The 5 Golden Rules to Shopping Successfully Online
For more wins, & less returns – follow these steps
💡 Did you know
The Mum Loop was created to help you reduce your decision-making fatigue, not amplify it. We've done the selecting and brand vetting on your behalf, so that you get to shop from a refined, curated selection of stylish staples and premium-quality essentials that will earn their place in your wardrobe season after season.
Read on to nail your online shopping from here on out!
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Rule #1: Honestly reflect on what your style is now
Honour what your personal style is right now. This means factoring in your lifestyle and demands as a working or SAH Mum. This isn't a wish list or fantasising about the 'old' pre-children version of yourself. It's considering what styles you love and gravitate towards in your current body today in your Mum Era. Don't get distracted by passing trends.
Do you know your colours? If you haven't already, I strongly recommend reading our colour theory blog on identifying what season you naturally fall in. Nailing down your clothing and makeup colour palette is such a game-changer for styling yourself in harmonious and flattering colours – it also helps you decipher confidently between colour options when shopping for something new. It also prevents you from buying impulsively if you have to stop and consider if that ice blue or trending baby pink does, in fact, suit your complexion.
The surest way to a wasteful online purchase is to love the style but then never put it on because it just doesn't suit you or flatter your colouring – these are the pieces you will likely discard or take off after putting on.
Learn which clothing best suits your figure. Do you know what styles best suit your body type? I'm sure on some level, you do instinctively. A quick way of assessing is to go to your wardrobe and pull out the dresses, bottoms and tops that you always gravitate towards and feel good in when you wear. It's likely because the colour and or style of these garments are flattering on YOU.
Considering the silhouettes of jeans, dresses and tops that you love will help you make fewer mistakes when shopping online. The idea is to be considered. Do you find yourself yearning for those cool, low-slung jeans that look incredible on the 20-year-old model? Unless you have the same shape (height and proportions), chances are those jeans are unlikely to be worn once they arrive.
Buy what flatters and makes you feel good – and this starts with analysing the styles you currently own that make you feel great. If you don't own anything that makes you feel good, stand in the mirror and consider your own proportions: do you have long legs and a short torso, or a long torso and short legs? Do you have a big bust? Do you feel more comfortable when the tops of your arms are covered? These are all your cues when shopping online. Look at the lengths, cuts, and, where possible, the measurements. Remember – pants can always be hemmed, but not always lengthened.
😍 To assign yourself into your correct colour season – start by reading our blog on Colour Theory: Colour Analysis is Back in Vogue
Rule #2: Assess what you actually need this season
We love staying abreast of international fashion trends here at The Mum Loop, and each season enjoy bringing you an analysis of some of the key trending looks that can be easily adopted for mum-hood (nothing too extreme, nothing too fanciful). In saying that, while it's fun to be aware of trending looks each season, we recommend adopting trends in a timeless and workable approach. That means – touching on the trends that align with your personal style, embracing the colours and prints that work within your palette and opting for new styles that will work back with core favourites in your wardrobe.
Identify the gaps – what is missing in your wardrobe for the current season you're in? It’s common to buy multiples of the same style of a garment, because, surprise, surprise, that’s what we like… but how many chambray shirts does one really need? I make a mental list (or physical) each season of things that need updating. I remind myself of past purchases that never got worn (ask myself why...was it the colour, style, was it impossible to outfit back with other items – was it a wardrobe rogue? Tip: We don't want wardrobe rogues; they'll never get worn. Instead, you want stylish singles that seamlessly pair with multiple other items.
If it’s a new jacket you know you need but you’re unsure of what style you’d like, look to your favourite brands and or style-savvy celebs/influencers and look for inspiration. Before opening your wallet, do a quick check that said jacket will fit with your lifestyle and existing wardrobe. Also ask yourself – will I wear this (insert item) beyond one season?
Rule #3: Do your fashion due diligence
Have you checked the fabric composition and care instructions?
