https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 01:47:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1621579 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 23:30:42 +0000 Greenjeans 1621579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's great to hear from so many people finding success in person <i>and/or</i> online. &nbsp;This means business as usual for me (no big habit shift required). &nbsp;I remain a committed online shopper with a new appreciation for (and curiosity about!)&nbsp;what people are finding in person. &nbsp;Thanks for the great feedback and ideas everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620925 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:12:33 +0000 retailgirl 1620925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop online because I'm tall, need longer inseams if they're available, and for shoes, I wear 11N or 10.5N, which are not available in stores ever, unless it's some unattractive comfort shoe. I hate to pay shipping but I will. I shop Nordstrom for that reason. I used to have the highest tier Talbots charge, which entitles you to free shipping, but I didn't spend the required $1000 last year to qualify for this year. I buy from Brooks Brothers and their shipping Is high, in my opinion. I would rather they just averaged it into the price. Not only is their shipping high, but the more you spend, the higher it goes. My local store will order things I've seen online for me to try in store, no charge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620659 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:04:23 +0000 anchie 1620659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Online, definetly. But only from the couple of reatailers where i am familiar with sizing and who have free returns policy. When i travel, i like to do some in person shopping of the brands that are not available locally. But even then i prepare my self by looking at their online shop and select what i would try in person, oterwise i just get overwhelmed and don't even try on anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620650 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 14:22:39 +0000 chadya 1620650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I look at websites, but ONLY buy in person where I can try on, look at the colors and feel the fabric.<br />Sizing is such an issue that I think you can't order your size and be sure it is going to fit. Sale prices differ between in store and online too.&nbsp; </p> <p>And I <b>like </b>shopping and looking </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620490 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 03:47:08 +0000 Meow 1620490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Probably my most successful shopping has been to first do my research online and THEN go to the store (if I see they have my size, etc).&nbsp; But this is a lot of planning and work.&nbsp; Mostly I just find myself near the mall and "pop in".&nbsp; Then, I get overwhelmed with all the choices but no choices if you know what I mean.&nbsp; It seems like the stores have a lot of stuff but they don't have my size or color and then I wonder if I should just go home and order it online.&nbsp; But then I get home, and get online and get side tracked .......and before you know it, I've spent an hour reading about "which celebrity has aged the best", or "7 steps to look like Kendall Kardashian". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620389 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 01:12:53 +0000 Anonymous 1620389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Store lighting is such that I can't trust a color until I go outside. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620214 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 18:48:43 +0000 BrieN 1620214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both. But I find I do much better in-person if I've already done some online reconnaissance; I don't get as easily overwhelmed if I have a few "target" items I'm looking for. &nbsp;</p> <p>Yesterday I went to Nordstrom with the purpose of looking at a pair of Halogen flats and Hinge block heeled shoes - both which I 'd seen online. &nbsp;One was a yes, one was a no, and a pair of rust-red snakeskin boots followed me home which I never in a million years would have purchased online.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620199 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 18:27:30 +0000 Marina 1620199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Depend on what I'm buying. I prefer to buy online (better variety and prices, easier to find specifics and so), but I have huge fitting issues so there are things absolutely impossible to buy without trying.<br />I buy shoes, accessories and replacements online very often and things with a more forgiving fit sometimes, but I only buy things that usually got me struck in-between sizes and/or need to have a proper fit to look good in person (like jeans and social clothes).</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620189 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 18:13:54 +0000 Anonymous 1620189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to do it in person. I never trust that the color is the exact same as it appears on screen and also, I like to make sure it REALLY fits before purchasing it. I guess I like the store experience too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620166 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 17:42:14 +0000 Karie 1620166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I much prefer to support local businesses/local economy and shop in the stores, but I also shop on-line. I often browse on-line, then check to see if the item I want is available at my local store. If it's not available locally, then I'll purchase on-line. