The boutique stores aimed at petite women tend to be too expensive to shop at regularly, but by using them carefully you can save time and sometimes even money. If there’s a petite shop near you, find out when they have sales, and make sure to attend; clearances on expensive items can be very deep. These stores can also be a good place to find high-quality basic pieces that you can wear for years, like a classic navy interview suit. While it may be expensive initially, a good fit saves money on tailoring and good quality means it will last longer.
Use Internet Shopping Effectively
Internet shopping, like catalogue shopping, can be a great boon to the petite because it expands their options. But when you order an item that doesn’t look right or doesn’t fit, you have to waste time repackaging it and taking it to the post office, and waste money on both the initial and the return shipping (most retailers will not refund the shipping and handling charge when a garment is returned).
By being selective as to what you order online, you can save time and often money. Don’t shop online when you don’t know quite what you’re looking for; thumbnail sketches are not inspiring, and your eyes will glaze over long before you find the perfect outfit. But if you know you want a red crew-neck sweater, you can get online and find one. Likewise, don’t shop online for anything that you know will be difficult to fit- the chances are too high you’ll wind up sending it back. If you have a favorite brand that always fits, though, that you found in a bricks-and-mortar store, you may be able to find the same brand online and save a trip to the mall.
Shipping costs can make online shopping expensive. To reduce them, order multiple items at once when possible. Look for sites that offer free shipping or have free shipping specials.