So I finally tried Stitch Fix. Yes, I know I’m behind the times. I decided to take the plunge because I needed some fall travel clothing, and wanted to expand my style range a bit, and try a few new options. I’m not much of a shopping fan, and I’m not terribly concerned with style, so I wasn’t sure if it would be for me. Here’s what I learned.
Stitch Fix for fall travel:
Everyone who signs up for Stitch Fix starts by filling out a style profile. The questions range from practical (what’s your height and weight) to personal preference (do you like casual clothing, business clothing, a mix, etc). Even though I’m not really a ‘clothes person’, I found it fun to fill out the style profile.
Afterward, you’re given a series of images of styles and clothing options that you can rate as thumbs up or thumbs down. This was fun, too, and it helps the stylist who will be assigned to you get a feel for your preferences. You can do more of these ‘slide shows’ later, and honestly, I still find them fun.
Once you’ve filled out the style profile, you can schedule your ‘Fix’ or you can ask for automatic shipments. I scheduled mine, for more control (though you can opt out any time either way).
Note: You’re never obligated to buy any of the clothes sent to you, but you do have to pay a small stylist fee if you opt to return all the items. If you buy, the fee is waived, and if you buy everything in your box, you get a significant discount.
My first box arrived, and it was a mixed bag (or box). I had a pair of skinny jeans, which I liked, but I already had a pair in my closet, a few tops that really weren’t my style, a boxy sweater I thought I’d hate when I unpacked it, but ended up loving, and a button-up tunic I liked, but didn’t feel was high enough quality to keep. In the end, I kept one item: the sweater. I sent the rest back in the pre-paid envelope (easy-breezy).
I enjoyed the experience but didn’t feel it met my goal of finding some new styles for my fall travels, but since you rate all the items in your box after it arrives, I decided to give it another chance. Now, my stylist would ‘know me’ better, right? Right! My second box was MUCH more ‘me’, while still giving me new options to try that I wouldn’t have picked out for myself. I got another pair of skinny pants that I liked but didn’t need, but then got a thin, fitted sweater that will be perfect for the plane, a great scarf, another tunic that was higher quality, and only one top that wasn’t really my thing. I kept everything except the pants and top.
I like that Stitch Fix sends you little cards that give you style ideas with your order (like below). And that they make it so easy to return things. You have three days to make decisions, so you can try the new items on with stuff you already have in your closet. You can list a budget in your profile, and I set mine at something around ‘medium’, since I wanted higher quality items but didn’t want to spend a lot. The items sent to me tended to be in the $40-80 per item range. The stylist fee is $20 (waived if you buy).
Overall, I did gain some new travel wear for fall travel, so I’m satisfied. And while I don’t need more items now, I can ‘pause’ Stitch Fix and come back to it, scheduling more ‘Fixes’ in the winter or spring for more flair to my travel wardrobe as needed. Every so often, I’ll continue to update my style profile in the meantime.
Have you used Stitch Fix? What are your thoughts?
Note: I tried Stitch Fix at the invitation of the company, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own.