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620156 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 17:31:08 +0000 Greenjeans 1620156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, thanks for the great comments, everyone. &nbsp;At a glance, I tallied a fairly even split between those of you who prefer shopping in person vs. those who prefer shopping online with many of you opting for both.&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW, I'm a diehard online shopper because I prefer that experience to shopping in stores but am willing to concede that I may have to go to the mall to get some good fitting jeans. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620066 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:02:18 +0000 Susie 1620066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So far this year I have bought 7 items- 5 in store and 2 online. In general though I think it's usually closer to 50/50, mainly because I like Nordstrom but don't have a store close to me. Anthro is a go to for me, both in person and online.&nbsp; I like that there is no shipping charge if I order in store and the returns are easy. I also shop BR both in person and online. </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620055 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 14:34:24 +0000 manasi 1620055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>depends on your preferences. If you have a spare time and yes lots of energy&nbsp; for window shopping, its good to roam around local shops and markets otherwise go for online shopping where you can have endless variety on just a mouse click.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620039 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 13:49:12 +0000 Colette 1620039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My best results lately are online but I prefer to buy in store. I definitely browse more online, it saves me time when I'm in store. If something peeks my interest and its available in my area I add it to my list and check it out in person (if I have time) but more and more that is not the case so I'll just order it online. I specially went to Nordstrom yesterday to shop for a dress. I had already looked online but they only had one of the three I was interested in, it wasn't in my size, and their other dress offerings were sparse while there were a zillion online. It's frustrating at times because even when I do go in store to shop, they end up having to ship it anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online/page/2#post-1620026 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:23:55 +0000 Anonymous 1620026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In person, though the choices are fewer now that everyone else buys online ;). I'm super picky about fit, so if I do shop online, I have to order 2or 3 different sizes. Not only is it frustrating when they don't work (which is mostly the case), but then I have to pay shipping costs or schlep to the shops with the returns. I now save my shopping for the times I'm in large urban areas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1620017 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 11:27:06 +0000 Staysfit 1620017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Online, more options for me because I'm tall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1620014 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 11:06:24 +0000 Style Fan 1620014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with what the above fabbers have said about the shipping and return costs of online shopping.&nbsp; This often held me back from online shopping.&nbsp; I only online shop at places that have free shipping and returns (Nordstroms, Zappos, Anthropolgies) and accept returns at the B &amp; M stores.&nbsp; <br />I never pay for faster shipping.&nbsp; My package is still delivered within a couple of days.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1620009 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 10:41:09 +0000 Summer 1620009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both work well for me, but, for online shopping, I'm very picky about the stores and brands I buy from. &nbsp;I choose brands that are tried and tested for style and fit, and retailers that have good returns policies - preferably those that allow me to return in store.<br />I do love to shop in store, to get a general overview of what's around, and to feel the fabrics and so on, but I start to tire and suffer from brain overload after a few hours, so, unless I can find what I'm looking for fairly quickly, I will probably order online. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1620008 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 10:36:57 +0000 Anonymous 1620008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wanted to add something about shipping costs. &nbsp;As I stated earlier, I do most of my shopping online. &nbsp;I had over $500 in my Talbots cart. &nbsp;When it came time to checkout, Talbots wanted to charge me $8 for shipping. &nbsp;I thought "no way." &nbsp;I called the store to see if they had my items in stock. &nbsp;Since I need "talls" or "navy," the sales person flippantly said no. &nbsp;I was a bit taken aback by both her attitude and the lack of navy. &nbsp;I considered going to the store to place my order online (too much trouble). &nbsp;I seriously considered paying the shipping charge. I just couldn't bring myself to pay the $8. &nbsp;I emptied my cart. &nbsp;No regrets. &nbsp;I view it as Talbots having saved me $500. &nbsp;</p> <p>I feel the same way about return shipping. &nbsp;When I found out that LLBean and Uniqlo charge for returning an item, I decided not to patronize them because of course there are going to be returns. &nbsp;Why should I pay to try their products. &nbsp;</p> <p>This does limit me, but I'll work within those limits.