Try it on seven times, buy it once: how to choose the right clothes when shopping online
Buying clothes with just a few clicks is very convenient—no need to waste time searching in shopping malls. However, online shopping has its own challenges. Polly Ryzhova, stylist and founder of “Style Club,” shares tips on how to shop online wisely.
Article Contents:
the Preparation Stage—The Key to Successful Purchases
Tip #1: Make a shopping list. Compile a personal list of necessary items by analyzing your current wardrobe. Determine what’s missing—whether it’s outerwear or accessories, dresses or athletic jumpsuits, shoes or jewelry. It’s important to clearly understand which items suit your style and lifestyle. For example, a young mom on maternity leave is better off with cozy sweatshirts and comfortable sneakers for walks than business suits and high heels, which will be more appropriate later on. Such a list will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Tip #2: Measure yourself accurately. Use a measuring tape to take your measurements and compare the results with the brands’ size charts. Keep in mind that many brands offer specialized lines—such as tall (for taller people), petite (for smaller frames), and curve or plus size (for larger sizes).
Tip #3: Choose the right shopping platform. Marketplaces like Lamoda, Wildberries, and Ozon offer a wide range of products for every taste and budget. Here you can quickly find both basic, affordable wardrobe staples and stylish premium-class items. This is especially relevant now, as some foreign retailers have left the Russian market, but their collections are still sold on marketplaces, often with good discounts—sometimes cheaper than in traditional stores. You can also check out the official websites of your favorite brands.
How to Shop Online Wisely: 5 Useful Tips from a Stylist
- Filter products by composition. It’s especially important to pay attention to the materials. A synthetic content of up to 30% is acceptable and justified, since such items wrinkle less and last longer. Fabrics made entirely of synthetic materials can reduce comfort and affect the item’s appearance. During the warmer months, opt for natural materials—linen, cotton, and viscose.
- Carefully read customer reviews. Genuine reviews will help you understand how closely the item matches the photos and description, since glossy photos often present products in an idealized light that doesn’t always reflect reality.
- Minimalism is your best friend. If you’re unsure whether the items you like will look good on you, it’s better to choose classic, basic styles without bold details, complicated cuts, or excessive embellishments—these never go out of style.
- Be sure to try on your purchases. Only by trying something on can you tell how comfortable it feels and whether it’s the right fit for you. Don’t just look in the mirror—it’s important to feel the item on your body. If it feels comfortable, it deserves a place in your wardrobe.
- Check the return policy in advance. Most reputable stores offer clear and transparent return policies. Under the “Consumer Protection Act,” you can return a new item without giving a reason within 14 days, and some companies extend this period to 30 days. Avoid doing business with sellers who do not accept returns.
- Perhatikan carta saiz dan ambil ukuran anda. Saiz boleh berbeza dengan ketara antara kedai dan jenama yang berbeza. Untuk mengelakkan kesilapan, kaji dengan teliti carta saiz yang disediakan di laman web dan bandingkan ukuran anda dengan yang tersenarai – amat berguna untuk mengukur dada, pinggang, pinggul dan panjang lengan atau seluar.
- Lihat foto dari pelbagai sudut dan, jika boleh, tonton ulasan video. Selain imej utama, adalah berguna untuk melihat foto barangan tersebut dari pelbagai sudut dan ketika bergerak. Ulasan video daripada blogger atau pelanggan akan membantu anda mendapat gambaran yang lebih baik tentang kesesuaian dan fabrik barangan itu dalam kehidupan sebenar.
- Pantau promosi dan jualan, tetapi jangan tergesa-gesa membeli. Kedai dalam talian sering menawarkan diskaun dan promosi istimewa, tetapi jangan membeli barang secara tergesa-gesa. Nilai sama ada anda benar-benar memerlukan barangan tersebut dan pertimbangkan bagaimana ia akan sesuai dalam almari pakaian anda.
- Semak butiran hubungan dan reputasi kedai. Penjual yang boleh dipercayai akan sentiasa menyediakan alamat, nombor telefon dan alamat e-mel. Ulasan mengenai kedai di laman web pihak ketiga akan membantu anda mengelakkan penipuan dan barangan berkualiti rendah.
Developing an Eye for Style—The Key to a Stylish Wardrobe
To make shopping for clothes enjoyable both in-store and online, you need to develop your taste and sense of style. Follow popular fashion bloggers on social media, watch YouTube reviews regularly, and read fashion magazines—both print and digital. Eventually, you’ll find sources of inspiration you trust, and this will make it easier to navigate your clothing choices. As your fashion sense grows, updating your wardrobe with basic and eye-catching trendy pieces will become much more enjoyable and effortless.
How to Use Customer Reviews and Photos to Choose Clothes
Focus on specific details in the reviews: look for information about fit, fabric quality, and color. Customers often mention whether the size matches the size chart, and whether the item flatters the figure or hides flaws.
Pay attention to real-life photos: they show how the clothing looks on different body types, under different lighting, and in everyday settings. Compare these photos with the store’s official images to assess the actual appearance.
Look for comments on comfort and durability: reviews often include details on how the item holds up after washing or with prolonged wear. This will help you avoid disappointment and unnecessary expenses.
Filter reviews by criteria: choose reviews from shoppers with body types and styles similar to yours. This will help you understand how the clothing “fits” specifically for you.
Ask the reviewer questions: if possible, clarify details regarding fit or material. Many buyers are happy to answer and help you make the right choice.
By using customer reviews and photos, you get a more accurate picture of the product—one that’s closer to reality rather than the seller’s idealized images.
