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HELP! I CAN'T FIND MY SIZE!

• Fashionista • Sizing • Style • You are worth it

     Secondhand shopping can be difficult at best, but do not give up because you get frustrated when searching out your size! Here are a few tips to help you master the art of getting the perfect fit.

 1.  Take Your Measurements Before Heading to Elizabeth Dean          Boutique

Use a soft measuring tape and record your bust, waist, and hip sizes on our new Elizabeth Dean Boutique size cards. These can be carried in your wallet and will always be available when you drop by our store unexpectedly. If you are not comfortable measuring yourself, any of our employees will be glad to help you out!
Once at the store, ask any employee for a tape measure so that you can take the measurements of a potential purchase and compare them to your personal size card.
  

2.  Look for Familiar Brands

A good starting place in sizing is to look for brands that you are familiar with and already wear.  If you know that you generally wear a size 14 in Talbot's pants, then begin your search in the 14's.  Just be aware that secondhand clothing will usually have been washed and dried, and sizing could have changed.

At home I will usually wash my personal items in cold water and hang them to dry to prevent shrinkage. This may not have been how the previous owner handled their garments. You will want to check at least one size above/below your usual sizing on the racks. DO NOT GO BY THE SIZE TAG ALONE! Some pieces could also have been altered, so we definitely suggest you try everything on!

Perfect example of the above tip: I am currently a size 10-12, but recently found a size 8 skirt that was perfect for an upcoming event. I put it back on the rack several times before a customer convinced me to try it on, even though I knew it would be waaaay too small. Lo and behold, it fit perfectly!! If I had just gone by the size tag, I would have slid it right down the rack without a second glance!
 

3. Try Less Tailored Styles/Less Structured Fabrics

 These pieces are somewhat flexible in their fit and are worthy of consideration: wrap  dresses, shift dresses that could be worn with a belt, open wrap cardigans, flowy tops       that could be tucked in, and heavier sweaters.

  Also consider fabrics with a bit of stretching. Spandex, Lycra, and some polyester blends  are great for a better fit in thrifted wear.
 

 4.  "One Size Fits All" CAN Fit All

Elizabeth Dean Boutique carries a wide selection of "one size fits all" items. Most accessories, such as scarves and jewelry, will fit anyone. Given their original high price point, designer handbags can be a particularly great item to buy secondhand!

 

 

 

Check back for our next blog on how to take your own measurements!

                                                               -The Consignment Fashionista

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