I love fall fashion and shopping online. The time I save shopping can be spent outdoors or doing fun things, like spending good times with friends and loved ones.
To find out the latest tips and tricks on how you can get the most out of your online shopping experience and the hottest style trends for fall, I spoke with Camille Kowalewski, Head of Communications at eBay Canada.
Camille shared with me the latest style trends and top tips on how your can get the most from your online shopping experience.
What are the top trends for women this fall/winter?
The colder months have women reaching for warmer textures like heavy knits and luxe velvets, and layering pieces like the ever classic navy overcoat.
While trendy summer fashion items like 90's inspired chokers, strapless jumpsuits and floral patterns are carrying through to the colder season, we're also seeing winter-specific styles coming out for the season like statement faux fur pieces and stoles and bold metallic accents.
Jumpsuits: Instead of a short cocktail dress, stay warm while you're out for a night on the town in a classic jumpsuit, layered with a leather jacket, fitted velvet blazer or faux fur stole. Look for a classic style with clean lines and structured fabrics to help flatter any body type, and dress it up with a statement necklace or fun, bold earrings.
Cozy Oversized Sweaters: With sweater weather in full swing, get cozy with oversized knits. Pair them with a dressy booty and your favourite jeans or leather leggings for an effortlessly chic look that will keep you warm and comfy.
Dark Florals: Shift into the colder season with dark floral prints. These moody hues are just as feminine as their summer counterparts and provide the perfect setting for a deep plum lip. Incorporate this trend through a soft cardigan or a bomber jacket.
Are there any new tips and tricks to get the best deals online?
Shop for fashion staples from previous seasons: Those classic fashion pieces -- Thick heavy-knit sweaters, black booties, navy wool coats -- stay fairly consistent through the years, so you don't have to always buy new this season to stay on trend.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to score deals on fashion pieces, especially jewellery and watches -- item's you don't have to worry about your specific size being in stock. But, the better the deal, the faster it will sell out, so you'll have to act quick.
What are some buys that are on trend for guys?
This season we're seeing trends for men that are easy and effortless. Items like every day athleisure are dominating, and we're seeing an increase of relaxed fit in dress pants and jeans. Classic staples also never go out of style for men, like oversized coats and luxe dress shoes.
Oversized coats: Fall and winter coats are a great investment in our Canadian climate. With several lengths, colours and fabrics to choose from, the options for a warm yet stylish coat are plenty.
Leather oxford: Now is the time to get the most of out your fall shoes before the snow hits the ground. Effortlessly take your polished workday look into the weekend by pairing these sharp shoes with relaxed jeans and a high-quality cotton long-sleeved top.
Vintage bombers: Bombers have had fashion staying-power since the early 20th century. Paired with a warm scarf and leather gloves, these jackets will keep you cozy and fashionable in the colder months. Avoid the fast-fashion option and look online for something vintage that makes you look like you were just in a cockpit.
How can you avoid mistakes when shopping online?
Pay attention to return policies. Just like shopping in a store, when you're shopping online, it's always important to take note of the return policy.
Consider shipping times. If you need an item for a specific date always look at the estimated delivery date of the item, and then add some buffer room if the item needs to cross the border.
The closer your deadline is to receive the item, the closer the geography should be for where you purchase the item. For example, if you need a dress for a special occasion next week, you may want to look at sellers within Canada versus those from Australia.
Take note of sizing charts. Be mindful of sizing chart differences between countries as they can vary greatly; you don't want to mistakenly end up buying something too large or too small.
Any other tips for the best online shopping experience?
Don't limit your shopping to just new and now. Shopping online means you have endless options at your fingertips, so you can really find some fashion gems if you think beyond what you're currently seeing in store windows.
There are brand new in-season items for the trendy must-haves, but they also offer classic pieces that are in new condition from previous season, trendy but affordable gently used items and those truly unique vintage finds. Fashion is a form of personal expression so broaden your online search and have fun finding items that are your version of perfect!
I will be thinking about all of these online shopping tips as I continue to expand my fall wardrobe. Your suggestions are always welcome, as I continue on my journey to live life to the fullest.
Let's have the very best 2016!
Visit Sacha daily at SachaD.com
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