One highlight of shopping in high-end stores is the feeling of luxurious elegance that accompanies the experience. Most of us enjoy dressing smartly for shopping trips, during which we might treat ourselves to a meal or drink at a fabulous restaurant or bar. 

But what about shopping virtually? 

Is it even possible to feel luxurious when sitting in front of your computer or mobile device?

Yes! We want to tell you that it can be done. More than that, we want to share a few tips on how you can recreate the attitude, the ambience, and that special feeling when you indulge in some online shopping in the comfort of your home.

Refine Your Surroundings

Whether you do most of your virtual shopping propped up on pillows in bed, lounging on the sofa, or in your home office, make sure your surroundings reflect a touch of elegance. If you’re up for a room makeover, that’s great, but remember that sometimes less is more. Make sure the space is clean and tidy, light a scented candle, or add a potted plant in a stylish holder.

If you’re planning a virtual shopping trip, consider making snacks and drinks before you start, or plan a break for sustenance. When deciding what to eat and drink, opt for something similar to what you’d have when you go out. Alternatively, make your own cheese or charcuterie board and snack while you shop. This is a luxury you often won’t find in-store, so it’s worth indulging in.

Dress The Part

As much as feeling luxuriously elegant begins in the mind, it’s difficult to get into that mindset when your look doesn’t reflect your aspirations. If you’re bleary-eyed, bed-haired, and in your sleepwear, you’ll feel anything but elegant. 

Wear freshly laundered clothes (choose something you’d wear when you go shopping), and style your hair. Wear a fragrance that says, “understated elegance” rather than “loud club night.” It helps to remember these tips when choosing your wardrobe:

  • Fix the weakest link – If you’re wearing anything at all that doesn’t make you feel elegant, swap it for something else (even if it’s not obvious, you know it’s there)
  • Choose well-fitted clothes – You’ll feel comfortable, stylish, and confident
  • Accessorize – Choose subtle accessories, such as a ring, bracelet, or hair band.
  • Match your socks with your outfit– You don’t need to wear shoes, but make an effort with your socks. Choose a luxe pair in a comfy knit that makes your feet feel great.

Check Out The Runway

While there’s nothing new about virtual fashion shows, lockdowns prompted the industry to rethink its approach. The results almost all-round were spectacular, and a sign of even better things to come. 

Before you begin your virtual shopping trip, put yourself in the mood for amazing clothing by checking out the most recent collections by your favorite designers. You can also read up on the latest fashion news and see what’s trending, and how to wear it well. After what might feel like a private show, start browsing the racks at virtual stores.

Browse Luxurious Virtual Stores

Visit a few top brands’ virtual stores when you’re ready to start shopping. If you’re interested in designer labels, check out the stores of Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, and others. There’s no need for a virtual reality (VR) headset, as the VR elements in the stores are optimized for computers and smartphones. 

At most sites, you can browse racks and shelves and explore the digital space in other ways, just as you would do in a physical store. Some virtual stores offer video shopping appointments with consultants, one-to-one messaging, themed rooms, and augmented reality (AR) try-on options. 

Try On Clothes With AR

We mentioned AR, and it’s certainly a trend we’re seeing a lot of in the fashion world now. If possible, try on clothes using AR while shopping virtually. Seeing yourself in an array of garments can reemphasize your inner sense of elegance and luxury. 

Besides letting you try on garments, AR options can suggest items of clothing. It’s important to remember that the visuals may be an accurate rendering of what the clothes would look like on you, but the tools cannot give you any idea of what they feel like in real life. However, most sites include in-depth product descriptions that describe the fabric used and other important details, so always give these a read. You’ll then know what to expect when your purchase arrives.

Indulge In Subscription Shopping

Coming home with an armful of life’s little luxuries certainly helps to feel luxurious when you go out shopping. A great way to recreate that experience when shopping online at home is to indulge in a subscription service or two. 

The choice is incredible. You’ll find boxes of good quality clothing and underwear, décor items, beauty products, fragrances, and more. It won’t be the instant gratification you get when you go shopping in physical stores. But once you’ve signed up, paid for the service, and the invoice processing part is complete, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’ll receive a subscription box once or twice a month. 

Live The Good Life

Just because you’re shopping online, it doesn’t mean that you don’t get to feel luxuriously elegant. We love that with a little bit of effort, you can make the most of shopping in the comfort of your own home. With e-commerce, the world is at your fingertips, so it’s always the perfect time to take a virtual trip to NY or London and indulge in a little retail therapy.