I was first tempted to get a Stitch Fix box because I had a few people asked me what I thought about them. I have a general idea of how subscription boxes work, but wanted to test one out before I started commenting on it.
The basic premise is this you tell Stitch Fix what kind of style you have what you’re interested in getting and how much you want to spend on your clothes. Theoretically, a personal stylist will take everything into account including your color preferences, fit, size and personality and find the perfect things to send to you.
It took me about two weeks to get my Stitch Fix box, and I was anxious to see what my stylist had chosen. The first thing I noticed was a pair of denim capris. The fit was perfect, but the baggy style is not something that I think looks flattering on someone 5’3 and a half. Sam disagreed with me, but oh well. Back in the box they went.
They also sent in a white top that, while cute, blends in too much with my already-too-pale skin. Next.
Ok this was definitely one of the softest sweaters I’ve tried on, but what is with the fur growing out the sides? Seriously what is that? This was also one of the colors I said not to include. Plus, I had requested this box in April, and it was way too warm for a sweater.
They included a pretty necklace that I actually really liked, but not for $40. Ok enough complaining. My stylist also sent this beautiful geometric print wrap dress that I immediately fell in love with.
While I work at home and spend most of my days wearing yoga pants and hoodies, I have a lot of conferences to go to this year and need something that’s both professional and comfortable. This dress fit perfectly, but I was shocked at the $78 price tag – that’s how much my wedding dress cost! (Have I mentioned I’m cheap?)
I did some digging and found that this brand (41Hawthorn) had tons of wrap dresses, and I ordered one from eBay and one from Poshmark, which cost around $30 each. Since I didn’t choose anything from my box, I lost the $20 styling fee which really sucks. If I’d gotten something from the selection my stylist sent me, that $20 would have gone toward my total order.
Honestly, Stitch Fix wasn’t worth it. Not only because I didn’t feel like they nailed my (admittedly, picky) style, but because I don’t think it’s a good value. Spending $80 on a dress isn’t reasonable unless you have absolutely no time to shop, no sense of style and no problems in your budget.
If the latter doesn’t apply to you, you’re better off combing through thrift stores or consignment shops and getting lots of coupons at Macy’s. I know that some people used Stich Fix to find new brands that they had not heard of and use those to experiment. I for one am delighted that I found a wrap dress that can fit me well (I always get a compliment every time I wear it).
The problem with most subscription boxes is that they don’t replace your consumption – they just encourage it. If the only clothes you bought were from Stitch Fix, it might be a good deal since you get 25% off if you keep all five items. However, you’re always going to need something that the box doesn’t include.
If you still want to use it, be as detailed as possible with your preferences. You can link your Pinterest profile to your Stitch Fix account so stylists can get a more detailed idea of what you really like. I’m sure if I had done that (or if I had a Pinterest where I pinned clothes), I would have been happier with my box.
I’m so glad to see this! I am also picky and a thrift shopper, but for some reason, the idea of the Stitch Fix box has been something I really want to try. I think I’m enamored with the idea that someone could do it for me.
Unfortunately, my fears have been exactly what you say–if nothing else, even if they nailed it, I’m not willing to pay very much for my clothing. So, I’ve resisted so far. This will hopefully help me continue to do so.
Yeah I’ll say – they just delivered my second box after I sent more pictures and it was right on the money. So I think you have to send them a clear example of what you’re looking for or you’ll be disappointed.
Not a big fashion guy so I have no experience with Stitch Fix. But I’m super interested in subscription box services, which is what pulled me into this post. I’ve only tried Graze which delivers snacks but didn’t end up renewing it. Mainly for the same reason Stitch Fix wasn’t a match for you. The value wasn’t worth it, which seems to be the case with a lot of these subscription services. But I think subscription boxes are going to continue to be huge and change the way we shop.
Great article Zina!
Yeah I’m not a huge fan of subscription boxes. However, I did just get a second Stitch Fix (they took my complaints into account) and it was MUCH better!
I tried Stitch Fix for four whole boxes. I was so busy with work that I thought it would be nice to have that part of my life handled (I’m not that much of a shopper). Other than discovering a new jeans brand “Just Black” and being able to specify I’m interested in Made in USA clothing (Just Black is). It was so underwhelming. Not much better quality than shopping at Forever 21. Thin, throwaway clothing. I’m pretty picky, but specific, basic, like, just black and grey clothing, soft, durable. Nope. Green, white, patterns, FLORALS! Ewe.
From research I’ve discovered, jeans, leggings and T-shirts are easy to find affordable and made in US. Other than that I’ve just decided to send my thrift store loving friends out into the world with some orders like, “If you see a nice black peacoat out there, grab it for me.” I’m trying to buy more durable, long-term clothing, so I’ll spend more than my usual $10 now, but Stitch Fix did not wow me. Consignment stores are so much better than a few years ago, and when I have the energy I just do those – with my bossy stylish friends, so it’s like having a stylist.
Oh, and clothing exchanges! We have tons of them in my town. Someone just organizes a party, people bring a bag (or bags) of clothes, everyone talks you into weird stuff, you take it home. The party organizer donates the rest. Good for social needs and also cheapskates.
Great point! I tried Stitch Fix again and only liked a couple pieces. So off to consignment and thrift stores I go! I do love Just Black – their jeans are so cute and reasonably priced!
I actually really love my Stitch Fix, but I also do have a Pinterest board with clothes, so maybe that helps. What I love about it is having options sent to me that I likely would never think to try myself, and they always end up being my most complimented pieces. I don’t mind spending a bit more on something I will wear constantly, since I mainly live in stretched out tees from Walmart. #MM
I think if I went out more, I’d appreciate Stitch Fix more. Since I work from home and rarely “dress” up, it doesn’t make sense for me to spend so much on quality clothes. But I have gotten cool stuff and have discovered new brands that I really like. Glad it works for you!
Thanks for posting this. I have a friend who encouraged me to try this subscription service, but the whole idea didn’t really appeal to me. You’ve sort of confirmed it for me.
It’s definitely not for everyone. I’ve tried it three times now and have only gotten a good box once. I think you have to devote a lot of time explaining your style to them which can be frustrating if you’re picky. Plus, I generally spend a lot less on clothes than they charge.
I have never tried Stitch Fix. I think I am too cheap since I am either in my paint clothes or shorts. I just don’t have the life style to justify the cost.
I’m totally the same now that I work at home. I live in shorts or leggings. I kind of miss wearing “real” clothes to work, but it is a lot cheaper!