shopping strategy - YouLookFab Forum

After working through most of the pandemic in the office, getting married, and taking very little time off the last year, I retired. Now I realize that my wardrobe is in sad shape. Maybe needs a reset. 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.

Problems here: first, I'm almost plus-size. I take about a misses 16 on top and 14 on the bottom (I think) & have broad shoulders. (Yes, I used to swim.) I have relatively long legs (32" or 33" inseam). So, I have trouble finding my sizes in "better" stores, and have been living in knit tops and blue jeans for the most part. I am also unfamiliar with most of the brands I see online.

I'm considering a day trip to the Chicago area (Old Orchard? Oak Brook?), hoping I can buy some things in person. 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.

Is there a strategy to deal with this? Should I just wear my one pair of (black) dress pants and one of the better knit tops & show up at Nordstrom's or Macy's or someplace even though I'm tired of black? Contact someone first? I'd like to at least come back with a raincoat.

1 month ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Karen23, I've been to the Nordstrom in Chicago, and it's a good one. 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

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.

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 items that you can mould to suit your PERSONAL aesthetic.

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!

Hope that helps.

As for what to wear when you shop: something comfortable in colours that you like, that is easy to take on and off.

SarahD8

Veteran

Angie has good advice (ofc!).

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!)

Roberta

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.

karen23

Active Member

Dumb question: What is COS? Google thinks I mean Costco...

Jenni NZ

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.

Suz

Karen, Angie'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 first forays into the mall are essentially research trips, as Sarah DB 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.

Good luck!

cat2

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.

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