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With the online retail industry seeing a huge spike in sales, it is likely that many items of clothing will need to be returned. When buying online it is very important to read up on the returns process and any associated costs. If for example you buy one item from a retailer which costs £20 but you need to also pay delivery of £4, if the item doesn’t fit and you need to return it you may need to pay another £3-£4 postage which means it will have cost you eight or nine pounds for nothing. This can very quick add if you are not careful so it is important to think carefully before ordering.

Many retailers that also have physical shops will allow you to return the item to their store free of charge. Although this cannot happen at the moment, a lot of the retailers are extending their returns policy to allow items to be returned in store when they are open again.

Some retailers will offer free returns which is great, just be sure to check how long you have and allow enough time to return your item prior to the deadline.

With so many of us stuck in our homes and not being able to go out for some retail therapy, many of us are turning to online shopping to feed our shopping addictions. Some retailers have stopped trading altogether where are others are only offering a click and collect service or home delivery only.

So, is now the right time to be buying clothing? If you need clothing i.e you have no summer clothes or your jeans are getting a bit tight for you, then yes it probably is right to buy more clothing but if it is just to fulfil your shopping habits then you may need to think very carefully before splashing out too much. There is so much uncertainly with jobs etc that you really don’t want to be spending a lot of money at the moment until you can work out a new budget.

If you are buying online then you need to allow a bit longer for the delivery as essential items are often being prioritised over nonessential items. You may also struggle to return the items if you are self-isolating so be sure there is plenty of time and ideally that returns are free.

If you have a special occasion on the horizon and need to shop for a new outfit, consider using a personal shopper to save time and frustration. Many people do not realise that taking advantage of the offer of a personal shopper is a free service and does not come with any obligation to buy anything in store.

Firstly, the appointments can be booked online so it can be at a date and time to suit you. When the time arrives for your appointment you will be met by your personal shopper who will take you to a private changing room and will discuss with you any ideas you may already have about your outfit and your available budget. They will then go into the store and bring you a selection of outfits for you to try. It is helpful that should you need a different size your shopper will get this for you without you needing to worry.

Once you have decided on your outfit your personal shopper will help you to choose accessories such as shoes, handbag and jewellery if you wish, offering advice if required

So, if you have been reluctant to use this service in the past it is certainly worth giving it a go.

Designer clothing is not for everyone. Some people see clothing just as a necessity and will simply buy what they need as cheap as possible. Other people like to have nice clothes and often would love to buy designer items but simply cannot afford to do it. Well there is a way to pick up a bargain and land that all important label for less.

If you don’t mind buying second-hand then you can often pick up clothing for a fraction of the RRP. Some of this clothing may not have even been worn or only worn a handful of times.

Website such as Ebay, Gumtree and Facebook are great places to shop for a bargain. Ebay allows you to bid on items which you wish to purchase. Sometimes by bidding at the right time or bidding enough, you can win an item of clothing for a lot less than you would have paid in the shops. Some items are even sold with the tag still on so you know they are new.

This way of shopping is not for everyone but if you really do want that designer jacket or pair of shoes, why not have a quick search online and see how much you could save. Always be sure to read the descriptions in full though in case they state there is damage.