You know that feeling. The one where you’re standing in front of the mirror, wearing an item you bought online. It doesn’t look right, and it doesn’t feel right. You’ve been waiting all week for this box to arrive at your door, but now you have to send it back. It’s a total bummer.
Let’s change this experience for good.
I’ve put together 6 tips (plus a bonus tip for your Type) that will support you in having a successful online shopping experience. With this information, you’ll feel confident and excited about what’s on its way to your mailbox.
1. Know your measurements
Most online retailers provide basic measurements, such as bust, waist, and hips. If a product is featured on a model, the model’s measurements will most likely be provided, as well.
Measure your body according to the specs provided. Taking that extra time for this step will help you choose the correct size. You can keep your measurements recorded in a note on your phone for easy reference!
Recognize that some items are more fitted and need exact measurements, while other items are meant to fit loosely and will have wiggle room in the fit.
2. Know the fabric
Identify how certain fabrics feel, because it may affect how the item fits.
For example, rayon is light and breathable and can feel almost like silk. Knits naturally have more stretch and will hang differently than a woven fabric, such as linen or denim.
Your Type of beauty has a preference for different fits and feels. Notice what looks and feels great on you.
3. Know the manufacturer or brand
Consider which items you already own that have a fit you love. Identify the name of the manufacturer and look for more from them.
Bookmark or sign up for emails from the websites that carry items you love. This will save you time—and you’ll be notified of current sales!
4. Read the description
If you’re like me, you might move too fast to read the details. Take the time! Even if you like how the item looks online, it will be frustrating to receive it in the mail and find out it doesn’t work after all!
Does the product run large or small? Is there stretch or is it structured? Is it sheer or opaque? Is it machine-washable or will it require dry cleaning?
Know which item descriptions matter to you and look for those. Reading reviews can give you the answer you need. You may not tend to read reviews while shopping, but what someone’s review says about the item can be exactly what you’re looking to find out.
5. Read reviews
It is so helpful to see what other customers are saying about the item. What did they think about the fit, the quality, or the company overall? You can compare your sizing to the other shoppers and have a better idea about which size will best fit you.
Notice how online influencers and buyers will share the size of items they purchased. This is another way to get a better feel for what will fit you best before you commit.
6. Understand return policy and shipping costs
Every online store is a little bit different when it comes to returning or exchanging an item. How long is the return window? Will you receive a refund or store credit? If you tend to make purchases quickly, consider ordering from sites with an easy return and exchange process.
Bonus Online Shopping Tips for your Type
The bright, animated Type 1 woman:
You love shiny new things. Because you can be easily convinced, even by yourself, you may purchase items online that you don’t love, don’t need, or just really don’t want! Go online with enough of a plan so that you only purchase the items you meant to.
The soft, subtle Type 2 woman:
You love details. Gather enough details that allow you to make your best decisions. How many websites does that include? How many reviews should you limit yourself to reading? How many browser windows can you have opened without getting overwhelmed? When you know your limits, you will have just enough details to make your very best decisions.
The rich, dynamic Type 3 woman:
You love to get a deal. Make sure the deal is for something you truly love. Take some time to read reviews, the item description, and know your sizing so it fits when you get it. It’s only a great deal if you can really say you love how it makes you look and feel.
The bold, striking, Type 4 woman:
You have a strong opinion about what you want, so you’re willing to spend a little more for quality and uniqueness. Your patience allows you to find what you really want at the price you want—just don’t wait so long that you keep yourself from enjoying that value it could bring to your life.
Where can you go to shop for your Type of beauty?
In Lifestyle, we offer a service called “StyleInspire” which is part of your membership. Twice a week, you get two style boards full of items for your wardrobe, including clothing, accessories, jewelry, etc., to help you shop with more confidence.
Think of it as a personal shopper—but with an expert who knows all about Dressing Your Truth!
Leave a comment and share what makes your online shopping experience a success!
Shopping resources to support you:
