https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:20:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2402695 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:56:47 +0000 karen23 2402695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Unfrumped - That sounds like a good idea, checking the brands' websites to see if they go up to my probable size.&nbsp; I already know of 2 brands that don't fit me well in any size, being designed for a different shape.</div><div>I really am hoping that I can come home with a few good items and some ideas of what might work for me if I order it online - but I'd probably also be stopping at a few other places too, like maybe the New Balance store.</div><div>I do think I need to dress well enough to show that I care about how I look and have some sort of fashion sense, because some people will take a look at that customer who comes in wearing cheap jeans and an old music-festival t-shirt and try to sell her anything on the shop floor that they are tired of looking at.&nbsp; (Things like a pumpkin-orange knitted vest.)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2402651 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:41:45 +0000 unfrumped 2402651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I echo the advice for Retail Research , not putting too much pressure on yourself to come home with something that’s just not quite right. It is getting very hard to avoid online clothes shopping. But, good to go in to stores that carry the range of sizes at least online if not in their stores. Many times I have got the wantsies for something I saw online in a certain color or style as shown in the PHOTO. There are precious few good B&amp;M stores in my city anymore, but we have a few. I can check inventory for my size but I often will go there as long as they have the item in any size so I can check color, fabric, and even some aspects of fit. Being retired also, I have more time to do that and prefer to avoid online purchase/ return that I could have, well, avoided. </p> <p>Another way to use brand websites just for “ research” is to see which ones do carry the potentially right sizes and also show items on a range of fit models. Not perfect, but very often helps me see that I do not like the drape or movement of a certain garment. Also good are those that show a video. </p> <p>For in person shopping, I agree with dressing comfortably, but also recommend that if possible you choose an outfit that you think looks good on you. Incorporating one or more items that are the best in your closet— not the dressiest but that look how you want in that type of item(s)- fit, color. Admittedly this can be hard if none of those are comfy for all day, so use your judgement. It’s easiest to wear super comfortable shoes despite what’s above— you’re not trying for the perfect whole outfit. The point is to feel as positive as possible about your look, or part of it, and use that as minimum bar for new items. If I dress super-schlubby I am at risk of thinking ANYTHING looks better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2402642 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:02:58 +0000 Jules 2402642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good find - Eddie Bauer is good for raincoats that are functional but look just a little nicer than gear.<br /> I agree the in-store vs online thing is frustrating, I’m similar in size to you as well - plus size rarely works but also sized out of some brands. I think Angie gave great shopping advice - both specific lines she knows work for your body type and how to approach it - some of which I will be taking myself. I hope you have a good shopping trip! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2402604 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 02:21:08 +0000 karen23 2402604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Yes, the Eddie Bauer "trench coat" worked.&nbsp; I don't know why they called it a trench coat.&nbsp; It doesn't have trench coat styling, but it's an actual functioning warm-weather raincoat and it fits.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2385409 Sun, 04 May 2025 00:35:22 +0000 karen23 2385409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I haven't gotten out of town or even gotten in touch with a stylist yet.&nbsp; (Stuff happened.)&nbsp; I'm still thinking about going to Nordstrom's but I think I'd better see if Oak Brook or Old Orchard are likely to have my sizes in the store.&nbsp; Then I'll see if I can work with a stylist there.&nbsp; It would be nice to see what these other brands are like, but I would really like to see if any of them might fit me, and come home with a few items I can use to start rebuilding my wardrobe.&nbsp; If nothing else, maybe I get some inspiration about stuff to try to copy, or see how some things are put together.</div><div>Other than that - the other day, I just ordered a black Eddie Bauer trench jacket.&nbsp; Hopefully it will work as a raincoat.&nbsp; One elusive item to check off the list, if it works.