One of the best ways to build a fashionable and affordable wardrobe is to shop for clothes and accessories online. However, shopping online can be very challenging if you do not know how to select items based on their descriptions and photographs. If you want to enhance your wardrobe with online purchases then you need to learn how to translate the information given on a website into clues for how the clothing or accessory items will fit your body and existing clothing collection.

Tip #1 - Read the Sizing Chart
The first thing that you will want to do when shopping online is to read the sizing chart for the item that you are interested in. Keep in mind that some of the sizing information provided in the product's description is based on a specific size, usually a small size. To get the sizing information for your size you will need to go to the site's official sizing page. If this information is not available then you can call the customer service line to get specific sizing information about the item that interests you.

Tip #2 - Use Photographs of Your Clothes to Mix and Match
Since you are enhancing your existing wardrobe with the online items it can be very helpful to have digital images of your key wardrobe pieces so that you have something to work with when selecting items based on photographs. You can use your photographs as references when selecting online items to build an outfit or a specific type of wardrobe, such as a work wardrobe or a school wardrobe. This strategy also works for selecting accessories.

Tip #3 - Know Your Measurements
Since you can't try on clothes that are offered by online clothing stores, you need to know your body measurements. You will need to take your bust/chest measurement, your waist measurement, your hip measurement, your arm length, your dress length and your inseam measurement. If you are a woman then you will also need to know your bra size and your underbust measurement. Keep these measurements on a piece of paper so you can refer to them when shopping for clothes online.

We used to call him "Mr. 1980's." Who? Me and the other folks at my old job. "Mr. 1980's" was our boss and from head to toe, he emulated everything that was fashionable in the year 1980. (Bill Cosby sweaters and all.) The only problem with this was that it was 2003!

It's been a while since I've seen my old boss, but one thing is for sure - he isn't the only person in America trapped in a fashion time warp. This trap is a common one that many people fall into, which keeps them looking old and out of step. If you're in a similar trap, you are sporting clothes that make you look like a perfect candidate for the TV show "What NOT to Wear." So, it's time for a change. Check out the following statements and rethink your wardrobe if you say any of them on a regular basis.

"Purple is my favorite color."
Yes. Purple is your favorite color, which is why people call you "Barney" and "Grape Ape" behind your back. It's time to expand the colors in your closet and break up the monotony. Understand that every color in a rainbow is beautiful and it's okay to wear more than one of them on your back.

"I can't find anything to wear in the store."
Really? Today, there are stores that cater to every size, shape and budget. So, there really isn't any excuse for you to walk around looking like a mess. If you hate to shop, get online and buy your clothes. You can kill two birds with one stone. You can find the clothes you like to wear with just the push of a button and avoid the crowds in the mall at the same time.

"I'm still the same size I was in high school."
No you're not. You are two sizes bigger, and you know it. Be honest with yourself and buy larger clothes. Your clothes will hang better, and you will finally be able to get rid of the elastic lines across your stomach. Also, clothes that fit tend to make you look smaller - and we all know you're the kind of person who doesn't want to look fat.

Did you see yourself in any of these statements? If so, change your words and clothes and then step into a more fashionable future.