Most people just look at the style and price of a garment online, without considering how it actually feels. In-store is different, it’s immediate, it’s a tactile experience…we miss this online, that’s why product descriptions are so important.
Everything you see on The Mum Loop has been considered for its style, quality, comfort and feel. The difference a quality fabric makes is huge. You’ll reach for that garment time and time again if it feels good. If you are allergic to certain fabrics, this is key to look out for too. It's common for sensitivity to increase after pregnancy. I found I couldn't go near any scratchy knits after giving birth. I love knitwear, but it must be soft – merino, cashmere, angora.
Reviews are your friend! In reviews you can trust. If a product you're looking at features reviews underneath – make sure you read them (or at least a few of them) to get a general feel for quality, fit and customer satisfaction.
Rule #4: Use the available size guides
This is especially true if you are buying from a new brand that you've not purchased before.
Do you know your own measurements? When online shopping, I recommend always having a soft measuring tape on hand. That way, if you need to quickly assess your bust size for a new bra, your waist for a new pair of jeans, or the rise and length of new pants, you can measure. This way you are making informed purchase decisions, rather than guessing or taking a stab in the dark. Postpartum, and for at least the first year after giving birth, your measurements are bound to have changed and playing the guessing game can end in purchase regret.
Most brands will provide a size chart; some may not, and in that instance, look for descriptions such as 'the studio model is wearing size X' and her measurements are 'XYZ'. That information should give you a good gauge of what size you will fit in that particular style. If there is additional sizing info for the garment, then take your measurements and use this information as well.
Some sizing is universal, and in a perfect world, we would be the same size across all brands – but alas, that is not the reality. French and Italian fits will be different (likely smaller) than American and Australian fits. Danish fits are different again – I find them generous and on the longer side, as Danes are typically tall. So when exploring new brands, find out as much info as possible and use their size charts as your guide. If stuck, reach out to the brand or website's customer service. We are always happy to guide you at The Mum Loop, and you can reach out anytime with any style or fit queries you may have at: hello@themumloop.co.nz.
Rule #5: Shop when you're in a good mood
In-person is a slower, many would argue, more considered experience. You touch, feel and try on before buying, you can have in-person feedback (this may or may not prove helpful). Online shopping can feel overwhelming and daunting – there are so many options. It can also feel impulsive and, at worst, regretful if you are shopping on a whim, on very little sleep, or while feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
I have found that following a few simple principles before buying online ensures more wins, more wear and more satisfaction. You may live in a town that has limited or no desirable retail options, or maybe you’re bored with your city’s offerings, or more likely, you cannot get out – you're stuck at home with your newborn or toddler, but you still want to update your wardrobe. We’ve all bought impulsively online and IRL before, and felt guilty and regretful about wasting money.
In order to mitigate online purchase regret, I recommend not shopping when you're overtired, overwhelmed or in a rush. Wait instead, until you can sit down, uninterrupted and really enjoy the experience. And when the mood strikes – follow our golden rules above to really nail your online shopping.
Lastly – your BONUS tips!
1. Shop with a plan
Whether you're shopping online or in person – make sure you're shopping with intent. You're less likely to waste money or make regretful purchases when you're clear-headed and somewhat strategic in your approach. Have a clear idea of what you're on the hunt for (those gaps in your wardrobe), shop for them first, and follow with your wish-list (trend-driven loves) and treat yourself where they make sense and fit within your wardrobe and lifestyle as a mum.
2. Use the FILTER feature
Most online sites will have a search function. Look for the search icon (looking glass usually) and narrow in on what you know you need first! Search by brand, colour, style, whatever it is. Instead of jumping straight into the 'all women's fashion' be strategic. Looking at 'ALL fashion' will quickly leave you feeling overwhelmed and distracted by items that are not on your list.
Have fun and enjoy the experience. There is nothing more satisfying than receiving your parcel, trying it on and falling in love with what you've bought and knowing you've nailed it!
