Online shopping for current fashion is easier than ever. Online stores are understanding that clothing buyers are busy people. They are working hard to make online clothing shopping interesting, affordable, and entertaining.
I browse online for all my clothing, whether or not I later buy the item online or in a store. It is too easy to Google "boyfriend jean" and see what pops up. There are many small online shops that are 'way trendier than the giant department stores. Plus, these small online shops have interesting styles from new designers and crafters. What you buy from them will not easily be duplicated by the big chain stores.
Before I list my favorite online stores, I want to give a word of warning. Browsing is fun; money spent is forever. Before I buy anything online I read the online return policy, forms of payment AND how returns are processed. The return policy at Victoria's Secret and Appleseeds is that they need 2-3 billing cycles to update credits. What that means is: you buy an item in November, you return it two weeks later and it could sit on your credit card until early February-before the credit is issued. Some small, crafty sites will not issue returns unless the product is damaged. As usual-buyer beware!
These websites are always fresh and updated regularly. I check them every day.
www.oldnavy.com Trendy, colorful, in style right now and 2 months from now. Good prices. Decent shipping rates. They link with piperlime (shoes), gap (instyle clothes) and banana republic (upscale trendy)
www.landsend.com Classic fashion, practical clothes. Can be returned at Sears. Prices ok with decent sales. Shipping can be high-look for ways to get free shipping by Googling "free shipping landsend".
www.llbean.com Classic, New England style and loads of practical items. Everything from silk underwear to a cute pink fly-fishing vest and a gorgeous, timeless cashmere sweater all in one place! Decent prices, amazing return policy. The LLBean credit card gives you free shipping and monogramming. You WANT your new messenger bag to have your initials on it-how old money is that? They have customer feedback on every single item-a great way to research your purchase. They are working hard to get the correct colors for each season so your new tee shirt will be the right shade of yellow.
www.hottopic.com Yes, it is mall-alternative clothes for young rebels. But I love the site to see trends and colors. It also has numerous tee shirts with the most up-to-date bands and cartoon characters. The only way to stay nominally "in the loop" with pop culture.
www.delias.com www.pacsun.com Young trends. Prices online compare to mall stores. Shipping is so-so, but Google "free shipping" and sites will pop up that tell you how to get free shipping from these stores. Decent return policies but read the fine print before you buy.
www.denimexpress.com This site does not change frequently. It is my favorite site for jeans. They have Levis, Wrangler and some other "American" style companies. For classic American style-including Frye boots-go here. Decent return policy and good prices. Junior Levis are stocked in many sizes, as well as Women's Levis. Maybe not so fashion-forward, but reliable, especially for Levis.
www.levis.com Levis. Need I say more? BUT they do not have all the cool finishes and styles other stores might have. I wish it was THE only place for Levis (it should be). Prices are high but there are always sales. Good size charts and good return policy. I would like this site more if they had a list of everything they sell and the colors each item comes in.
www.ebay.com Yup. The only way I got my brand new grey Levis. Could not find them anywhere else at any price. Tons of online sellers with everything. Literally. This is very much a "buyer beware" place because counterfeits abound. Read feedback, read descriptions, and read the return policy for each item. I love ebay.
Searching out clothing merchants online is fun. Online browsing is a great way to shop from the couch. Once you are aware of possible problems and costs, it can be a great way to buy.