How To Shop Your Lookbook
A Lookbook is a styling tool, not a shopping list! You don’t have to (and really shouldn’t) purchase every item in it to use it as inspiration and guidance for dressing in your desired style.
As you browse your Lookbook, treat every piece and every outfit as a suggestion. It’s normal for some suggestions to resonate stronger than others or spark new ideas. That voice is your personal style speaking to you! So with that in mind, here is how I recommend you utilize your book.
Step One: Review The Book, Linked Items & Notes
You will receive two attachments: your Lookbook and a list of links with stylist notes. In the notes, I share more details on why I selected each item and (when applicable) why I’ve linked several options for a piece.
Sometimes the lookbook image will not be the same as the real-life item. This happens when…
I am incorporating something you already have and I don’t have a clear image so I grab something similar.
I am substituting items that sell out quickly, which happens often at lower price points.
I am working around creative modeling. If you look at the example images, the blazer in the flay lay is not the exact same. Sometimes the retailers pose the models in very unhelpful ways!
So with that in mind, please make sure you review the linked items carefully. I will always do my best to get as close as possible.
Step Two: Try On What You Already Own
Bring your Lookbook with you to your closet and try on as many of the outfits as you can. Replicate them with whatever you have that’s the same or similar. And don’t leave out the outfits where you’re only missing one or two items! This will give you a great sense of how you’ll feel in the finished looks and if the suggested items will accomplish your style goals.
Step Three: Do Your First Round Of Shopping
With the insights you’ve collected from your try-on session, order the pieces that fill in the gaps in your wardrobe. Before you purchase…
Double-check the list of what you plan to buy to make sure there isn’t another item from the same store! Nobody wants to pay shipping fees twice!
Double-check for sales and coupon codes. A simple Google search or browser extension can save you big money.
Double-check the item description and size chart. If you’re unsure or between sizes, select several options. And if needed, check the return policy to make sure you can send back the items you’re not keeping in a timeline that will work for you.
Remember that sizing is not based on any standard and it varies from brand to brand. It truly does not matter what the tag says, what matters is that it works for you!
Finally, double-check which items would be better for you to shop in person. These will likely be items in the Basics category (jeans, tees, etc.) because those are the simplest to find in-store. If you have specific criteria for fit or if you’ve never tried that category of item before, then use the suggestions/silhouettes in your lookbook as a guide for what to bring to a fitting room.
Step Four: Style Your New Pieces With What You Already Own
As silly as it might sound, I recommend doing this when you have your hair done and when you’re not hungry or thirsty. We are all guilty of throwing on something we bought online over our pajamas and not feeling as excited by it as we did when we purchased it.
This advice is especially important if you’re trying out some looks outside of your comfort zone. Don’t rush through it. If you need it, I’m giving you permission to take this time for yourself. Turn on your favorite show or music in the background and take a few minutes with the entire outfit on (shoes, accessories, the works!) to see how it makes you feel.
Step Five: Decide What To Keep
And here are some guidelines from your friendly neighborhood stylist on how to make those decisions:
When you put it on, did it make you feel great? If yes, keep.
When you pair it with items in your closet, can you see lots of ways you can wear it? If yes, keep.
Can you stand, walk, and sit comfortably in it? (I’m serious, make sure you do all of those things before you take the tags off!) If yes, keep.
When you put it on, did it make you want to change your body in any way? If yes, return.
Does the item look tired or poorly made in any way? (Check for loose threads or buttons, pilling, etc.) If yes, return.
If you’re unsure, snap a photo or video in it and send it to me! I’m happy to help.
Step Six: Use Your Swaps
There is no time limit on your swaps and I encourage you to use them! A swap is when I provide three alternatives to an item and the number of swaps you have depends on which package you booked.
Good candidates for swaps are…
Items you purchased that didn’t work out for you
Items you purchased that you really love and want more variations on
Statement Items you didn’t order from your Lookbook
Take note and share your reasons with me (candid feedback is welcome!) so I can make the best suggestions.
Step Seven: Do Another Round Of Shopping
Shop your swaps and/or other pieces you know will compliment your style. And as you wear your new outfits, you’ll likely learn more about yourself that will inform future purchasing decisions.
I hope you love how you look and feel!
