How to shop for clothes online - without having to return everything!
Hello, I’m Lisa a fashion designer and stylist who has worked in the fashion industry for quite a while - 2 decades in fact! Designing for brands such as Zara and M&S whilst styling private clients. Along the way I have learnt quite a few tips on how to choose styles online that will stand a better chance of fitting and not having to be returned. Occasionally retailers though do put up a photo that is not representative of a garment, unfortunately I have no tips to get round that and thankfully it is a rare occurrence.
Below are some personal styling tips for a fruitful online shopping haul.
Consider if you have anything to go with your purchase?
Do you have anything in your existing wardrobe, that goes with your new purchases? If not consider either not buying or look for pieces that will ensure you have a least one complete outfit. Buying 2 or 3 pieces that will be worn is a far better option than buying one lonely item that only ever sees the inside of your wardrobe.
Check the model’s height
Check the height of the model in the photo, that will help you gauge where a hem line will fall on you. A skirt that sits above the knee on someone who is just under 6ft could end up around your ankles if you’re 5ft 2”. On the flip side, if you’re after a pair of ankle grazing jeans and you’re petite, a cropped pair on the model will be ankle grazing on you.
Check your measurements
I know you know, that a size 10 (UK sizes) in one store can be the equivalent to an 8 or 12 in another. So is it any surprise when 3 out of 4 of your regular sizes turn up and don’t fit? If the brand you are shopping in has a what’s my size function use it. It allows you to enter your height, age and weight, as well as whether you prefer your clothes “tighter” or “looser”. Many websites will also tell you what size customers of similar dimensions to you have bought, and the percentage that kept them.
If there isn’t this function, all websites have a measurement chart. Measure yourself before clicking S, M or L to see where you fall in the size range.
What’s your size function on Zara
Watch the video
Asos is very good at this. If there is a video of a model wearing the item you want to buy, watch it. You’ll get a good idea of the weight and how the fabric and style will hang as the model walks. What you may think is a soft silky fabric, could in actual fact be as stiff as a board cotton
Check the washing instructions
Check the washing instructions. If you have no intention of ever visiting a dry cleaner, that dry clean only bargain could in fact turn out to be a very costly purchase.
Wash care instructions on Zara
Online Personal Stylist
For readers who are unsure what best suits them, contact me to find out how I can style and create the perfect look for you. My aim is for all my clients to achieve an 80% plus hit rate of styles that suit, are a flattering colour, good fit and can be all outfitted together. Many retailers work on customers returning 50-70% of items.
Online styling and shopping ultimately saves you time and money, reduces the garments carbon footprint and makes you look amazing!
Thank you for reading.
Lisa