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2380939 Sat, 22 Feb 2025 13:37:46 +0000 cat2 2380939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suggest keeping a list of the brands that look appealing and more importantly, those that don’t. When online shopping the don’t buy list can reduce the order and return cycles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2380913 Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:20:43 +0000 Suz 2380913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Karen,</b> <b>Angie'</b>s given you great advice. I agree it would be great to book with a stylist first. Also, it might help if you remind yourself that your&nbsp; first forays into the mall are essentially research trips, as <b>Sarah DB</b> suggests. You don't have to buy anything that doesn't make you happy. You are there to learn what might work. If you come away with one or two items, that is a bonus! You can get a sense of what the fabrications and colours are really like in person, and try on the closest likely size to yours to get a sense of what you might later order on line.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2380910 Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:56:01 +0000 Jenni NZ 2380910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Collection of Style is what COS means, but the fashion chain is known by the short form. We even have a store here in New Zealand! A European brand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2380909 Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:15:14 +0000 karen23 2380909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dumb question:&nbsp; What is COS?&nbsp; Google thinks I mean Costco... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2380904 Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:57:00 +0000 Roberta 2380904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely recommend the personal shopper service at Nordstrom, whether you go to Old Orchard or to Oakbrook. They are so helpful and friendly. I am in the same boat: fairly tall, broad shouldered, but more of a triangle shape. I find Old Orchard a little easier to navigate, but Oakbrook is lovely too (a little higher end shopping and better dining). Neither mall has a COS, sadly, but I also recommend LLBean for great outerwear and sweaters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2380856 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 21:02:19 +0000 SarahD8 2380856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie has good advice (ofc!).</p> <p>The thing I will add as a petite person whose sizes are not often carried in store is a potential rejoinder to suggestions that you shop online: you are there to get a sense of the feel, fabrication, quality, and accurate color of items you are considering, even if you have to order your size online. Now, what do they have that might meet your high standards? (It’s fine if companies decide on a business model of only carrying limited sizes in store…but you have just as much right as anyone to peruse the offerings!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2380855 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:50:32 +0000 Angie 2380855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As for what to wear when you shop: something comfortable in colours that you like, that is easy to take on and off.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2380854 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:46:32 +0000 Angie 2380854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Karen23,</b> I've been to the Nordstrom in Chicago, and it's a good one.&nbsp; May I suggest making an appointment with a personal stylist there. It's a free service, and might help you get started. You will be treated well :)</p> <p>Macy's is always worth a look. Since you are left to your own devices in that store, you can browse at your leisure. You might find a raincoat there.&nbsp;</p> <p>May I also suggest going to Talbots, J.Jill, Athleta, Anthropologie, Everlane, Madewell, COS, and Chicos in person. You may not like the store's overall aesthetic, but think in ITEMS. These brands sell very good versatile <i>items</i> that you can mould to suit your PERSONAL aesthetic.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think that a raincoat might be best bought on online if you can't find it at a department store. I can help you with that!&nbsp; </p> <p><b></b>Hope that helps.<b> </b></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-strategy-2#post-2380851 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:08:31 +0000 karen23 2380851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>After working through most of the pandemic in the office, getting married, and taking very little time off the last year, I retired.&nbsp; Now I realize that my wardrobe is in sad shape.&nbsp; Maybe needs a reset.&nbsp; I could use a raincoat, pants (khakis or something like that, also a second pair of dress pants), a spring jacket, a blazer or something like that.</div><div>Problems here: first, I'm almost plus-size.&nbsp; I take about a misses 16 on top and 14 on the bottom (I think) &amp; have broad shoulders.&nbsp; (Yes, I used to swim.)&nbsp; I have relatively long legs (32" or 33" inseam).&nbsp; So, I have trouble finding my sizes in "better" stores, and have been living in knit tops and blue jeans for the most part.&nbsp; I am also unfamiliar with most of the brands I see online.</div><div>I'm considering a day trip to the Chicago area (Old Orchard? Oak Brook?), hoping I can buy some things in person.&nbsp; I do not look forward to this - some sales people act like I'm there to get out of the weather, or tell me where the plus sizes are or that I should shop online.</div><div>Is there a strategy to deal with this?&nbsp; Should I just wear my one pair of (black) dress pants and one of the better knit tops &amp; show up at Nordstrom's or Macy's or someplace even though I'm tired of black?&nbsp; Contact someone first?&nbsp; I'd like to at least come back with a raincoat.</div><div><br /></div> </p>