For the longest time, I never ordered anything online. I was afraid of getting the item in the mail and never being able to wear it because it didn’t fit. I had simply been so used to just trying everything on in the dressing room. However ordering dresses online can actually be a time-saver if you know how to do it right.
I really like ordering dresses online. Sometimes I go shopping with a specific idea in my head. For example, I’ll want a flowy maxi dress with a floral print. Yet everything I come across in the mall just isn’t what I had envisioned in my head. So I come home with nothing. In my opinion, I had just wasted a few hours of my precious time. However many online retailers have hundreds of dresses to choose from. You can often search by style, size, cut and color.
I love shopping online because I can do it from my computer with a glass of wine in my hand. It’s perfect. However there are a few things I’ve learned to be careful of.
My tips for ordering dresses online
1. Look at the sizing chart
When I shop in a brick and mortar shop, I typically just pick up my normal sizes (Medium and pants US size 6) and take them to the dressing room. Then I can decide to go up or down a size if something fits weird. Since you can’t do that with an online shop, you really need to read the guide.
In the fall, I received this awesome vintage-style dress from Gamiss. I ordered a large because the website recommended it. I was so glad I did because a Medium would simply not have fit me.
If you look at the Quiz website, they have a whole measurement guide for dresses. If you haven’t taken your measurements, get out a tape measure (or buy one) and write them down. Keep them stored somewhere easily accessible for every time you shop online.
2. Read the reviews
A lot of companies have space where people can leave reviews of the products. You’ll see things like “true to size” or “cheap material” written there. Those are great for if you’re on the fence about buying a dress.
Let’s say you’re looking at summer dresses and find one you absolutely love. However the reviews are horrible. It’s probably a good idea to keep looking. Or the reviews might just also tell you that it runs small or runs big. Either way, they’re worth looking at before adding the dress to your cart.
3. Keep your body type in mind
We are all built differently. Often times sizes across the board don’t completely fit. I, for example, am a size medium with a rather endowed chest. I cannot tell you how many time I’ve simply not been able to zip up a dress because of my boobs. Other women may be endowed in other places, making say shopping for pants a challenge. Keep these things in mind.
There are certain types of dresses I know will be a challenge. For example, button-up dresses often have a huge gap. It can be … awkward. So when shopping online, I keep that in mind when looking around. For example, this dress has a much more forgiving neckline. I feel more secure that it will fit upon arrival.
4. Don’t be afraid to contact customer service
Sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Other times the product was defective. I remember several years ago, I bought a dress from Modcloth. The slip was sticking out by about an inch or two. I got on their website and started a chat with a customer service rep. She was very friendly and ordered a new dress to be sent to me right away. Within days, I had just the dress I envisioned.
Before ordering dresses online, be sure to look at the return policy on the website. Just like a regular store, most have about 28-30 days for you to return an item. Just be sure to read up on that information before putting your credit card in.
Some shops to consider
There are many different online retailers. Quiz Clothing just started a US website, so Americans can order their products. They have all sorts of dresses including maxi dresses and party dresses.
Here are a few other websites I like:
Have you ever bought anything online? What challenges have you had? Do you prefer it to shopping in person?
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This post was sponsored. All opinions are my own.
