There is something incredibly exciting about anxiously awaiting a purchase made online to be processed and shipped and arrive on your doorstep…
And it’s devastating to open the box and pull out your prize and then realize that it doesn’t fit right, it’s a weird shade that might be related to the picture online, but it is not what you expected (cue sad trombone).
Here are some tools that help me avoid the distress and disappointment that follows making misguided online purchases.
1. Read the reviews
Other consumers can often be extremely useful resources as they are usually pretty honest what they like and dislike about the things they’ve purchased. But keep in mind that people are more likely to complain when they feel like they got duped or tricked or are frustrated. Don't automatically dismiss an item because the bad outweigh the good. When reviewers have consistent complaints on some particular topic, For example; "The material feels cheap" or "it accentuates my love handles instead of hiding them" or "The color is more brown than the purple that was shown in the photo online"… these can be very helpful in determining if it is worth while to add that piece of clothing to your shopping bag.
Keep in mind that one thing may not fit every body type, so be aware of the commenter’s notes to help you make an informed judgment on the wearability of a certain piece.
2. How does the model look in the clothing?
Models are paid to sell clothes and they of all people should be able to make clothes look good. Models are often extra skinny, so if you notice that they are looking a little wider in a certain frock but not in others, then chances are it’s an optical illusion caused by what they are wearing. I know that if a model looks larger in something , I will look GIGANTIC in it.
3. Check size charts
Sizes vary not only from person to person, but from clothing brand to clothing brand. Buying garments through the internet obviously means you cannot try stuff on, so sizes like Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large can be a little ambiguous. Many times I wear different sizes depending on how I feel it should fit, but since I cant tell by testing it for myself, size charts that translate what XS, S, M, L, XL size corresponds with what numerical dress size, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and occasionally you may come across one that includes the actual bust, waist, and hip, measurements as well. Like this:
I love shopping online and in stores, and I have gotten pretty good at doing it. I know what my sizes are, and I know what shapes will look most flattering on me. But obviously these tips are not 100 percent fool proof. itcan be hit and miss on these tips as sometimes there may only be faith at your disposal.. no reviews or size charts and the model looks flattering? is the price right? is there free shipping and the return policy is fantastical? Go for it. It's a magical world that internet. But if you learn your way around it's as easy as ...1...2...3... ! (har dee har har, get it? because there are three tips)
Enjoy your shopping!
And it’s devastating to open the box and pull out your prize and then realize that it doesn’t fit right, it’s a weird shade that might be related to the picture online, but it is not what you expected (cue sad trombone).
Here are some tools that help me avoid the distress and disappointment that follows making misguided online purchases.
1. Read the reviews
Other consumers can often be extremely useful resources as they are usually pretty honest what they like and dislike about the things they’ve purchased. But keep in mind that people are more likely to complain when they feel like they got duped or tricked or are frustrated. Don't automatically dismiss an item because the bad outweigh the good. When reviewers have consistent complaints on some particular topic, For example; "The material feels cheap" or "it accentuates my love handles instead of hiding them" or "The color is more brown than the purple that was shown in the photo online"… these can be very helpful in determining if it is worth while to add that piece of clothing to your shopping bag.
Keep in mind that one thing may not fit every body type, so be aware of the commenter’s notes to help you make an informed judgment on the wearability of a certain piece.
2. How does the model look in the clothing?
Models are paid to sell clothes and they of all people should be able to make clothes look good. Models are often extra skinny, so if you notice that they are looking a little wider in a certain frock but not in others, then chances are it’s an optical illusion caused by what they are wearing. I know that if a model looks larger in something , I will look GIGANTIC in it.
 |
| Something that works on a stick figure most likely wont look good on me.. |
3. Check size charts
Sizes vary not only from person to person, but from clothing brand to clothing brand. Buying garments through the internet obviously means you cannot try stuff on, so sizes like Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large can be a little ambiguous. Many times I wear different sizes depending on how I feel it should fit, but since I cant tell by testing it for myself, size charts that translate what XS, S, M, L, XL size corresponds with what numerical dress size, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and occasionally you may come across one that includes the actual bust, waist, and hip, measurements as well. Like this:
 |
| INC International Concepts Size Chart from Macys.com |
I love shopping online and in stores, and I have gotten pretty good at doing it. I know what my sizes are, and I know what shapes will look most flattering on me. But obviously these tips are not 100 percent fool proof. itcan be hit and miss on these tips as sometimes there may only be faith at your disposal.. no reviews or size charts and the model looks flattering? is the price right? is there free shipping and the return policy is fantastical? Go for it. It's a magical world that internet. But if you learn your way around it's as easy as ...1...2...3... ! (har dee har har, get it? because there are three tips)
Enjoy your shopping!
If you have any tips of your own or experiences related to online shopping feel free to share them in the comments =)
