How do you find outfit inspiration in an online-only world?

[CarlaTheGnome]

I went into my nearest city today for the first time since the pandemic (I know, I don't get out much!) I wanted to get a few new pieces of clothing because I've been having babies and living in the same stuff for five years. But so many of my old high street favourites are no more. I really struggled to feel inspired going round the shops like I used to. The choice was so limited. I work all day long sat at a computer so I hate the thought of having to spend ages trawling the internet to find something nice (then maybe it won't fit and then I have the faff of getting to a post office to return it!) How do you buy clothes in this day and age? Do you have a few favourite shop sites you always go to? Are you signed up to marketing newsletters who send you their 'newest in'? Do you see people wearing things on social media and then track the item down? I feel like I need to completely overhaul the way I shop for clothes in this post-covid world!

I am lazy and order from Next, so my wardrobe is limited.

I understand your point exactly OP.
Shopping for a Mother of the Groom dress was very frustrating (I made a post about it a month or so ago.) 4 dresses sent for on-line. 3 dresses returned.
One of the companies (Baukjen) took two months and a phone call to refund me.

Posters on my thread suggested a trip to John Lewis. I tried that and found only one of my preferred clothing brands were actually in store!

I’ve started doing John Lewis personal styling appointments any time I want something new, no minimum spend, plenty of brands, no faffing about with multiple sizes cos the assistant helps!

I usually have an idea of what I want - e.g. new jeans, a skirt - then go to see what I can find that I like.

I don't shop for 'outfits' just clothes so I get inspiration from the things I like and then I see something else I like that will go.

If you use social media (Instagram in particular), there are lots of accounts who put together outfit ideas and tag the shop which the items are from.

You can type high street fashion into the search bar and hopefully you'll find an account that suits your style 😊

Insta. I follow the brands I like and also a very select few influencers whose style I like and who don't annoy the piss out of me.

I also know what brands I like and what styles suit me now - &OtherStories, Kin, Cos, And/Or, Whistles, with a sprinkling of Zara, Arket, M&S, H&M. The latter is good for seeing what styles are in and it's on the high st everywhere, then I buy the nicer more upmarket versions elsewhere.

I look for the brands I like on Vinted. I only buy 90% of my clothes from M&S or Primark. I look at all the M&S dresses then buy then in the sales. Or Sainsbury's. Going around the shops is a rare treat for me too but I can't stand the excessive choices on line. So in reality I only buy my clothes form.Primark, M&S as they have huge choice I see on thr high street or in the supermarkets. I want a Jersey teird black long sleeve dress but it's impossible to find online