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.