We’ve always enjoyed filling up our virtual shopping bags online, splurging on luxury goods and the latest fashion launches and having them delivered to us in the comfort of our homes. But over the past year and a half, online shopping has come into its own, providing us with a lifeline we didn’t know we needed when lockdowns shut all of our favourite designer stores and boutiques. OK, so we spent most of the time at home in loungewear, but even casual clothing can be chic, and the situation gave us the perfect excuse to splash out on a few new at-home outfits from our favourite fashion houses. Watching TV and reading under a blanket has never looked so chic!
Now that life has largely returned to normal and the new-season styles we’ve all been waiting for are officially in, you’d be forgiven if you were already starting to plan your autumn and winter wardrobe, as now is the perfect time to get ahead of the trends. Of course, in order for a luxury store to be worth your time, its website needs to achieve some pretty lofty standards, too. We asked the experts at the web design experts Blue Whale Media to share the designer stores that are doing it right, and where you can enjoy a seamless, five-star shopping experience in style.
Net-a-Porter
An easy to navigate website with 24/7 support via its online chat, Net-a-Porter has long been the go-to digital fashion store for luxury lovers, and is home to a whole host of our favourite designer brands – including Alexander McQueen, Fendhi, and numerous other exclusive names.
There are plenty of user-friendly ways to find exactly what you’re looking for, and you can shop by hero brands, monthly drops, weekly picks and Instagram picks. There’s even a section for sustainable fashion for the eco-conscious shopper, which means no more sifting through the product details in search of garments that meet your standards.
And if you don’t know exactly what it is you’re looking for? Simply head to the ‘What to Wear’ section for inspiration for any occasion, or visit The Porter Edit for the lowdown on the latest fashion trends to be seen in.
Website: net-a-porter.com
ShopBop
Home to a broad selection of contemporary and designer labels, ShopBop is the perfect port of call for anyone in search of something a little different. Expressing your individuality doesn’t mean you have to compromise on luxury or quality, and here, you’ll find some unique pieces from up-and-coming names you’ll want to have on your radar.
Curating style guides, lists and on-site designer boutiques for your perusing pleasure, it makes shopping a cinch, and offers plenty of inspiration for when you need it. Let’s face it; today’s luxury fashion websites have a bigger job to do than just sell us the latest pieces – we need them to act as our personal stylist, too – and ShopBop is ready and waiting to do just that.
Website: Shopbop.com
Matches Fashion
Speaking of personal stylists, Matches goes one step further when it comes to providing an individually tailored shopping experience and literally provides you with a stylist. Its complimentary concierge service, MyStylist, is on hand to help you with anything from compiling a winning capsule wardrobe to assembling the perfect outfit for any occasion. Over in the ‘Stories’ section, you’ll find additional styling advice, industry news and the latest ‘it’ pieces to be seen in. An expertly-curated collection of timeless pieces, Matches covers all bases and comprises a covetable selection of garments and accessories from the likes of Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana and Isabela Marant.
Website: Matchesfashion.com
Farfetch
For time-efficient shopping and a tempting line-up of designer brands, head to Farfetch, where you can shop for the entire family, all in one place. Let’s face it – you can only ever look as good as the people you’re seen with, and Farfetch will kit out your kids, partner and even parents, with a wide range of iconic designer names for the perusing, including Chanel, Gucci and Valentino.
As well as the ability to shop by aesthetics, occasion and designer, the website offers up a style guide to help you make the right picks for the new season ahead, and for the sustainability-conscious shopper, its pre-owned section is well-stocked with a selection of vintage designer pieces in pristine condition.
Website: Farfetch.com
