How to Shop Online: Loving the Skin Your In Part II

Shopping online can be risky when you’re not able to try on the clothes before purchasing them, it's like operating on faith and the hope that all your items will fit seamlessly but that’s not always the case. Refer to Loving the Skin You're In via Wardrobe

Understanding Size Charts

To order the correct size you must know and understand your body measurements. I keep a record of my body measurements in my notes application on my phone as a reference. I took my measurements with a tape measure and recorded my sizes in both inches and centimeters. It will help to have both depending on if the site is international. The places that I measured were my bust, waist, hips, thigh (inseams, sleeves, and upper arm. Also, some of your favorite clothes in your closet can be used as a material reference to understanding the types of material that hug your body in a flattering shape. My favorite materials are cotton, spandex, and lycra which typically hugs the shape of the body.

Most online boutiques have a shortcut link to a size chart located at the bottom of the webpage. Here’s an example of a size chart for t-shirts from one my favorite places to shop: SHE-IN:

Credit: SHE-IN

Size charts can be broken into categories such as dress, pants, skirts, and shirts etc. Also, some online stores offer size surveys to help you narrow down your size through shape, height, and weight.

Read the Comments

This is the last tip for sizing. Reviews are so helpful and sometimes people post images and detail the measurements of their body frames. I usually look for reviews under the large (tops/dresses) or extra-large section (jeans etc.) or any reviewer who is closest to my size. Also, be sure to learn about the colors that compliment both your skin tone and undertones, such as warm & cool tones. But that’s another class, I’ll explain more in my next post ;-).

Shop for Quality & Deals

Buy what you need and not novelty or trendy items that will seem outdated or dull to you by next fashion season. Have a few classic pieces such as a little black dress, a good blazer, jeans dark and light washed, and tanks and cardigans interchangeably during the week as well. Other things to keep in mind:

• Buy shoes only in stores or try-on a similar shoe style to figure out your size. Shoe sizes can be tricky and vary in different countries.

• Have a budget. Don’t overspend and don’t shop too frequently. I live by the rule of sleeping on it for 24 hrs. before purchase. If you want it the next day or even the next week, then you probably truly want it and it's not just a fad. Avoid shopping late at night, your bank account will thank you. lol.

• Diversify your wardrobe a little. You won’t grow fashionably if you don’t try new things or keep buying the same things. You're stifling the expansion of your taste and miss out on discovering another signature item for your closet.

Let me know how you strategize before you shop. Comment down below.