions with how to wear your new finds with your existing wardrobe.  For more information on this time saving, style illuminating service, CLICK BELOW.  

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Contact your new shopping pro and certified image consultant at [email protected] or call 385.229.6297.