Online shopping saves you the trouble of constantly sifting through Australian boutiques trying to find the exact product you’re looking for. But not all online clothing stores are created equal!
Some of them aren’t so friendly when it comes to shipping and returns guidelines, so if you shop at the wrong store, and you may find yourself saddled with an unwanted item that will cost too much to send back.
So, how can you learn to become a smart, informed online shopper? And where do you start looking for the lowest prices and the best policies?
This article on cheap online shopping aims to teach you how to snag up amazing pieces for the lowest possible price! We know ten amazing sites where you can stretch that dollar to get beautiful and cheap clothes!
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Be A Smart Shopper: What To Look Out For When You Buy Online
1. Always Check Item Reviews Before You Load Up Your Cart
While pictures can be really helpful in showing you what a wishlist item will look like in real life, it’s still a ‘buyer beware’ world out there. With online marketplaces like eBay and Ali Express, you might find that your items will look a lot different from what you were shown in the photos!
The most reliable indicator you’ll have are reviews from other buyers. Check to see if other people have bought from the online store you’re browsing, and how highly they’ve rated the items there. You’ll usually be able to get a good idea if they’re delivering what they promise!
2. Read Item Descriptions Carefully
Even if an item looks exactly like the photo, you may be surprised to find out that it’s made of an inferior material that will fall apart faster. Look for the item description and check what kind of fabric it’s made from; for example, you shouldn’t expect leatherette to last as long as genuine Italian leather.
If it’s only for a trendy item that you want to try out, there’s no harm in saving a few dollars for middling material. But if it’s a wardrobe staple? Best to splurge a little bit, then use discount codes and sale seasons to offset the higher cost.
3. Look For Installment Payment Plans, Discount Codes, And Special Sales
So what should you do if you’ve got your eyes on a coveted designer piece, but you don’t have the full amount to pay for it just yet? Well, you could consider taking advantage of instalment payments through services like Afterpay. You could also scour the web for any discount codes to help bring the price down. Or maybe you could wait for a seasonal sale to hit to clear out old inventory.
Our 10 Top Choices For Cheap Online Shopping In Australia
10. Cotton On
We Love Their Affordable Activewear!
Cotton On has extremely frequent sales, often slashing prices by as much as 50%. It’s a one-stop-shop for everyday basics and activewear.
Though the average Australian shopper already adores this brand, they also offer vouchers, free returns, and free shipping for orders over $AUD55 online, so why not get the same thing for much cheaper on their site?
If you like the cute jacket in this snap, they have a similar one that’s selling for less than $AUD10 on their site right now!
8. SurfStitch
You’ll Be Beach-Ready On A Budget With This Site’s Sales!
One of Australia’s largest sites for buying swimsuits and surfing gear, SurfStitch offers tons of sale items from brands like Roxy and Billabong. They offer free shipping for orders worth $AUD75 and over, and they have a 15% discount for students.
A swimsuit that caught our eye on the site was this Billabong Follow The Sun one-piece, which is part of their half-off sale on their site right now and was selling for $AUD39.99.
7. The Iconic
Designer Clothes Can Be Affordable Too!
While it’s not the most affordable option on this list, this is one of the biggest retailers you can buy from if you’re looking to score designer clothes with big discounts. At The Iconic, you’ll have free returns within 100 days and free shipping for orders worth at least $AUD50.
Check out these nude ballet flats we saw in their sale section for only $AUD6! They’re dead ringers for this pair, and if you use Afterpay, that comes down to only four staggered payments of $AUD1.50.
They have more items, so have a peek here.
6. Showpo
Perfect For A Bride Planning A More Affordable Wedding
If you’re looking for wedding dresses and bridesmaids’ dresses, this is the site for you. While Showpo does have a selection of cute casual options, this is a great site for scoring bridal finds. They offer free shipping for orders worth $AUD50 and over.
Love this dress option?
They have similar options that are perfect for your bridal entourage. Browse through more items on sale here!
5. ASOS
A Fast Fashion Favourite With Knock-Down Prices
This is one of the most popular places to shop online for women’s clothing in Australia, and we think it has a lot to do with their consumer-friendly policies and low prices. You can get free shipping for orders worth at least $AUD40, and they have a 10% student discount and free returns! Their items also cater to a wider range of body types, as they have petite and plus-size options.
We saw this cute City Goddess Prom Dress for only $AUD35.50, on sale from $AUD155. That’s a massive price difference!
Find more on their site.
4. Princess Polly
Cute Accessories And Sexy Tops That Anyone Can Afford
Women’s clothing is super affordable on Princess Polly. They have a 30-day return/refund policy and free express shipping for orders over $AUD50. They have a wide range of items like jewellery, maxi dresses, and casual basics.
Our pick?
The vintage silver Salvador earrings which are currently 50% off in their huge sale section. They’re only $AUD10 on the site right now!
3. PrettyLittleThing
Some Items Are Dead-On Dupes For High Fashion Trends
Pretty Little Thing is a store that offers very trendy items at very low prices.
This site offers free shipping on orders worth $AUD50 and over, and an additional student discount of 5%.
They often go on sale and bring prices down by as much as 70% at a time, but if you’re not satisfied with what you received, you have 28 days to return your purchases.
Look at this chic blazer dress on Kaia Gerber, which was originally $AUD68 and is now only $AUD27!
2. Boohoo
Date Night Dressing Can Be Affordable Through This Trendy Store
Simple evening dresses and versatile basics abound in this UK retailer’s online store.
They have a 30-day return policy, and you can get free shipping from this popular site if your order is worth at least $AUD60! A quick peek at their huge sale section on the site showed a ton of items that you could score for low prices. One of them was this beautiful vintage Bardot lace number.
A similar piece was priced at $AUD72 on their site, but now it’s only $AUD24!
1. Missguided AUS
They Have So Many Discounted Items That You Can Shop For A New Head-To-Toe Look!
With a 100-day return policy and express shipping for only $AUD5, this online outlet is one of the most popular stores for affordable fast fashion in Australia.
One find that shocked us on this site?
The formal dresses at steep discounts! This grey bridesmaid dress was selling for only $AUD44 from the original price of $90, which is a big markdown.
Online Shopping Will Revamp Your Wardrobe For Less
With lower prices, convenient shipping, and frequent sales, it’s easy to see why people are turning more and more to online shopping instead of stopping by a physical store.
If you’ve been coveting a particular item, or you’re simply looking to introduce more fresh pieces into your closet, check out these 10 sites for massively awesome products, at massively discounted prices. Just remember to read online policies carefully, and to use as many discount codes as you can!
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