Let’s be real: just because it looks stunning on a model or worse, in a weirdly angled Zara photo, doesn’t mean it’s going to look stunning on you. Shocking, I know. But that’s exactly why trying things on isn’t optional, It’s optimal. For your style, your wallet, and for the planet.
Large? Medium? M/L? Who cares size labels are meaningless at this point. Every designer interprets “medium” differently. That $20 dress that “should” fit you? It was probably made using a 4 x 8 plywood panel as the dress form. Too bad you couldn’t try it on before clicking “Check Out” (and having the anticipation grow and grow each day as you obsessively refreshed its tracking page). If only you had tried the hourglass lie on before purchasing and avoided the tragic online-shopping-return spiral from starting (that is, if returns are free of charge and of tariffs, otherwise who’s actually bothering with the return..?).
We all know returns are a hassle. What you might not think about though is that they’re also bad for the planet. Shipping, packaging, emissions… and multiply that by thousands of unnecessary returns. Trying things on first? You’re making fewer mistakes, spending less money, and subtly saving the world. It’s called being responsible and fashionable, baby. You’re also simply cutting out the possibility of getting sent certifiable pieces of plastic shit from anonymous e-tail companies that are so impersonable they don’t see the value of a storefront (that “artisan” Etsy page with affordable suede bags? It’s actually just a sketchy drop shipping operation run by two losers in a trench coat).
Let’s take a step back and reminisce about the past for a second. Remember community? Remember third spaces?? Remember socializing??? Aww nostalgia am I right? But what if I told you that you alone could bring these societal relics back with this one little trick: rekindle the old flame of shopping. in. person. If the fit doesn’t fit your body or your style, you can just leave it on the hanger. Mmm, doesn’t it feel good to know those dollars won’t be taken from your credit card in 1-2 business days? Also like, there’s no “minimum spend for free shipping” in-store. So you are back in control of what you are spending and bringing into your home. Life is short, but it’s still long enough to stretch your wallet to its last penny. So, invest in things that actually fit (and avoid that little growing pile in your closet of useless things you meant to return but *oops*, you forgot because you’re just soo busy and tired).
Yes, fashion is an experiment. You’ll #outfitfail but maybe you’ll even #eat. But if you’re not willing to do the minimum of visiting your local store or mall, you’re just allowing the possibility of settling for an ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and frumpy looks. And settling? That’s never in style.
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