By 
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
I always say I’m an equal opportunity shopper, so I like both in store and online. I see all your points about the in person. But I will say that there are times there are better deals online with the right discount code, LOL.
And those skirts that don’t fit the best?? Don’t I remember you have a sewing machine?? I’m joking a little as I stare at a mound of fix it pieces I have to work on!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
That’s true Jodie, sometimes you definitely can find better sales online! And haha yes… but I’m still such a beginner sewer that a lot of the stuff is too advanced for me to fix! But I’m hopeful I’ll be able to tailor them one day. I can’t wait to sew more this summer!
I’m strictly in person, and for many of the reasons you mention here, Grace. I have educated myself on fabric, and can run my hand along a rack and pull out the cashmere and silk, etc. Fit is SO erratic too!
I love your outfit! I would add a bit more tie-in colour, like a 70s-patterned silk scarf (as a headband) or tied to your cute bag. Nothing wrong with old!
Oooh a colorful printed scarf would be a really cute addition to this look! And haha that’s so funny, I actually thought of you Sheila when I said that a lot of us don’t know fabrics because I know you DO.
Grace,
Excellent reasons and I wholeheartedly agree on all of them – especially the one about the unintended consequences of avoiding shipping charges. Another thing that bothers me about online shopping is the delayed gratification. I want it in hand as soon as I buy it so that I can wear it. By the time my package arrives, my excitement over the item has likely diminished. The one type of garment that I’m ok with buying on line are my bras; I wear one specific style and my size is not always in the store so when replacements are needed.
BTW, I think that your outfit is super fun and that you look fabulous. Not at all any where near being frumpy. Also, you look so cute with your hair styled that way.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Thank you so much Rena! And that’s such a good point about the delayed gratification. I would imagine some people would argue that they enjoy receiving a package after the fact, and while getting mail is fun, I think it ties back to the whole thing about easily spending money and then forgetting about it when you don’t get the item for several days/weeks.
You make so many great points! I love shopping in store, but I do love the convenience of shopping online (it’s a mom thing since I don’t have time to myself)! Haha! When I do have that chance though, I love going in store!
That’s a good point Laura! I totally get how it could be too busy to find the time to shop in person when you have a family.
Hahah, your point about conscious spending is so true. You’ve got some pretty good points here✨
-divi.
Thanks Divi!
I love shopping in an actual store for all these above said reasons. However, due to given conditions I continue to shop online but I’m looking forward to the time when I can actually visit and shop from a physical store. I love that pop of color from your pants and your hair looks great!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you Lovely! And I totally agree, right now, it makes much more sense to shop online. But it is fun to shop in person and will be enjoyable once things are better!
Grace, I am exactly like you for all of these reasons! I hate buying clothing online. I like to feel the fabrics and try them on, too. If I do shop online, I generally add a million things to my cart and then leave them sit there forever! I never actually click purchase. Haha. I also find way better deals in store than online and so many places also offer an additional 10% with a military id which is not offered when shopping online. So many reasons to shop in person! I love your cute outfit in this post. Those mustard pants are so cute as are your sandals!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you Shelbee! And the point about a military discount is so smart… I had never thought of that before. I’m pretty sure I would be able to get a student discount at some places but it never even crosses my mind! And I do the exact same thing… add a ton of things to my cart constantly and then never pull the trigger! Haha.
I’m with you, I prefer to shop in person for all the reasons you described, unless it’s through a styling service like Stitch Fix because returns are so easy and I don’t pay shipping. However, now I’m not shopping in person because where I live all the dressing rooms are still closed due to the “virus”. It is so ridiculous! Twice now I have had to purchase $100’s of dollars worth of clothes, try them on, only to return them a week later. I am done with that nonsense and won’t shop in store again until they open their fitting rooms. Anyway, enough ranting, I love your outfit and I can’t believe it’s from JCPenney. I don’t think it looks frumpy at all. It looks very structured and classy. I think we’re all just struggling giving up the skinny jeans and wearing looser pants feels frumpy to us. That’s my situation at least. Your purse is so cute too!
Thank you so much, Amy! It’s funny that loose fitting pants are so ‘in’ right now. I wish that was the case when I was in high school because all of my pants were loose fitting, like these yellow ones! And I hear ya’… Why are stores open at all if you can’t try stuff on! It defeats the purpose.
First of all, this outfit is super cute! I love those pants and I like that you chose a blouse with texture. And love that hair style! As far as shopping, I do like it better in person because I love trying on clothes so I do not have to deal with returning things but since I have only found a few thrift stores and Old Navy to have an open fitting room, online has been my go to this past year. I finally got the Target credit card so I wouldn’t have to deal with shipping fees and minimums!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you Mireille! And oooh, that sounds like a good deal with the Target credit card. For sure, shopping this past year has been a whole different story! It’s annoying that fitting rooms haven’t been open because that kind of defeats the purpose of shopping in-person, in my opinion.
Gosh I totally agree with you and have been saying this for years. I love to shop in real life and hate shopping online for all the reasons you state above. Thanks for sharing this, love it. xx
Thanks so much, Jacqui! I’m glad you could relate.
I am a tactile person too – I love to feel fabrics and will opt not to purchase something (or return it) if I don’t like the material. =)
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
Visit AvecAmber.com
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Thanks, Amber! Hope your week is off to a great start.
I agree with all of these points! I’ve really missed browsing in shops. Trying to imagine how the fabric feels is so hit and miss – I’ve been very disappointed with a few online purchases for this reason recently. I love your outfit, those mustard trousers are fab! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks Emma! Yah, the fabric is always so hard to get a sense for via a pic…