ELLE’s Ultimate Guide to Online Shopping
If loving this lifestyle is wrong, we don’t want to be right.
You love online shopping—don’t lie to me. I can practically see the packages stacking up at your doorstep and the confirmation emails lighting up your phone. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, you’re helping the nation’s economy, and I commend you for that. I ask, however, when was the last time you hit the refresh button on your go-to storefronts? If you already know the New Arrivals sections front-to-back, it’s time to spice things up with some new shops to browse. Online shopping offers access to a global bazaar of consumer goodies with just the clack clack clack of your keyboard, so if you are simply sticking to what you know, you’re missing out.
Fortunately, I know just the spot where you can stock up on trendy summer shoes, cute cocktail dresses, or literally anything else your wardrobe might be lacking. In need of the best carry-on suitcase? I got your back. Hello, I am a shopping editor, after all. I know a thing or two about e-retail therapy—and the best places to find it. So, give yourself a pass to splash out a little on an online shopping spree. You deserve it, I swear! Below, find 83 of our favorites online shops and get ready to “Add to Cart.”
Alo Yoga
What’s for sale: Men’s and women’s activewear, workout equipment, beauty, hair, and skincare
What we love it for: Matching sets worthy of endless mirror selfies
Prices: $–$$$
Loved by Kendall Jenner and the Hadids, Alo Yoga is one of the best brands for athleisure gear you can actually work out in. Or wear to brunch. Or for an impromptu photoshoot. Truly, no one does on-trend workout sets quite like Alo.
What customers are saying: “Really love [the item] and I think the material is great...The order also came with a 30-day free trial of their Alo Yoga service which you can access through their Alo Moves app...I’d definitely try/check it out!”
Bandier
What’s for sale: Women’s activewear and loungewear, shoes, and accessories
What we love it for: Browsing tons of hot, on-trend brands in one place
Prices: $$–$$$
Bandier’s edit of grid-worthy workout gear is enough to make you want to do a HIIT session. It sells fan-favorite brands like All Access, Splits59, and P.E Nation, but don’t miss out on its equally great in-house label for all your athleisure essentials.
What customers are saying: “I wear a lot of sustainable products now and I love most of Bandier’s sustainable active ear. They are comfortable and easy to work out in. While it is a bit pricier than my regular clothes, I would say that the prices are worth it!”
Made Trade
What’s for sale: All things ethically and sustainably made for men, women, children, and home
What we love it for: Replacing homewares with sustainable swaps that you can feel good about
Prices: $–$$$$
For sustainable wares of all varieties, consider Made Trade. The retailer exclusively offers goods made with sustainable and ethical practices in mind, without sacrificing artistry.
What customers are saying: “Wonderful company offering excellent variety of ethical products and superb customer service.”
Fashion to Figure
What’s for sale: Women’s plus-sized apparel, including swim and intimates
What we love it for: Trendy and affordable items—ranging from party dresses to work blazers—to add to your wardrobe
Prices: $
Catering exclusively to plus-size shoppers, Fashion to Figure offers everything from cozy knit sets to event-ready gems. With items hovering below $100 a pop, it’s a shopping destination to keep tabbed.
What customers are saying: “Pretty, good quality, fashion-forward clothes for the curvy girls at excellent prices! I always find a gorgeous outfit here for any occasion at a great price & in my size!!”
The Style Room
What’s for sale: Men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, and shoes
What we love it for: The well thought-out edit of sartorial goodies
Prices: $–$$$$
Zappos is a no-brainer for quick shipping on a wide range of items (specifically footwear), but the brand’s Style Room, featuring an edit of mid- and high-end designers marrying workwear with everyday life, is a can’t-miss stop.
What customers are saying: “This is the second time I have bought something from them which once again came quickly after placing an order, and which fitted me perfectly. I will use them again and again. Great service, Great products.”
Cettire
What’s for sale: Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories from designer brands
What we love it for: Discovering new brands, statement accessories, and sale steals
Prices: $–$$$$
Shopping for luxury goods can sometimes feel overwhelming (and pricey), but Australia-based site Cettire makes it much more accessible. Its tailored curation of designers and stellar sales makes it worth shopping overseas for.
What customers are saying: “I have shopped on the Cettire website three times in a row and had a great shopping experience. Many brands and price concessions, smooth communication with customer service, fast handling of problems.”
11 Honoré
What’s for sale: Women’s plus-sized clothing and accessories from luxe brands
What we love it for: Fashions that can take you from the office to happy hour in a snap
Prices: $–$$$
Unfortunately, designer clothes aren’t always offered in an inclusive size range. This e-commerce site wants to change that by offering high-end options for every woman. We love to see it.
What customers are saying: “I’m super pleased with 11 Honore!..The dress was beautiful and everything I hoped it would be! I cannot wait to order from this company again!”
Free People
What’s for sale: Women’s apparel, including activewear, swim, and intimates; shoes; accessories; and beauty and wellness goods
What we love it for: Scoring new favorites and wardrobe essentials
Prices: $–$$$
While Free People has a desert-glam, boho-chic reputation—there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Think: great denim, cute workout sets, and jewelry for all.
What customers are saying: “I have been shopping here for over 10 years. 75% of my closet is Free People...I have ALWAYS had helpful and great customer service when I call, in fact, they are consistently one of the friendliest and most helpful customer service departments I have dealt with.”
Galerie.LA
What’s for sale: Women’s clothing and accessories
What we love it for: Supporting emerging brands with an eco-focus
Prices: $–$$$
Galerie.LA makes earth-friendly shopping its company ethos. And that’s definitely something we can get behind.
What ELLE editors are saying: “Finding the best sustainable fashion is easier said than done, but Galerie.LA makes the task simpler by finding the best emerging ethical brands from around the world. And given that the online retailer was founded by celebrity stylist Dechel Mckillian—who’s worked with the likes of Drake and Fergie—you know the brand will have some of the coolest brands and products to offer.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
eBay
What’s for sale: Absolutely anything and everything
What we love it for: Hunting down that random ’90s toy for a dose of nostalgia, or snagging a vintage motorcycle jacket
Prices: $–$$$$
Don’t think of eBay as merely an online auction house. The site is a treasure trove of vintage Chanel and brand-new Tory Burch alike, all from reputable sellers. It takes a little bit of elbow grease to do the research, but the deals you score will be well worth it.
What customers are saying: “You can find anything on there and the purchase is guaranteed. Prices are fantastic, and shipping is usually FREE. I have purchased a lot of quality and also hard-to-find items on eBay. If you are a collector it makes a good starting point for your search.”
Wolf & Badger
What’s for sale: Men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, jewelry, home, beauty, and gifts
What we love it for: Guilt-free shopping sprees
Prices: $$–$$$$
Wolf & Badger is so great, one of our editors basically wrote a love letter to the site. It only curates and directly benefits independent designers who meet ethical standards, meaning they are all environmentally and socially conscious. You simply can’t not support this responsible retailer.
What customers are saying: “Wolf & Badger has become my go-to site for clothes and jewelry. They make it incredibly easy to find items that fit my style and fall within my price range from companies that align with my values...They are super responsive when you need to make a return.”
Italist
What’s for sale: Men’s, women’s, and kid’s fashion, shoes, accessories, and homewares from Italian brands
What we love it for: Saving some sweet, sweet cash
Prices: $$–$$$$
Here’s a hot tip if you love designer goods on a discount: look overseas. Italist, founded in Silicon Valley in 2014, connects you to Italian designers like Prada, Gucci, and more, but with the added benefit of the Euro conversion rate that benefits American shoppers. In other words, you can score consistent discounts up to 30 to 40 percent off items on current designer items that are still selling at full price stateside.
What customers are saying: “I was a bit nervous as I was ordering from another country (potentially more to go wrong) but I had nothing to worry about. I placed the order on Sunday, taxes all included in the final price. I was kept up to date with fulfilment, item was delivered Tuesday. It was quicker than orders from within my own country. I will definitely be ordering again.”
Nordstrom
What’s for sale: Men’s, women’s, junior’s, and children’s apparel, shoes, accessories, and homewares
What we love it for: Stocking (and re-stocking) our closets and makeup bags
Prices: $–$$$
We grew up with Nordstrom, and over the years it’s gone from your usual department store to something so much more (and cooler!). Now, it also has curated pop-up shops promoting newbie designers and indie home goods.
