Before I left for Thailand, I was in desperate need of some new shorts and with no stylish options available to purchase anywhere locally (January isn’t exactly shorts weather here in Winnipeg!) I decided to order this high-waisted olive pair online. A friend of mine mentioned that it was mighty brave to buy shorts online but these days I actually do almost all of my shopping online. Of course I’ve learned a few tricks to find pieces that will look just as good in person as they do online and I thought I would share them with you all today.
So here are 5 easy tips for buying clothes (that will actually fit you!) online:
1. Check the measurements. Every company has different standard sizing and comparing your measurements against the companies’ standard sizes is the best way to make sure you end up buying something that fits. Even if you are a size small in every single shirt you own, when shopping online you often are purchasing from global retailers where sizes are calculated differently.
2. When in doubt choose a size up. It’s nearly impossible to let out seams on fast fashion find, but oh so easy to have something hemmed or taken in at the waist. Try not to go crazy with sizing up, since multiple alterations can change the entire look of the garment but usually one size up is a safe bet when shopping online.
3. Take a good hard look at the product photo. If the product looks like it’s gaping, wrinkling or sitting funny on the model, time to move on. If that dress you are eying doesn’t look absolutely perfect on a size 2 heavily photoshopped model you can be sure it won’t look any better on you!
4. Double check that the item in the photograph is the item you will be receiving. There are a few online companies known for selling items that look nothing like the product shown in the photo but these online stores can usually be spotted a mile away. If the product photo is a paparazzi shot of a celebrity, their product photos all have different backdrops or the photos have another brand’s watermark across it, you are definitely looking at a cheap fake. Remember, if the prices look too good to be true… they probably are!
5. Last but not least, just in case you aren’t happy with your purchase after following my tips, make sure to choose online stores with a great return policy. While most store don’t offer free return shipping, many will allow you to return online purchases to local store locations, meaning if you change your mind you won’t have to worry about expensive shipping!
Outfit Details:
Tie belt shorts // Blush floral blouse // BCBG quilted rose bag (purchased here, similar here) // Suede booties (purchased here, similar here) // Kate Spade bow ring (purchase here, similar here)
15 comments
Great tips! I hate shopping in store and online is SO easy…but it’s also a bit of a gamble because sizes are different all the time. Sometimes I’m a zero and sometimes I’m a 4 and yet I haven’t lost or gained weight lol
http://www.luellapearl.com
Caitlin
Omg, i’m loving this outfit and love how you mixed in pink with other harsher colors (green), it’s still very tasteful <3
http://thesofieyahdiaries.com/bullet-journal/tips-for-effective-bullet-journaling
This outfit is adorable! Your hair looks great too! I love the braids
I have a love / hate relationship with online shopping! It’s so easy to shop online but it’s frustrating when things don’t fit right. These are great tips to ease the process.
Those shorts are too cute! I love shopping online but sometimes get annoyed if I have to send things back haha.
I LOVE THIS OUTFIT! I absolutely love the idea on online shopping but I’m always so nervous about not getting what I ordered. These tips are fantastic and I’ll absolutely be taking them into consideration next time I shop online. Thanks for sharing this!
Love all of these tips! I always get nervous when I’m shopping online for clothes, but I always check to make sure they have a good return policy before purchasing (just in case)! 🙂
Kristen | http://www.sophisticatedgal.com
Amazing tips, girly! Love the olive green shorts you’re wearing – so cute!
Being short, I always find myself getting things hemmed, so I loved your advice about getting things a size up. I can definitely relate. I’m not a big online shopper because I enjoy trying things on first, but since I’ve been working on a cruise ship, I’ve found that online shopping may be a lot easier for me.
I love these tips. I always order a size up especially if i’m unfamiliar with the brand.
You are looking amazing in this dress. I love to shop online using Voucher Codes which save my money and time too.
XX
Sameera
You are looking very beautiful in these pics. I always shop online and save my money and time too.
XX
Sameera
So helpful! I always keep a fashion measuring tape next to my computer to double check the measurements before purchasing actually! Love the final look!
I love shopping online and I always make sure to check the reviews (if available) before buying anything. And if I’m in-between sizes or not sure something will fit, I always size up! These are great tips!
Yes! I absolutely should have added that to my tips! I always recommend checking reviews as well 👍🏼