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Is Stitch Fix’s personal styling service worth it? Is it a good deal? Well, it depends on who you are. After testing it out a few times, I’ve figured out how to make it work great for me. And I’ve also discovered that there’s certain people that just shouldn’t try it because it won’t be worth it to them. So, I’m gonna tell you if you’re a good candidate for Stitch Fix or if you should just skip it. And I’m gonna help you get the best possible fix if you give it a go.
If you’re not familiar with Stitch Fix, it’s pretty simple. You fill out some questions about your style. Stitch Fix sends you a box of five items chosen just for you by a stylist. You send back what you don’t want and pay for the items you keep. There’s a $20 styling fee, but if you purchase one of the items, the $20 goes toward that purchase. It’s fun and exciting. But it’s not for everybody.
OK, I’ll it to you straight. If you love to go shopping and have plenty of time to search the racks for great discounts, Stitch Fix isn’t for you. (Unless you just want to try it out for the fun factor.) They don’t discount items. And recently there was a bit of a viral scandal about a client receiving a pair of shorts with a Nordstrom rack price tag for less than half of what Stitch Fix was charging for them. You’ll be getting the suggested retail price, not a sale price, even if you can get the item on sale from other vendors. So if you actually really enjoy spending time in stores finding deals, you’ll definitely find a better price for an item than you’ll get from Stitch Fix. Case closed.
If you have very specific expectations about the items you’ll receive, you may be frustrated. You’ll get items that you would never pick off the rack and the contents of my box usually push me out of my comfort zone. And if you have a set item in mind, you might want to just go out and hunt for it instead of leaving it up to a Stitch Fix stylist.
If it’s not in the budget right now. Stitch Fix is a little bit of luxury. Or at least it is to me. I feel like I’m at Downton Abbey or something when a box arrives. Now, it’s not a huge risk because the styling fee is only $20 (and is removed if you purchase any of the items). So worst case scenario, you’ll be out $20 bucks. But sometimes (and I’ve been there for most of my married life) an extra $20 ain’t gonna happen. I know how that feels. As far as great, frugal deals go, Stitch Fix isn’t your best bet. Price point for the average item is $55 which is more than I usually pay for clothes. And to be honest, if I didn’t have some referral credits for Stitch Fix, it would only be a once a year kind of thing that I would ask for as a birthday gift.
However, if one of the following statements describes you, you might find Stitch Fix to be worth it:
- You hate shopping and can think of a million other things you’d rather do in your free time. (This is so me.)
- You have many small children and have no desire to take them shopping with you. (Welcome to my life.)
- You want some help updating your wardrobe, but don’t have the time to read lots of fashion blogs. (Hand raised.)
- You’re up for an adventure.
Depending on your situation, the time you save not hunting for clothes can be worth the expense of the service. I’ll just give an example. I really needed a cocktail dress for the Edel Gathering. But the idea of jumping from store to store for who knows how long before finding something workable was just…..not appealing. So I just asked for a cocktail dress to be included in my next fix and got this beauty.
Perfect fit. It was $88 which is more than I would normally spend on a dress. But, it’s pretty fancy and it took me zero hours of shopping to find, so I consider it totally worth it.
How to Get Your Best Fix
I’ve heard from a lot of people that they’ve had hit or miss experiences with Stitch Fix. I get it, because my second fix was really bad. Just completely missed the mark and I sent every single item back. But I just got my fourth fix last week and for the first time, I bought every single item. So here’s a few tips to get a great fix:
- Carefully fill out the style profile when you sign up. This will help you get items you’ll like in your very first fix.
- When you get your first fix, give extensive feedback about what you did and didn’t like and why.
- If you have an idea of what sort of items you want, tell them! They can’t read your mind. But they will try to get you something you’ll love, or something similar if they don’t have exactly what you described. Last time I asked for some fun patterned leggings. I was thinking…space leggings! Or cat leggings! They didn’t have anything that ridiculous, but my stylist found some really cute, versatile black leggings with pockets that I plan on wearing everyday when cold weather arrives.
