I have been a huge fan of Stitch Fix since my first Fix arrived back in 2014. I have gotten some good Fixes, some so-so, some that were so close to perfection, and then one absolutely perfect one. While I probably don't have it down to a science, I am sharing with y'all some tips today on how to make the most out of your Stitch Fix experience!
But first, a quick primer on this fun style service. After filling out an extensive style profile and linking a Pinterest board or other helpful things for your stylist, you pick a date for your Fix to arrive. You can choose to schedule them automatically, but for me and my current budget situation I just do them when I can. Then, you wait anxiously for your Fix to arrive! :) Once it finds it's way to your front porch, you excitedly open your Fix up to find a personalized note from your stylist, 5 pieces they picked for you, and style cards to help you figure out what to pair with them. Awesome! Then, after trying everything on, you check out online and send back anything you don't want. You get 25% off for keeping everything in your Fix, and your $20 styling fee is applied to whatever you do decide to purchase. Easy, and so so fun! If you decide to sign up, I'd love if you'd use any of the links in this post, or copy and paste my personal referral link into your browser so I can get some credit https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4356736 You'll get your own referral link when you sign up too :)
Okay, now onto my tips...
1. Make a Pinterest board just for Stitch Fix. This is the most important tip! When I initially signed up, I read about the importance of linking your style profile to a Pinterest board so the stylist can see what you like. I linked mine up to my blog's Pinterest, because I figured that's a perfect way for her to see what I wear. But the problem I see now is that, while I usually focus on wearing outfits on this blog that I have actually worn/plan to wear, sometimes I put things together to experiment. Which means my style can vary. Before my latest Fix (#6) I decided to make a board just for Stitch Fix. I think that is why my Fix was perfect! My stylist picked many things for me that I had actually pinned, and it gave her a better idea of what I wanted exactly.
2. Try everything on with items from your closet. The whole benefit of using Stitch Fix is that you get new styles delivered to you at home, at almost no risk. When you try on clothes at the store, you can only imagine the things they might go with at home. And then, if you take them home, you have to plan a trip back to the store to return if they don't work. That's too much back-and-forth if you're a busy person like me! When you can curate outfits, with the help of the included style cards, by integrating pieces from your existing closet, you'll be able to get an idea about if the new items will really work for you.
3. Prepare to love all 5 items. It seems self explanatory, but be prepared financially to keep everything. I'm a college student on a tight budget, so I have to plan my spending on clothes carefully. Everyone should, college student or not! And I could definitely be better at it. I've always been okay with spending a little more on clothes I truly love, and on clothes that are better quality. Side note: I have found everything I've received from Stitch Fix to be fantastic quality. While you fill out how much you normally spend on clothing items in your style profile, sometimes you'll get a few items that stretch your budget all in the same Fix. That was what happened with Fix #4 for me; looking back, I would have kept 2/3 items I sent back if I had a little more money at the time. So lesson learned, now I always make sure I can spend a little more than I think my Fix will be, provided I love everything!
4. Be detailed. Always look over your style profile before each Fix, to make sure sizes are up to date and everything is aligned with your current likes. Also, make sure you fill out the note to your stylist each time, being clear about things you are looking for or upcoming events you'd like clothes for. Most of the time when I request a Fix I have some sort of event coming up, and every time I have been sent the perfect thing to wear! This was especially the case with Fix #3, and the dress I wore to my Engagement Party.
5. Be open-minded. To new brands, to new styles, and the whole experience. Some of my favorite Stitch Fix pieces are things I might not have tried on in the store. Especially my olive pants, seen here, here, and here. I have discovered some great new brands with each Fix, which expands your shopping bubble. Most importantly though, it's necessary to stay open-minded about the whole experience. You won't love everything in every Fix, certainly not at first. And if you like to be very in control, it might take a Fix or two to let go and trust in the process. But I can almost guarantee that you will fall in LOVE with Stitch Fix!
Are you a fan of Stitch Fix? Any tips for new comers? If so, share in the comments!
--Caroline