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1620000 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 08:44:25 +0000 Sally 1620000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am buying more online as it is convenient once you know what size you are in certain brands. There is also the opportunity to wishlist what you like and wait for it to come down in price.<br /> Some things I find easier to shop instore like jeans and like the inspiration of walKing into shops sometime. I also like to thrift shop so that has to be done in store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619997 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 08:23:03 +0000 rachylou 1619997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hate hate shopping online. I find it beyond painful. Waiting waiting, then having to drive into some seedy part of town to get my package, then the returns... But some things I've only been able to get online after a tip off from, like, Annagybe (shout out to Anna ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619969 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 05:19:40 +0000 Gigi 1619969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Online, definitely. My size is not sold in most B&amp;M stores, so I don't have much of a choice. I sometimes shop for shoes in person, but I am often looking for something specific and so shop online, like April said.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have had it happen where I passed over a shoe online but saw it in person later and thought it was worth trying on. In at least one instance, I bought the shoe. So shopping in person definitely has its advantages. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619916 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:29:04 +0000 Suz 1619916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Online, because I don't live in an area with good shopping and I am often sized out with local retailers.&nbsp;</p> <p>But when I am in the city I always shop in person as well and many of my key pieces are "in person" buys.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619894 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 01:49:02 +0000 Anonymous 1619894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Petites get left out, as do people who need a wide width shoe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619890 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 01:44:35 +0000 April 1619890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tim Gunn wrote something that has stayed with me. &nbsp;He said if you're looking for something extremely specific ("dark green satin evening clutch"), then online is where you want to be, because you can't just wander around shops hoping to find that item.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would also say that as online shopping has grown in popularity, many retailers have decided that their brick and mortar locations will only carry the sizes in the middle of the bell curve, whereas sizes at the far ends of the curve will be available only online.</p> <p>When retailers make that choice, those of us who aren't in the middle have no choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619888 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 01:37:18 +0000 Anonymous 1619888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely in store! I truly enjoy rummaging through racks, putting outfits together, and trying things on. To me it is a great stress buster. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619887 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 01:29:47 +0000 Anonymous 1619887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop online most of the time. I can't find what I like in the local stores. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619880 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 01:23:23 +0000 Style Fan 1619880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also meant to say Angie's finds really help me with online shopping.&nbsp; I have my eye on a few more things that she has suggested.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619877 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 01:20:50 +0000 Style Fan 1619877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only shopped in person until a month ago.&nbsp; Then I found some T shirts that I had been looking for online.&nbsp; I ordered them (actually 3 of them) and they arrived 2 days later.&nbsp; These were T shirts I wore for years.&nbsp; I already had 2 and really wanted more.&nbsp; I could never find them.&nbsp; And here they were.&nbsp; I am in the USA for a few months so that helps.<br />I have now ordered some cropped jeans that Angie recommended and they will arrive tomorrow.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; Nordstroms in the area does not carry them but I can return them to that store if they don't fit.&nbsp; Easy.<br />I do enjoy shopping at a store and looking at the clothes but more and more I am frustrated with the stock.&nbsp; Unless I am in a big urban city like Montreal my choices are limited.&nbsp; I am slowly moving into the world of online shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-person-vs-online#post-1619839 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 23:51:49 +0000 DonnaF 1619839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Online.&nbsp; I'm a Petite with fussy feet, so more is available online.&nbsp; Plus, like others I get overwhelmed at brick'n'mortar stores.&nbsp; Even with in-person purchases, I end up making returns, often because the item doesn't play as well as I thought it would with the rest of my wardrobe.&nbsp; It is easier to agonize over K/Rs in the privacy of my home as well as to test various combos.&nbsp; Since I live in a metropolitan area, it is easy for me to make returns at a brick'n'mortar store.&nbsp; Returns to a UPS store aren't all that inconvenient either. </p>