Spoiler alert: I’m not a model. But here’s how I manage to shop for clothes online even though I’m not a size 4!
Disclaimer: I received some items courtesy of Tobi.com for the purpose of this post. All opinions are my own.
In my last post I discussed personalizing fast fashion and I want to continue that train of thought and give you some tips on how to shop online when you aren’t the same size of the models.
I do want to clarify that there are some amazing stores changing the face of models we see online, but there are just as many still using a standard size 4 model wearing their clothes.
I’ve worn everything from my current size 8, all the way up to a 20, and have picked up a few tips along the way. Hopefully you learn a thing or two from my advice below!
Know Your Measurements
I cannot stress enough to important it is to invest in a flexible measuring tape (dollar store!) and get a general idea of your size in inches and centimeters. Have those measurements nearby when you’re shopping online to help take the guess work out of knowing your size from site to site.
Shop Strategically
Some things are easier to shop for blindly than others. For instance, buying pants is very risky for me but buying garments like this Tobi baby doll dress or kimono have very forgiving silhouettes and have a high chance of fitting. And they did!
Double Check The Return Policy
If you’re uncertain about your purchase, make the site has a really great return policy before you check out.
Try Before You Buy
There is a magical website called Try.com that lets you try clothes from online retailers before committing to buying them. After receiving them (for the low monthly fee of $2.99) you get to try them on and pay for what you decide to keep.
I don’t yet have personal experience with the site but my petite sister has used this to buy jeans in the past and it’s a game changer!
Keep Your Size in Mind
When it comes to shopping for secondhand clothes (like my shoes from thredUP) keep in mind your size from different clothing websites.
Shop For Familiar Brands
While this comes in handy when shopping at aforementioned secondhand clothing websites, I would also recommend only shop at stores you have access to in real life. It might seem counterproductive because you could just buy the clothes in person but there is the benefit of snagging a cyber deal or finding a sold out item that’s not available in store.
Buy Something You Already Own
If shopping online is truly too much, you could just use it to buy something similar to what you already own. Maybe you have a favorite perfect t-shirt or underwear you need in another color. Stock up! Why fix what ain’t broke? That way you can save your dollars by only spending them on items you’ve personally tried on and tested in store.
You’ve heard from me, now I want to hear from you! What’s your secret to online shopping? Tell me in the comments!
And if you found this post helpful, please pin one of the pretty picture and share it with your friends. Let’s help each other shop online better! 🙂
Tobi kimono and dress, c/o (shop exact kimono, shop exact dress)
thredUP flats, paid w/ store credit
Secondhand jewelry, gifts
Wet’n’wild lipstick in Mauve Outta Here (shop exact lipstick)
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I’m absolutely loving the kimono! So classy! I’m sure you’ve come up with at least 5 ways to repeat it into several looks.
I definitely agree with your tip of knowing your measurements. There have been plenty of times when looking at the size charts have saved me from being the wrong size.
A strategy that I use is to search for pictures of the item being worn by ladies who are around my height and shape. That way it gives me an idea of how it would fall on my body.