What customers are saying: “Love everything about Nordstrom. The shipping is fast, returns are easy, and the customer service is top notch.”
Union Los Angeles
What’s for sale: Apparel, footwear, and accessories
What we love it for: Being on the cutting edge of streetwear trends
Prices: $$–$$$
Union is considered the mecca of streetwear fashion. Since its conception in 1989, the store has offered up everything from indie designer labels to brands sourced from Japan and the U.K. Cop something from here and expect to be complimented.
What customers are saying: “Arrived and just as described and fit me well...I had a positive experience, no issues.”
Etsy
What’s for sale: All things handcrafted
What we love it for: Supporting small businesses; finding one-of-a-kind pieces and thoughtful gifts with personalized touches
Prices: $–$$$
Connect with makers and artisans worldwide with Etsy. The site brings independent sellers into one marketplace, where you can find everything from vintage Dior to handmade ceramics and made-to-order leather goods.
What customers are saying: “Love supporting small businesses. The items are always so wonderful, often hand-made and one-of-a-kind. It’s extremely rare that I receive a defective item or experience poor customer service (perhaps 1% of my experiences), but when it does occur Etsy could not be more helpful with resolving any issue and in an expedited fashion.”
Sincerely, Tommy
What’s for sale: Women’s clothing and accessories
What we love it for: Making it look like you have better taste than you actually do
Prices: $$–$$$
If your style can be described as “Brooklyn effortless,” Sincerely Tommy is for you. It’s run by Kai Avent-deLeon, who pretty much sums that vibe up. Look to this store for a curated selection of up-and-coming brands mixed in with its affordable in-house label (the shoes in particular should not be missed).
What customers are saying: “I got so many compliments, and it’s not like I don’t have access to clothes since I work at Neiman Marcus for over 20 years but I have to say this shop has amazing items and they have great customer service too, I always get my emails answered quickly. I follow them on IG so I watch for new arrivals and when they hit you really have to be quick!! The wait for shipping is longer than I am used to but it is well worth the wait! I am so glad I found them.”
& Other Stories
What’s for sale: Women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories
What we love it for: Darling dresses and covetable jewels that won’t break the bank
Prices: $–$$$
Looking for jeans? Try & Other Stories. Want a new dress? Yup, & Other Stories. Scheming for leather OTK boots that don’t cost as much as your rent? Spoiler alert: & Other Stories. In other words, we love this site.
What customers are saying: “Beautiful items, fancy design, quality fabrics. My new go-to shop when I need an update in my wardrobe...Customer service is the best service you could ever imagine.”
Everlane
What’s for sale: Women’s clothes, shoes, and bags
What we love it for: The best basics in town
Prices: $–$$
One of the best fashion brands on the market, Everlane is sustainably focused, creates quality, on-trend products, and is only sold direct-to-consumer, keeping costs down.
What customers are saying: “I have been a longtime customer of Everlane and always received good service. It’s easy to make returns and they even replaced a pair of jeans for me that split after I’d owned them for months. Their shoes are really high quality and I love their cashmere prices.”
Net-a-Porter
What’s for sale: Women’s designer clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories
What we love it for: Occasion wear, investment pieces, and a fabulous curation of designers
Prices: $$–$$$$
When Net-a-Porter launched in 2000, it filled a void of online designer shopping. It’s only gotten bigger and better since then, with same-day delivery, exclusive capsule collections, and more.
What customers are saying: “I do a lot of online shopping. In my experience, Net-a-Porter has their processes down to perfect. They deliver quickly. If there is any problem with an item it is so easy to do a return.”
W Concept
What’s for sale: Women’s and men’s fashion, shoes, and accessories, plus K-beauty and lifestyle goods including technology, home, and pet items
What we love it for: Getting ahead of the trends
Prices: $–$$
W Concept is a Korean-based e-commerce site that will give you the scoop on the Asian designers worth paying attention to.
What customers are saying: “Great selection, good customer service so far.”
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
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