Stitch Fix - Is it Worth the Hype?

I’ve always been hopelessly unfashionable, mainly because I was tired of spending money on things that didn’t fit or look right.

I tried randomly buying clothes online, but it was a lot of trial and error and unnecessary purchases. Some looked great in the pictures online but looked horrible on me, and some were downright uncomfortable. Meanwhile, my closet was filled with clothes that I didn’t like, didn’t fit, and cost a lot of money.

I also tried shopping (like in a store, with dressing rooms and awful lighting, while trying to entertain a toddler and a kindergartener). Not fun.

Eventually, a friend posted on Facebook that she had just received her latest “Fix” from Stitch Fix and was so excited to start wearing her new clothes. I was intrigued!

Since receiving my first Fix, I’ve used Stitch Fix several times over the past few years. I’ve had some great “Fixes” and some not so great, but I’ve learned a lot over the course of my “fashion quest,” namely how to fill my wardrobe with clothes that I love without spending a small fortune.

If you’ve been thinking about trying Stitch Fix, or if you’re looking for a way to get some clothes that you love without going into debt, read on for my honest feedback!

Why should you try Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is great for anyone who needs a little help in the fashion department. I especially love using Stitch Fix for the following reasons:

Add a few “staple” items to your wardrobe, like a unique top or great fitting jeans
Learn about what looks great on your body type
Learn how to put together outfits
Buy a unique item for a special event, like a dress to wear to a party or wedding
Try new brands
Step outside your fashion comfort zone

What are the positives and negatives of Stitch Fix?

Although I love Stitch Fix, it takes some getting used to. I’ve never used a personal stylist before, so I didn’t know what to expect. As with anything, there are some positives and negatives to using Stitch Fix.

Positives:

Simple to use

Stitch Fix is really simple to use. To get started, you’ll fill out your “style profile” based on your sizes, how you like your clothes to fit, your taste in clothing, and how frequently you’d like to receive different styles.

You can update your style profile as often as you’d like. I would recommend revisiting it each time you order, especially if your sizes have changed. When you order, you’ll also have a chance to leave your stylist a note. Let your stylist know if you’re looking for anything in particular, like a dress for an upcoming summer wedding.

With each Fix, you’ll also receive a note and styling card from your stylist. It’ll give you great ideas for how to wear each piece of clothing. Whether you want to dress up or go for a more casual look, your style card will help you learn how to be more confident as you wear your new clothes. It’ll show you how to wear a new top with a flowy skirt to wear to a baby shower or with jeans and booties for a casual look.

No-stress way to shop

My favorite part of Stitch Fix is that it’s a stress-free way to shop. You get to try the clothes on in the comfort of your own home. It’s a great way to see how the clothes pair with different clothes in your closet, like that new top with your favorite pair of jeans. You’ll also get to avoid the harsh dressing room lighting!

Stitch Fix ships five items directly to you. If you keep any items, your $20 styling fee will be deducted from your total bill. Also, if you keep all five items in your Fix, you’ll save an extra 25% on your entire bill.

Stitch Fix sends a prepaid bag with your Fix. If you choose not to keep an item, simply mail it back within three days. You won’t be charged for any items that you send back.

Negatives:

Cost

Stitch Fix can be a little more expensive if you’re used to buying items on sale or on clearance. As you’re creating your style profile, you can select different price ranges, but even after selecting “cheapest,” my items were still more expensive than I expected.

However, even though the clothes might be a little more than what you’re used to paying, Stitch Fix only sends high quality clothes. I’ve discovered some of my favorite brands, like Kut From the Kloth and Splendid, from my Fixes.

Once you’re confident in your sizes and styles, I’ve used RueLaLa to find more stylish clothing in flattering cuts and styles at discounted prices.

Communication

Even though you complete a style profile and list your sizes when you request your Fix, it’s not perfect and you won’t be sitting next to your stylist when she chooses your items. Your first fix may contain a dress that doesn’t flatter you. A pair of jeans may give you a muffin top. A shirt may be too long or too short.

The key to using Stitch Fix is giving feedback – lots of brutally honest feedback. As your stylist works with you and begins to learn what you love and don’t, your fixes will become more tailored to your style.

After you receive your fix, you’ll have a chance to tell your stylist what you thought of each item. In addition to rating each item based on fit, quality, and style, you can write a note to your stylist. Don’t skip this part! This is your chance to be super specific and say things like, “The shirt pinched in my armpits and was too baggy around the waist, but the color looked great on me. Please send me another purple shirt in my next Fix.”

You might need to plan ahead

If you need an outfit to wear this Friday, chances are you won’t be able to schedule and receive a Fix that quickly. When you request your Fix, a calendar will pop up and you can choose the date you’ll receive your shipment. Most Fixes take about a week to schedule.

Also, two of my Fixes were lost in the mail. After waiting a week because the USPS tracker indicated that one Fix had been delivered (it hadn’t) and my other Fix was “delayed in Detroit,” I finally contacted customer service. The customer service representatives at Stitch Fix were really helpful. They determined that my fixes had been lost in transit and immediately offered to reship them.

If you need to order your Stitch Fix items for a specific event, schedule your Fix to arrive at least a week, if not two weeks, in advance to allow for shipping delays. This will also give you more time to try on the outfits and make sure you have the perfect outfit for your event.

How much does Stitch Fix cost (and is Stitch Fix a good value)?

There’s no cost to fill out a style profile on Stitch Fix, and they also have a blog with great style tips.

Once you place an order, Stitch Fix will assign you a stylist, who will choose clothes based on your style profile. When your stylist begins to put together your Fix, you’ll be charged a $20 styling fee, but the fee will be waived if you keep any items in your Stitch Fix delivery.

Some of the clothes from Stitch Fix can be expensive. I’ve never paid $68 for a pair of jeans in my life, but even after selecting “cheapest” in my Stitch Fix profile, I still received a pair of jeans that cost $68. That said, if you keep all five items in your “fix,” you’ll receive a 25% discount on all the items.

Even though the clothes from Stitch Fix are a little pricey, I still use the service. I love the simplicity of Stitch Fix and the way that the stylist tries to customize each item to fit your needs. I’ve requested everything from blousy, button-up shirts that would be easily lifted when I was nursing to washable clothes so my kids’ snotty kisses don’t require me to have the dry cleaner on speed-dial.

Don’t be afraid to ask for specific items. In my summer order, I specified that I wanted two shirts that I could wear around town as I’m running errands, two pairs of shorts, and a pair of jeans. In December, I asked for three “non-bulky” sweaters, a shirt, and a pair of jeans.

How will Stitch Fix improve your life?

I haven’t always received the perfect fix, but Stitch Fix has done a lot to help me feel more fashionable. For starters, I’ve been receiving compliments on my clothes for the first time since using Stitch Fix. It’s also helped me feel more confident in my own ability to choose clothes that look great and flatter my shape. Also, since using Stitch Fix, my closet now contains just enough clothes that I always have something to wear. But more importantly, I know how to wear them so that I walk out of the house looking put together.

Stitch Fix is great for anyone who wants to update their wardrobe, add a little style to their life, or just avoid the stores! I love using it, especially when I need to look somewhat fashionable. 😉