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Online shopping isn’t really a new way of buying things anymore. Newer tweaks to the existing platforms to make the shopping journey more enjoyable, more useful, quicker, or easier for the consumer, however, keep the world of e-commerce on its toes. Whether it is discovering brands through social commerce, buying products through voice search or the latest wave of generative A.I., the e-commerce experience is eternally transforming to make the consumer experience better.
With career, fitness, social obligations and other extracurricular activities, the schedule of the average shopper seems to get just a little bit fuller every day. As life gets busier, the reliance on technology has gotten higher. With everything available at the tap of a screen, balancing aspirations carefully, has become quite the norm.
An important part of the routine is picking out what to wear. Whether it is going for a quick run in the morning, getting ready for an important presentation or attending a friend’s birthday party, wardrobe choices are inescapable. As people get busier, online shopping becomes a popular choice.
Another point that can’t be disputed is the sheer choice available. Regardless of the style, price points, or seasons, there is a range of options to choose from across brands. With a myriad of filters to sort through an exhaustive number of choices to zero in on exactly what you’re looking for, online clothing stores have been providing a convenient shopping option for quite a while now.
In-store shopping has its benefits. The ability to actually gauge the material in person, the option to try out what you’re buying, and making a whole day out of the shopping experience, all rule in favour of in-store shopping.
However, online shopping is gaining speed as a popular choice too. The ability to shop at any given point in time right from home, time-saving, a wide range of options available across price points, fabrics, sizing and brands, and the ability to compare prices: Online shopping is truly the gift that keeps on giving. With technology growing at the speed that it is, online shopping is becoming an even more interactive experience. AI-driven recommendations and AR-driven features are just some of the new perks of browsing online stores.
In early 2023, approximately 43% consumers in the US said that they prefer shopping online over shopping in-store, as per this article. In today’s day and age, a vast chunk of the retail world has an online presence, showcasing a wide product range. With specific sale seasons like the Amazon Prime Day Sale, Black Friday or Cyber Monday, people create shopping lists, ready to make the most of the massive discounts available during these periods.
When it comes to choosing the right online clothing store, there are a few simple questions to ask yourself. What is it that you’re looking for? What is your specific style? What is your budget? What is the occasion you’re shopping for? Once you have a fair idea of what you’re looking for, then comes the question of shortlisting online clothing stores from the vast sea that is the internet.
There are the popular brands, of course. Brands that have made a name for themselves. There are upcoming brands that are the talk of the town. Then, there are stores that are hidden gems. Every brand has its own identity, with a diverse product range, and interesting shopping experiences to offer. So, then how does one choose?
Here are a few things to look out for when it comes to shopping online:
One major perk that in-store shopping has over online shopping is the ability to try out the outfit you wish to purchase. For online shopping, size guide reviews are a helpful way of choosing a size that fits your requirement. It is also wise to check out the reviews of past buyers to check if sizing has been a concern for the particular outfit you’re interested in. Certain brands are also known to stock additional petite and plus sizes that make shopping online even more convenient.
Ever been in a time bound situation where you need a particular outfit urgently? Online shopping is clearly the answer when it comes to saving time. However, it makes sense to check out what the customer return policies are, of the online clothing store you’re browsing, if the item purchased doesn’t really suit your requirement. Every store’s return policy regarding time frame, condition of the item purchased, and potential cost of return, may differ. Therefore, it makes sense to read up on their rules before making a purchase.
Another point to take into consideration especially when it comes to choosing an online store to shop at, is shipping. Is it free? How long will it take? Do they deliver to your area?
Every seasoned shopper has had this thought at least once before buying anything. ‘Is the price worth it’? Well, the answer can be sought again in the review section of the product, with the thoughts of the people who have bought it before. The answers of previous customers are often insightful about a range of topics such as the fit, material, color, texture, price and whether or not they had to return the product.
This one’s a given when it comes to shopping online. Every online shopper must protect their financial information. A crucial way of doing this is to ensure that the websites they use to shop at, are safe to use, with the relevant security certificates, payment encryption methods and secure checkout processes. Therefore, it is prudent to refer to the store’s payment information before making a purchase.
The answer can often be found in the form of another question.
What is the value that this store brings to the shopper’s life?
When it comes to shopping, especially online, there are a few points that are pertinent. Style and comfort are important when it comes to clothes. However, are the store’s offerings within the price bracket of the shopper? Does the store deliver on time? Does it have a good return policy?
In an era where both iconic stores as well as upcoming brands are vying for the shopper’s attention through creative marketing and vibrant shopping experiences, they must keep reinventing the game, in order to be a part of the top 10 women's online clothing stores in the USA.
However, certain points remain evergreen in capturing the shopper’s attention when it comes to e-commerce:
Stores with a diverse range of sizing options such as additional petite and plus sizes, help in garnering the attention of the shopper.
It is a busy, busy world that keeps on running. There are also a ton of options to choose from. So, features like free delivery and quick shipping are key in enticing the customers, and helps in enhancing brand loyalty.