- Find a stylist you love to stick with. I got two items that I LOVED from my first fix including a summery dress that I’ve worn every week all summer. But then my second fix was just dreadful. Nothing worked and I sent it all back and just paid the styling fee to have it all GO AWAY. So in the feedback, I said I did not want that second stylist to style me again. I wanted the stylist from my first fix. And the next time she was back! And she found me that amazing cocktail dress to wear to Edel and she styled my most recent fix, too. I think having one person figuring out what works for you instead of moving from stylist to stylist can really help improve your experience.
And when you love every item (which, granted, seems like a tricky thing to achieve) you get 25% off for purchasing it all which makes the price of each item much more reasonable.
Wanna see my last fix? I’m worried y’all are getting Stitch Fixed out, but I asked my Instagram friends and y’all wanted the lowdown! So your wish is my command. Like always, my quick thoughts on the item and then my husband Daniel’s take:
Item #1. Red Teardrop Necklace (I’m not usually into larger bolder necklaces but I REALLY love this one. The color is so fun.
Daniel’s take: “It looks like it could be enchanted.” Maybe because I’ve been making him watch Once Upon a Time with me.
Item #2: Patterned Tunic Top. This fabric feels so good. Love the fit. It feels flowy and comfy but still looks like something I could wear on a date night.
Daniel’s take: “It reminds me of the jungle.”
Item #3: Black Five-Pocket Pants/Leggings. I specifically asked for some leggings and some tops that I could wear over them. Last time I was pregnant, I realized that I can happily wear leggings and long tops/short dresses every single day. But I only had one good pair of leggings. These will be super versatile and they’re really comfortable.
Daniel’s take: “They’re not leggings if they have pockets. They’re just tight pants.”
Item #4: Red Chevron-Pattern Tunic Top. Similar to the other top and I think I prefer this pattern. Again, the fabric feels heavenly especially in Florida summertime.
Daniel’s take: “It’s a 50s-housewife-on-the-loose kinda look.”
Item #5: Embroidery Detail White Blouse. I love this top. But I was just not a fan of the tassel-y tie thing in the front. So I just removed it. And voila! I like it a lot better now.
Daniel’s take: “Yeah. That tie thing has to go.”
I’ve had a blast with Stitch Fix, but after getting more familiar with it, I can see that it’s not for everyone. Hope this helps clear up some questions about whether Stitch Fix is for you and how to make it work well!
So, did you keep it all? Did you say that above and I wasn’t paying attention? I think it worked so beautifully for you! I’d love to get a Stitch Fix box because of the “push me out of my comfort zone factor” but it’s not a luxury we could afford right now. I had so much fun recently ordering from Twice and pretending it was from Stitch Fix – in fact, I think that would be a great alternative for those that Stitch Fix doesn’t work for (it’s discount products because the items are new but in PERFECT brand new condition, you get to choose your own items so you’re not depending on a stylist, but it comes to your home and you get to try it on and send back what doesn’t work). If you’d be interested in me writing a guest post about it, I’d love to!
I did keep it all, Mandi! I was really happy with this round. Love your idea about Twice! Let’s do a post!
Dear Haley,
Thank you so much for taking the time and writing such a wonderful clear message. You are very informative and kind.
After reading your letter I will give it a try to Stutch Fix. Their clothes look fabulous!
Sincerely, Irina
Twice is my very favorite website on the entire internet. Truly, it’s a goldmine.
I wanna try it!
Do you have a link to Twice? The name is a little too common for me to find it searching. Thank you!
I’m finally ordering a Stitch Fix box, after more than a year of going back and forth and canceling orders. I’ll let you know how it goes!
It’s liketwice.com
You can tell the stylist is definitely getting you now! I love every single thing she sent you this time! (And I love to hear your husband’s take on everything.)
Yes! I think she’s got me down, too. Most of what she sends is more grown up and professional than what I would pick out because I’m kind of a jeans and t-shirts kind of gal, but it’s still very fun and captures the look I’m going for. And Daniel….he’s a riot.
Your husband watches Once Upon A Time with you?! Lucky!!
The leggings idea for pregnancy is a great one. And I really like them with the red top.
I successfully hooked him on OUAT! Pun intended.
I’ve got my husband watching OUAT too! Which is quite surprising, but I’m definitely enjoying it.
