If you read my Unpopular Fashion Opinions blog post from a few weeks ago, you may recall that one of my opinions is that I’d much rather shop in person, for any item, any day of the week. It seems that most people prefer to shop online (especially now, since it’s kind of been the only option for the past year), claiming that they like to purchase clothes from the comfort of their own homes while wearing their PJs. But you know me, I’ll take any excuse to get dressed, and that includes a cute outfit just to go to the mall. So whichever side you support, here are all the reasons I’d much rather shop in person.
- I can find better sales. I love browsing the sale section of stores because you can find all sorts of goodies that aren’t listed online, including items that have minor problems for a fraction of the price. For example, I have scored several $10 skirts from Francesca’s because the clasp/closure is a little loose, something that I can easily sew back together myself. While there are still clearance sections of online retailers’ websites, I have found that the deals are much better in-store!
- I can try items on. This is probably the biggest one for me. I hate not being able to try stuff on when online shopping because even if you follow every size chart and know your measurements to a T, sizing varies so much across brands. And there are always those pieces that are just cut really awkwardly (like a huge arm hole or a seam right across your boob instead of below it) that you could never notice from the online pictures. Additionally, some pieces look really ugly in the online listings but turn out to be super cute when you see them in person.
- I love to feel the fabric. Along with being able to try items on, I think touching the fabric of pieces is so important before buying them. I would argue that a lot of us don’t have a good sense of which fabric is which—sure, I can read the fabric blend listed online, but do I understand how that’s going to feel in my hands? Not really. So often I have purchased something online only for it to arrive in the mail and for me to be really disappointed because the fabric feels cheap. Or even worse, it’s cheap and static-y. Those are the types of pieces I end up buying online but would never have purchased in person, had I had the opportunity to feel them and try them on.
- I don’t feel compelled to buy. When I shop online, and after something arrives in the mail, I am 95% likely to keep it, even if it doesn’t fit quite right. Usually the hassle of returning the garment is more than it’s worth when the piece itself was only $15. Silly, I know. I have a handful of skirts that are *just* big enough in the waist to be annoying and slightly unflattering. Yet I kept them anyway because it was easier… just not easier on my wallet. Why do I continue to do this?? I don’t know, but I also know I’m not the only one. When I shop in person, I am guaranteed to only purchase what I absolutely love.
- Shopping is fun! I know, lots of people disagree with me on this one… and I get that taking off all your clothes over and over again in the dressing room gets old. But one, you should always wear a loose dress when shopping in-person to make try-ons way easier. And two, I enjoy the social aspect of shopping! I think it’s fun to make a day of it with my mom or girlfriends and go to the mall, browse, get an ice cream, etc. Online shopping is much more to the point—you scroll for a bit, add to cart, and purchase. So boring… I mean come on, who doesn’t love those gross food court smells at the mall?
- I’m more conscious of my spending. I don’t know about you, but when I shop online, it’s easy to ‘add to cart’ over and over again until I realize there’s more than $100 worth of stuff in my virtual bag. Entering a credit card number is an easy way to spend spend spend and then forget about it until your package arrives. When I shop in person, however, and physically have to hand over my payment, it stings a little more. It keeps me on track and reminds me not to spend so much on clothes I want but don’t really need.
- I’m not trying to reach the ‘free shipping’ threshold. This one gets me every time… Usually when I online shop, there’s only one or two things I want. Buttttt, of course, I never want to pay for shipping, so I justify buying a bunch of other things that I’m not really that interested in so that I don’t have to pay the $7 shipping. It’s a real problem. Plus, it’s so annoying having to buy so much from a single store! When I go to a mall, I can purchase one top from here, a pair of shorts from there, and get everything I want without buying bulk or paying a ton for shipping.
What do you think?? Do you prefer to shop in person, or online? Let me know in the comments below and your reasons why! I’m curious to hear from people who prefer online shopping.
In other news, everything in this outfit is super old, and I have worn it countless times over the years. The top, jacket, and pants are all from JCPenney, a place I love to shop in person but would absolutely never buy from online (their website sucks). Even though this outfit has been a go-to look for a long time, staring at these photos makes me feel kind of frumpy in it. What do you think? Is it still cute?
And lastly, be sure to linkup your most recent posts below! I can’t believe I’ve had this linkup for a few months now and continue to forget to name it. Tsk tsk.
As always, thanks for stopping by the blog today, and I hope you have a great Thursday.
-Grace
Crochet Top: JCPenney, $16, last worn here | Tan Anorak: JCPenney, $30, last worn here | Yellow Pants: JCPenney, $20, last worn here | Brown Sandals: DSW, $19, last worn here | Brown Belt: Sundance Outlet, $80, last worn here | Brown Circle Purse: Target, $30, last worn here