Can we talk about shopping for clothes on Amazon?

 

Because I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with it.

 

Tell me if this sounds familiar...

 

You're scrolling Instagram when someone shows up wearing a GREAT sweater, jacket, or pair of pants.

 

It looks like something you'd find at a much more expensive retailer.

 

And then she says those magic words...

 

Suddenly, it's like someone told you it's basically FREE.

And better yet? It can be on your doorstep TOMORROW.

 

LOL. No wonder we lose all self-control.

 

 

Now, I know some people have decided to stop shopping at Amazon altogether, for reasons ranging from labor practices and environmental concerns to the company's enormous influence on small businesses. And I completely understand why some shoppers have decided to take their business elsewhere.

 

Personally, I've been trying to cut back, particularly when it comes to clothing.

 

But I haven't gone cold turkey.

 

And frankly, some of my favorite wardrobe pieces have come from Amazon.

 

I've had great luck with certain categories, especially athleisure and workout clothes, tennis wear, sweatshirts, casual pull-on pants, cotton tees, socks, and easy summer sundresses.

 

I've even found some excellent shoes from specific brands that happen to sell on Amazon.

 

So I'm certainly not going to tell you that everything on Amazon is junk or that you shouldn't shop there.

 

But I AM becoming much pickier about what I buy.

 

 

And I think that's where Amazon gets us.

 

We see something that looks amazing on someone else. It's inexpensive. The reviews are glowing. We can have it tomorrow.

 

Before we know it, we've convinced ourselves we need it.

 

But do we?

 

Lately, I've been trying to approach Amazon clothing purchases differently.

Instead of browsing to see what catches my eye, I try to shop with a specific purpose.

 

Maybe I need a particular color top to work with pants I already own.

Or a pair of comfortable pull-on pants for everyday wear.

 

Amazon's search function can actually be really useful when you know exactly what you're looking for.

 

But then I get picky.

 

I look closely at the fabric content. The cut. The design details. The fit. Whether it's something I can wear with several things I already own.

 

And I ask myself:

 

That's a pretty revealing question.

 

 

You know the ones.

 

This season it's the lace-trimmed barrel or harem pants, lace-hem sweaters, bandana-print cardigans, and jeans.

 

There's nothing inherently wrong with any of them.

 

But when a very specific piece goes viral and everyone starts wearing it, I tend to lose interest pretty quickly.

 

I never want to look like a walking Amazon billboard; I want to add pieces that make sense for me. 

 

And more importantly, I don't want to fill my closet with trendy pieces that seemed like a good idea for five minutes but don't really work with the rest of my wardrobe.

 

 

Because all those inexpensive impulse buys add up.

 

Not just in dollars, but in closet space, clutter, and more clothes we don't actually wear.

 

And that's the opposite of what I'm trying to help you do with #justgetdressed.

 

So here's my little challenge for you this week:

 

 

If you have a clear answer, great!

 

If the answer is basically, "It's cute, it's cheap, and I can have it tomorrow"...

Maybe let it sit in your cart for a day or two. There's a good chance that when you go back and see it there, you'll be over it. 

 

See that? I just saved you the hassle of a return. You're welcome. 😇

 

Now, I'd love to hear from you!

 

Have you stopped shopping at Amazon? Cut back? Or do you love it for clothing?

And have you found some genuinely great wardrobe pieces there?

 

Hit reply and tell me. I'm curious where everyone stands on this one.

#justgetdressed,
Beth 😘

P.S. And yes, I DO have an Amazon Storefront 😉. But I try to be selective about what I recommend. I've created a collection of pieces I personally own, wear, and love.  I try to keep this list as up-to-date as possible! 

Over on Instagram @b.styled