The customer journey doesn’t end with the purchase. In fact, shoppers value brands that prioritise customer relationships by providing easy returns and customer-friendly exchange policies.
The top answer when it comes to enticing a shopper: A good discount!
Right from retail giants like Amazon to the neighbourhood boutique, discounts and offers are a significant way in catching the customer’s attention. After all, who doesn’t love a good deal?
Hitting the sweet spot by combining affordability with the latest fashion is easily the best way to build a loyal customer base.
10 brands. 10 stories.
Every brand on this list has its own personality, suited to cater to different styles, occasions and vibes.
A popular brand on the list with a reputation for carrying global high-end brands, Nordstrom is known for both luxury products as well as exceptional customer service. Originally known as a premium departmental store, it also has a strong online retail presence today.
Trendy and affordable, ASOS is a name that is popular among the younger audience. An online-only brand, ASOS has a strong social media presence and is known for contemporary fashion.
Runway chic with an affordable price tag? Look no further than Zara. With an ever-evolving collection of the latest fashion trends, Zara is easily one of the top few names that shoppers search for while looking for a gorgeous, trendy outfit.
In the market for some high-quality basics for your wardrobe? Everlane is a strong contender with their minimalist approach towards fashion, along with a commitment towards transparent pricing.
An early adopter of the influencer marketing strategy and a strong social media game, Revolve is a favourite among the millennials and Gen Z, for luxury labels.
Boho-chic with glamour and a touch of vintage? Think Anthropologie. With a ton of charm, romance and vibrance, the Anthropologie vibe appeals to the artistic and whimsical side of the shopper.
If you’re looking for a fun outfit for the next event on your calendar, Lulus is a great choice. With a great range emphasizing affordable luxury, Lulus is a popular option to browse through, to find your next favourite fit.
If sustainability is the central focus for you, while also getting clothes that are both elegant and on-trend, Reformation is a stellar option to shop from.
A staple for every wardrobe is a good pair of jeans. Madewell steps in, with a variety of great quality denims and stylish yet timeless casual wear.
Is the eclectic, modern-Bohemian vibe more your style? Try Free People. With a variety of styles ranging from free-spirited flowy silhouettes to romantic vintage, there are a lot of options to choose from in their collection.
A key feature that every shopper looks at when it comes to shopping online, is the return policy. If returning a product is tedious, other websites with better return policies are prioritized. Certain brands are known for exceptional customer service.
Nordstrom has a return service that doesn’t have any time limit, within the US. You can either send the item back or bring it to the store. Read more about the return service and specific rules, on their site.
Within the US, Everlane offers direct exchanges for different sizes, colors or inseams of the same style (Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges). In order to initiate an exchange online, access the ‘Orders and Returns’ page and enter your order details. In-store exchange is also available. Read more about Everlane’s exchange policy here.
Subject to certain rules, ASOS has a 28-day return window from the day the order has been delivered or made available for collection at your nominated store or collection point to return an item. Read about their return policy here.
Within the US, Anthropologie allows for exchanges and returns via mail or at a store. A small fee is deducted from the refund for most mailed returns. Read about their exchange and return policy here.
While shopping online has a lot of perks, getting the best deals is still a priority. How can you go about getting the best bargains? Every site usually has a newsletter that you can sign up for in order to receive alerts for the specific sale periods. If you’re a frequent buyer of a particular brand, you can even download the app and set up an alert for the product you’ve been eyeing to ensure that you get the best deal. Another good way of getting the best discount is shopping during prominent sale periods of the year.
You can even use apps like flash.co that help you view all your shopping in one place, understand your spending better and reward you with points. You can also use the Flash app to discover more brands you like!
Online shopping has transformed the shopping experience for the busy consumer. From saving time and providing a convenient alternative, digital platforms have taken great strides in making the experience more personalized and user-focused.
Finding a site that caters to your style requirements is always the first priority. Other criteria like stocking a variety of sizes, timely shipping, easy return/exchanges, and good discounts are a close second.
What are the most affordable women’s online clothing stores?
It depends on a number of things such as the budget of the shopper, and the style requirement. Certain brands in the above list such as ASOS, Lulus and Zara are known for affordable pricing. Nordstrom also has an off-price departmental store called Nordstrom Rack with a collection of products at discounted prices.
Are there women’s clothing stores with a wide range of sizes?
Yes, lots of online clothing stores such as ASOS, Anthropologie, Madewell and Lulus, carry a variety of sizes.
How can I avoid scams when shopping for clothing online?
It is important to prioritize safety while shopping online. Choosing to shop from websites of reputable brands, researching brands carefully before buying anything, and being careful with your financial information and not giving away sensitive information, are a few ways to avoid scams while shopping online.
Do online stores offer personalized shopping recommendations?
As technology advances, personalization becomes a larger part of online marketing. Nowadays, brands use AI-powered recommendations, chatbots and style quizzes in order to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, in a quicker and more efficient manner.
