If you love to shop (who doesn't?), we have good news. Our favorite pastime has gone to a new level thanks to advancements in technology, like our new friend AI that's elevating the shopping experience as well as saving us time and money. Retail giants like H&M and Uniqlo have jumped on the bandwagon through virtual collections of exclusive pieces that aren't physically manufactured but still shoppable, and the latter's AI shopping assistant is available to answer any questions on the app. On the higher end, Burberry's use of augmented reality in collaboration with Google brings the in-store experience straight to consumers' fingertips by allowing them to position products and their outfits in various live scenarios.
Here are a few exciting new ways to enjoy an affordable and super-easy fashion fix while upgrading your wardrobe.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is our New Personal Stylist
Technology is changing the way we shop thanks to its robotic ability to automatically search for styles based on our preferences. Style icon Jenna Lyons can attest to these advancements as she recently became a face of Shop with Google. The tool is powered by the search engine's Shopping Graph, which has more than 35 billion product listings, to help shoppers find what they are looking for fast. The Real Housewives of New York City star who also joined Coveteur as EIC is known for her effortless, downtown fashion sense and being a champion of everyday classics, like go-to crisp button-downs, chambray shirts and vintage Levis which she shows us how to source on the savvy platform.
Another celebrity style authority and tech shopping partnership is Tan France with Citi which recently launched Citi Shop, a desktop browser extension for its credit card holders. The easy-to-use feature helps users get the best deals from over 5,000 fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. "I'm not very tech savvy but Citi Shop makes it so easy," France told FT Content Director Natasha Silva-Jelly. "Whether I'm looking for items for my closet or new home décor for my home, I don't always have the time to search for savings, so I enjoy how this browser extension automatically finds offers and coupons as I'm shopping online."
Get a Secondhand Luxury Designer Fix
While iconic department stores like Bergdorf Goodman still hold allure (the glamour of physically trying on clothes), digital authorities like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective have become the new go-to destinations for secondhand luxury fashion in pristine condition. A sophisticated new form of thrifting, these marketplaces offer a more sustainable approach to shopping through the buying and reselling of pre-loved, authenticated designer pieces — Gucci, Prada, and Chanel included.
Rent Your Clothes
Another affordable and sustainable way to shop is to rent your clothing, where you can enjoy the latest styles without breaking the bank. Platforms like Nuuly allow you to subscribe and rent any six styles from a selection of brands including Andrea Iyamah and Wrangler, for just $98 a month. Meanwhile, Rent the Runway offers the option to rent what you buy as well as pre-loved fashion and accessories from designers like Anine Bing, Ganni, and Marc Jacobs.
Have a Virtual Personal Styling Session
We can now be like our favorite celebrities who have personal stylists, thanks to various retailers offering online styling sessions for customers. Bloomingdale's and Revolve are just two powerhouses that offer the convenience of in-depth chat and styling sessions with experts based on whatever product you're viewing. Other platforms like Stitch Fix provide stylists to help you find products you'll always love, based on size, budget, and style. Users can take a style quiz, consult with stylists and then get sent a specially curated "Fix" box straight to their door. "We also offer unique features like M.O.M. (Milestones of Motherhood) Stylists to help new moms overcome their style hurdles and gain a newfound sense of confidence," says stylist Emiko Strah.
Designer and Influencer Collabs Give You High-End Access for Less
Not all of us can afford a Victoria Beckham designer dress, but we can get an affordable taste of her brand via her new collaboration with Mango. Posh Spice's partnership with the beloved retailer features 55 pieces including white blazers, spaghetti strap dresses, and mixed-metal accessories, all inspired by the 1969 thriller La Piscine.
Beckham is just another in a long list of designers who have collaborated with affordable retail brands to bring us luxury designer fashion for less. Think Rihanna's cult-favorite Fenty x Puma creeper, Rabanne H&M, Jacquemus and Nike or even Reebok x Anine Bing. Most recently, Target teamed up with legendary designer Diane von Furstenberg and her granddaughter Talita to create a 200-piece collection that included fashion, accessories, beauty and home decor. Of course, Amazon hopped on the trend with its "The Drop" series that allows influencers to curate limited-edition and budget-friendly collections for their followers to shop.
