Top 4 Online Stores for Sister Missionaries

SCENE:

An LDS boy opens his mission call. "Cool," he says. "I leave in a month. Time to go out and buy a new suit, and perhaps some socks."

END SCENE.

SCENE:

An LDS girl opens her mission call. "Cool," she says. "I leave in a month. Time to start obsessing over every little detail of my clothing, trying my utmost not to look like a pioneer, finding sales, evaluating different shades of pink, deciding which blouse goes with the greatest number of skirts, returning countless items I bought online because they don't fit, worrying about how many tops are really reasonable for a person to own for eighteen months, realizing that this skirt makes me look like an actual whale, making sure that skirt is long but not too long because MTC rules and mission rules are different, wondering what nail polish is most practical, pondering on how best to transport my makeup, reading reviews online to decide if I really want this skirt, going thirty miles to the other H&M because they were out of my size in my mall, deciding how many clothes are too few and how many are too much, figuring out how to look modest without looking dowdy, finding an outfit I can wear every week without getting sick of, realizing that I actually have to get rid of half of this because it doesn't work with garments, and doing it all on a budget and a weight limit."

Later in this scene, LDS girl finds out that she can indeed get sick of shopping, despite what thirteen year old LDS girl said.

END SCENE.

This has been my life for a whole month. Me and my very understanding mother have been scrambling to find skirts that are past the knee and also don't look like something out of a nightmare my great-great grandmother might have had. I would have been so grateful to have a list of places with cute clothes that fit well and work on every body type. 

In the immortal words of Kim Kardashian, "Shopping online is like the greatest invention of life." Shopping online saves SO much time -- if you can do it right. These four stores all have consistent and reliable fitting, unlike many online stores.

So here is my good deed for the day. A master list of places with amazing deals and clothes that I love! You're welcome.

1. Choies. 

By far my favorite skirt shop is Choies. I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else, and they always have HUGE sales. We're talking under fifteen dollars.  Their midi skirts make me feel like a princess in a ball gown. They fit like a dream and have 24 hour shipping!

Perfect if you're a) going to Japan b) Asia c) a female with good taste. Sakura skater skirt, $13.90.

Subtle coloring and patterns with flattering waistline and shape make this skirt perfect. painted floral midi, $15.

This one makes your waist look INCREDIBLE. Pink high-waisted skater midi, $16.

 Goes with everything - also, no way you're getting bored of those gorgeous colors. White Rose Pleats, $16.

Cheerful and bold (just like the ideal sister missionary) White cherry skater, $13.99.

I especially love what this one is paired with. Dang, I wish I could wear heels on my mission. It's so flowy and dreamy. Peach High waisted skirt, $22.

And my personal favorite...I own this skirt and it's amazing! Goes with almost anything, doesn't wrinkle, extremely comfortable, and looks like it's straight out of a Monet painting.

Blue floral print pleated, $38.

Here's me and my mom at the temple! I'm wearing the Choies frog patterned skirt, and it's darling.

Choies had a TON of other super cheap, gorgeous options that I just couldn't fit, so go have a look around!

TIP: I'm five two and don't have an exaggerated waist, so I love the pleats and the flares -- they make my body proportions amazing and they feel really comfortable to me. But pleats and flares look good on everyone! They create nice lines for your body and are easy to get in and out of. (Plus if you feel bloated it's a good way to hide it!)

2. White House Black Market

On the pricey side but I got one skirt from them and it was TOTALLY worth it.

It's not a great picture, but it's the full black midi skirt. It's the best quality ever, does not wrinkle or even stain, and looks PERFECT with everything. I think it was around $70, which is a lot, but with all the use I'm getting out of it it's gonna pay for itself.

TIP: Pack tops that can easily tuck into skirts. If they bulge out on top then it looks unprofessional. Also, you start double checking if you accidentally gained 20 pounds every time you go past a mirror.

3. ASOS

I've seen Asos recommended a few times, and for very good reason. They have a wide variety of skirts and they're all gorgeous. Their dresses are beautiful too, and I snagged a couple of those.

I own this one in mint green. It's simply enchanting. I feel like I'm in a different decade when I wear it. It's flattering and goes with everything. Textured Pleat, $18 If this color doesn't catch your eye they have tons more!

Skater dresses galore. The material is very flexible and so comfortable. And that pattern and those half-sleeves!! Closet Scuba Midi, on sale for $62. 

Obsessed with this dress. Look how simple it is, and it works for all body types. Animal Print with Belt, $27.

A great fall and winter dress, very flattering, Pleated Skater Dress, $28.

Classy and classic. Also comes in other colors. Simple Midi Belted, $36.

I own this one! The pattern is just HAPPY, it gives me joy just to look at. And the quality is incredible; it's comfortable and moves well. Textured midi, $45.

This is one of my favorite skirts I own. It's cotton candy colored and retro, and it has this gorgeous insert in front (but it's still completely modest. You look like a ballerina when you move, but it's a lot more practical than a tutu. It also comes in black (see below, and imagine it with an actual piece of clothing). Scuba Midi with Sheer Panel, $30

If you want to indulge yourself and feel like an angel sent down to preach from heaven, here's the magical Metallic Lace skirt, $85

The thing I love about ASOS is how much variety they have. I love their petite section, and they have tall and plus-size as well. They have a huge variety of colors, patterns, and styles. There really is something for everyone.

TIP: Obviously if you're reading this you care if your clothes are cute, but make sure they're comfortable. That pencil skirt might be adorable, but if you're walking ten miles a day and having trouble breathing because every inch of body fat you own is being compressed, you'll wish it was (well, probably pants) a different skirt.

4. Land's End

Land's End is probably the most practical out of all these. It's simple, no nonsense - all plain patterns and straight lines. It's where you get the wardrobe staples - which is mostly what missionaries wear anyways! In addition Land's End started as a heavy winterwear store, so their items are gonna LAST. Their stuff is like The Queen of England, or a tortoise: adorable and immortal.

Grey dress with black velvet polka dots! Belt it and you're in business, ladies! Petite Gray Flocked, $40.

I have this one in purple (below on right), and it is PERFECTION! It gives off this subtle shimmer when you move and fits literally everyone. Boatneck Velvet, $35. 

I'm a sucker for cute patterns and wrap dresses. Bless Diane von Furstenburg. modal fit and flare dress, $25

Colorblock is always a good idea. Pleated Colorblock, $60

hard to see but this one has tiny white polka dots. They're enchanting, and this skirt is so comfortable! I feel like a chic secretary from the 50's in it. Polka dot skirt, $20.

TIP: You want skirts that are wrinkle free and durable. They need to be able to travel and last in any conditions you're going to encounter. 

In conclusion, there is no reason to look like this:

when there's so many options! Remember, being attractive on the inside is 99% of being a successful missionary, but looking your best gets you 100% of the way there. When you feel attractive, you look attractive, and you're way more confident! 

Enjoy, and comment with any other tips or good stores.