Even in the era of Amazon, one of my favorite things to do on a rainy weekend (or any day, if we’re being honest) includes making a stop at the mall to go window shopping. Ever since I was a kid, going to the mall and physically touching the clothes, trying them on, and planning all of the movie-like scenes I would star in while showcasing my brand new outfit (think Pretty Woman-esque) has been something that I cherish and is one of the reasons why I prefer “real-life” shopping over online shopping.

But, if there’s one thing I have to admit, online shopping is easy. It’s convenient. And as much as I love going out and trying clothes on, nothing beats ordering chunky sweaters from the comfort of my own couch on a cold, snowy day.

In a world filled with wanting interactivity, though, online shopping can run into a problem – how can they get their consumers to still feel like they are a part of the shopping process many love?

This is where technology steps in. By introducing virtual “try-ons,” consumers can now interact with the products even if they aren’t physically trying them on. Places like LensCrafters allow you to download an app to try on a whole slew of frames – all in an instant, and more important, for free! In the beauty world, makeup leaders, such as Sephora and Maybelline, also have incorporated virtual makeovers, which allows buyers to “try-on” their makeup before buying it.

While I’m not entirely sold on the idea of a virtual makeover, since makeup is not only about how it looks on you, but how it also feels on you, the idea is still revolutionary when thinking about the history of shopping in general. And I can only imagine what the future holds in store, but I am definitely hoping that someone figures out Cher’s closet from Clueless – it is the 21st Century, after all.