Given that I’m a big time online shopper already, I hope to give Stitch Fix a try soon. My current game plan is just ordering from places that offer free shipping/returns. Of course, when you order things that in multiple sizes and colors, it makes your credit card bill a little crazy until the return comes through, something my husband isn’t exactly a huge fan of…
Fabulous! I love the tunics and the peasant blouse! I hope my next Fix is as good!
Thanks, Erin!
This is a really good description of what StitchFix is and isn’t, and how to make it work for you. I have had three Fixes and referred at least three people to the service, so I definitely like it, but I issue the same caveats to my friends (this is not the cheapest way to get clothing, but it’s usually fun, it’s convenient, it’s a good way to freshen up your closet, etc.). My sister-in-law swears by ThredUp, so I’m planning on trying that soon. Love seeing your Fixes but my favorite part is probably Daniel’s commentary
I’ve heard good things about ThredUp! And Daniel’s commentary is my favorite part, too
So glad you kept it all–because it’s PERFECT for you!!
I love tunics & leggings, too; I think it’s the ideal feminine-yet-practical outfit. I wanted to tell you, though, in the interest of saving money, tunic and peasant tops are SUPER easy to make. I am a very basic (okay, LAZY) seamstress and it only takes me about 2 hours from cutting out to wearing. And once you’ve got a simple pattern that you’ve used several times, you’ll be able to do it even faster. I especially like using muslin because it’s super lightweight and flowy for Florida summers, easy to cut & sew, takes dye well, and just gets softer and more comfy the older it gets–oh, and if you watch Joann’s you can buy it by the bolt for $.99 a yard! My peasant top pattern even included drawstring pants and a circle skirt: I’ve used it (with different fabrics & accessories) to make everything from Church clothes to PJs to Halloween costumes. LOVE!!
And this is why I’m so glad Daniel is learning to sew! I don’t have a crafty bone in my body, but maybe I can get Daniel to become my haberdasher.
Thank you for explaining StitchFix! I’ve been really curious about it, but after reading this, I think my gut is right – it wouldn’t be for me. I’m a single gal who loves to go shopping and browse the rack for great deals… as in I rarely pay more than $20 for any item of clothing in my closet.
Love all those items on you! Glad that you snagged them all!
Thanks, Liesl! Glad it was helpful!
You have the most incredible luck with Stitch Fix! I’ve never seen anyone else’s results be so fun and consistently cute…or maybe that means we just have a similar sense of style? Haha, either way I’m so happy you’re getting this custom-designed wardrobe.
I recently vowed to my husband to never buy adult clothing at Target again because it’s essentially disposable, so … baby steps. Working up the nerve to try a Fix for myself!
Agreed. I love the style of target clothes, but they fall apart immediately. I have a dress I wore all of one time before it tore unsalvageably. So cute….but even after repairing it, it just tears in the same please whenever I try to wear it
I love the tunics!! The tunic/legging combo is my jam– but I’m quite picky about fabrics, and I have rage over synthetics costing over $20. I’m pretty sure stitch fix isn’t for me, but I love the idea! I enjoy your stitch fix posts
Thanks, Carolyn! And good point. This last time I specified that I prefer natural fibers and no polyester, please. Because last time I loved the fit of a tunic shirt, but couldn’t abide the fabric. This time it was all material that I liked.
I feel like I could do maybe one Stitch Fix. I’m a bit of a “stuck in a rut” kind of gal when it comes to clothing (not helped at all by the whole working at a Bible Camp thing- jeans and camp t-shirts EVERY DAY!), so it would be fun to try some stuff on that I’d never just pick off the rack.
But! I am so, so cheap. I’ve been to two retail clothing stores in the past year- Old Navy (for jeans) and another place to buy a dress for a wedding. And that was it. I’m a Goodwill kind of gal. Maybe I’ll save my Stitch Fix for something special… my birthday?
(And I love the red top.)
My friend Jeanne did not have as good of luck with Stitch Fix; but she really liked Golden Tote.
http://heelsfirsttravel.boardingarea.com/2014/05/05/ordering-mysterious-box-clothing-part-1-review-golden-tote/
Great writeup! I’ve enjoyed your Stitch Fix adventures. And since I so qualify as a person who should try it I’d love to, but I don’t think they ship to Canada. Too bad, eh?
