"I don't know how you do it. I could never buy clothes online!"

I can't tell you how many times I've heard other women say this, usually as a giant box from one retailer or another arrives on my desk. It's one thing to order electronics or books or even a car online, but it seems that even tech-savvy millennials have some reservations about committing to clothing without being able to try it on. To those that could never dream of replacing the mall experience, shop on. But if you want to shop from your bed at midnight or from your desk on your lunch break, the convenience is hard to beat. Still nervous? Here's a few rules to make the most from a cyber-shop-a-thon.

1. Pay attention to details.

One perk of online shopping in that most stores post relevant information about the construction of a garment, like the fabric, the length of a skirt, the height of a heel and even care information, like whether it will need to be dry cleaned. Sure, a lot of this is info you'd pick up by having said item in front of you, but this is a chance to use your head even when your heart is just saying "cuuuuuuuute" over and over again. Do you really want to pay $$$ for something made of polyester? Will you really wear a four-inch heel? 

2. Get cues from the model

If the model does not look great in an item of clothing, run away. Models, particularly catalog models, make a living from how well clothes fit them. If a drop waist or an aggressive pleat makes the pro look a little dumpy, you will not be happy when you see the same piece on you. The exception to this rule is a piece of clothing designed for curves—the kind of thing Joan would wear on Mad Men—which can look lackluster on a model with a straight body type.

Another clue that something might not look great in person is if the model is posed in an unusual way rather than giving you a straight-on look at a garment. If she has to cock out a hip or pull on the fabric for something to fall in flattering way, think twice about buying it.

3. Read the reviews

Helpful information found here can include whether the fabric is thinner or more low quality than it appears, if the color in the picture is accurate, and how something fits on certain body types (e.g., whether something works for a long torso or a large bust). Remember though, opinions are subjective, and don't feel compelled to make decisions based on something a stranger said.

4. Don't buy anything when you're drunk or tired

We've all done this, and it rarely turns out well. Stick anything you want in your online cart and re-evaluate with a clear head.

5. Have a return routine

I usually buy online with the expectation that I'll want to keep two-thirds of what I order—it's not an exact science. Sometimes I'll even throw a couple extra things in the cart to cast the net a little wider, or to earn free shipping. The caveat with this philosophy is that when the shipment arrives, you have to treat it like it's the final step in the ordering process. As soon as possible, try everything on and evaluate whether you want to keep it. Don't treat the clothing like a sunk cost—if when seeing it on, you don't think it was worth the amount you spent on it, back it goes. Once all decisions have been made, send them back in the envelope or box provided, or take them to a local store to return them.