Try it on seven times, buy it once: how to choose the right clothes when shopping online
Buying clothes with just a few clicks is very convenient—no need to waste time searching in shopping malls. However, online shopping has its own challenges. Polly Ryzhova, stylist and founder of “Style Club,” shares tips on how to shop online wisely.
Article Contents:
the Preparation Stage—The Key to Successful Purchases
Tip #1: Make a shopping list. Compile a personal list of necessary items by analyzing your current wardrobe. Determine what’s missing—whether it’s outerwear or accessories, dresses or athletic jumpsuits, shoes or jewelry. It’s important to clearly understand which items suit your style and lifestyle. For example, a young mom on maternity leave is better off with cozy sweatshirts and comfortable sneakers for walks than business suits and high heels, which will be more appropriate later on. Such a list will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Tip #2: Measure yourself accurately. Use a measuring tape to take your measurements and compare the results with the brands’ size charts. Keep in mind that many brands offer specialized lines—such as tall (for taller people), petite (for smaller frames), and curve or plus size (for larger sizes).
Tip #3: Choose the right shopping platform. Marketplaces like Lamoda, Wildberries, and Ozon offer a wide range of products for every taste and budget. Here you can quickly find both basic, affordable wardrobe staples and stylish premium-class items. This is especially relevant now, as some foreign retailers have left the Russian market, but their collections are still sold on marketplaces, often with good discounts—sometimes cheaper than in traditional stores. You can also check out the official websites of your favorite brands.
How to Shop Online Wisely: 5 Useful Tips from a Stylist
- Filter products by composition. It’s especially important to pay attention to the materials. A synthetic content of up to 30% is acceptable and justified, since such items wrinkle less and last longer. Fabrics made entirely of synthetic materials can reduce comfort and affect the item’s appearance. During the warmer months, opt for natural materials—linen, cotton, and viscose.
- Carefully read customer reviews. Genuine reviews will help you understand how closely the item matches the photos and description, since glossy photos often present products in an idealized light that doesn’t always reflect reality.
- Minimalism is your best friend. If you’re unsure whether the items you like will look good on you, it’s better to choose classic, basic styles without bold details, complicated cuts, or excessive embellishments—these never go out of style.
- Be sure to try on your purchases. Only by trying something on can you tell how comfortable it feels and whether it’s the right fit for you. Don’t just look in the mirror—it’s important to feel the item on your body. If it feels comfortable, it deserves a place in your wardrobe.
- Check the return policy in advance. Most reputable stores offer clear and transparent return policies. Under the “Consumer Protection Act,” you can return a new item without giving a reason within 14 days, and some companies extend this period to 30 days. Avoid doing business with sellers who do not accept returns.
- Perhatikan carta saiz dan ambil ukuran anda. Saiz boleh berbeza dengan ketara antara kedai dan jenama yang berbeza. Untuk mengelakkan kesilapan, kaji dengan teliti carta saiz yang disediakan di laman web dan bandingkan ukuran anda dengan yang tersenarai – amat berguna untuk mengukur dada, pinggang, pinggul dan panjang lengan atau seluar.
- Lihat foto dari pelbagai sudut dan, jika boleh, tonton ulasan video. Selain imej utama, adalah berguna untuk melihat foto barangan tersebut dari pelbagai sudut dan ketika bergerak. Ulasan video daripada blogger atau pelanggan akan membantu anda mendapat gambaran yang lebih baik tentang kesesuaian dan fabrik barangan itu dalam kehidupan sebenar.
- Pantau promosi dan jualan, tetapi jangan tergesa-gesa membeli. Kedai dalam talian sering menawarkan diskaun dan promosi istimewa, tetapi jangan membeli barang secara tergesa-gesa. Nilai sama ada anda benar-benar memerlukan barangan tersebut dan pertimbangkan bagaimana ia akan sesuai dalam almari pakaian anda.
- Semak butiran hubungan dan reputasi kedai. Penjual yang boleh dipercayai akan sentiasa menyediakan alamat, nombor telefon dan alamat e-mel. Ulasan mengenai kedai di laman web pihak ketiga akan membantu anda mengelakkan penipuan dan barangan berkualiti rendah.
Developing an Eye for Style—The Key to a Stylish Wardrobe
To make shopping for clothes enjoyable both in-store and online, you need to develop your taste and sense of style. Follow popular fashion bloggers on social media, watch YouTube reviews regularly, and read fashion magazines—both print and digital. Eventually, you’ll find sources of inspiration you trust, and this will make it easier to navigate your clothing choices. As your fashion sense grows, updating your wardrobe with basic and eye-catching trendy pieces will become much more enjoyable and effortless.
How to Use Customer Reviews and Photos to Choose Clothes
Focus on specific details in the reviews: look for information about fit, fabric quality, and color. Customers often mention whether the size matches the size chart, and whether the item flatters the figure or hides flaws.
Pay attention to real-life photos: they show how the clothing looks on different body types, under different lighting, and in everyday settings. Compare these photos with the store’s official images to assess the actual appearance.
Look for comments on comfort and durability: reviews often include details on how the item holds up after washing or with prolonged wear. This will help you avoid disappointment and unnecessary expenses.
Filter reviews by criteria: choose reviews from shoppers with body types and styles similar to yours. This will help you understand how the clothing “fits” specifically for you.
Ask the reviewer questions: if possible, clarify details regarding fit or material. Many buyers are happy to answer and help you make the right choice.
By using customer reviews and photos, you get a more accurate picture of the product—one that’s closer to reality rather than the seller’s idealized images.