I love your use of the yellow necklace with the ‘jungle’ shirt! Also LOVE the last shirt (sans tie). Great Fix
Wow, all of those items really do look great on you! I am probably not a Stitch Fix kind of gal, especially right now, but it’s fun to see you find things that you love.
And that last bracelet?? Swoon! I love it. It’s just gorgeous.
Gracias! I’m all over it like white on rice. I am 4’11 and the only thing petite about me is my height. I am what you would call curvy, as a Latina. Hips and lots of bust. It’s hard to shop for myself and I think my family is about done with my tantrums after the 18th trip to the fitting room! Will report back in! Thanks for this review!
You look so awesome–well beyond the realm of stay-at-home mommy blogger. You look like mommy blogger extraordinaire! But then again, you are extraordinary
Yes, everything in that last set looks awesome on you!
I seriously love that last white blouse after the tassel was removed. Don’t think I would have even thought to alter it. I hope you get lots of credits because this is a fun fashion series to check in and follow.
That said, I know Stitchfix is definitely not for me. I am way too finicky and cheap — it’s that $20 fee / pressure to buy. It makes me antsy. But it’s ok because I discovered rental clothing (so weird but awesome). I <3 Gwynnie Bee. I'm getting ready to write a post about all my love for it. It'd different but definitely my speed.
And honestly I think you look good in basically everything you posted.
<3 jeni
Your fix is great! I tried 2x and I am done! Each box was one horrible mess after another and I tried, boy did I try to give as much detail as possible. Now to google the the tunic and top to see if I can find something similar
Neat-o. Someday when the money allows I definitely want to try stitch fix!
It always seems to slip under the radar. You can only do stitch fix if you are “average” sized. I am 6’1″ and wear a size 14 or 16 on the bottom, so I cant do Stitch fix. I wish they would be more up front about this! I filled out the whole profile before they said Oops we dont carry those sizes :-/
I loved your review, plus the thought that Stitch Fix may not be for everyone. I would like to add another reason to your list:
You live in a rural area far from adequate shopping.
That is part of my reason, plus your first reason…I really dislike spending a ton of time shopping. And one of the other reasons…need to get outside my comfort zone and try new things!
I have been receiving Stitch Fix for 4 months, and even when I don’t like much in the box, I think the service is worth it for my situation. It forces me to get rid of stuff that no longer really fits (even though I’m hoping it will someday), is out of style (but I loved this dress when I bought it 15 years ago!), or never seems to make it out of the closet (I spent good money on that shirt, so I’m keeping it!).
Thanks for a fun review!
Love the red tunic. What brand is it?
Thanks, Kinsey! It’s 41Hawthorne, I do believe
Thank you so much for your fun, helpful and informative review! I had heard of StitchFix from NPR and was curious to know what others thought before taking the time to fill out their style form, etc. I think I will try this (or one of the other sites mentioned by others) – I hate clothes-shopping, stuck in a style rut and live in a semi-rural area. Re. budget, I could give up my $20 Starbuck’s allowance for this
You look great in the clothes and I was cracking up at Daniel’s comments! Keep up the great work and I think I will check out the rest of your blog!
Stitch Fix…my bete noir….no matter how much I raise the price point on my profile I get the same stuff. Frankly, I just can’t make it work. The stuff that shows up looks cheap and predictable.
I’ve become obsessed and constantly ask friends if the top, necklace, jeans or dress are from SF….I’ve gotten pretty good at spotting them…
Love the box, love the packaging, love the process, but just don’t like the merch….maybe someone should start one that is upscale and for a slightly more mature audience.
I found your comment so interesting. Clearly, I live a very pedestrian, middle class life compared to you! LOL. I have had so many compliments on the clothes I’ve received from StitchFix. Not every piece…but if I get a compliment, 100% of the time it is a StitchFix item.
Cheap is in the eye of the shopper. I consider Walmart cheap. I consider JC Penney ‘affordable.’ I consider White House Black Market ‘upscale, but not too bad.’ I consider Banana Republic ‘too rich for my blood.’
We all have our price points, our idea of what ‘cheap’ is, what is fashionable. And I have had great success with StitchFix. Not every box is a winner. Not every item is fantastic, but the stuff I choose to keep is pretty much the favorite things in my wardrobe.