StitchFix. If you frequently read blogs, you’ve probably seen a bit about StitchFix. Maybe you’re on the fence or maybe you feel like it’s not for you. Maybe you even tried it once and were disappointed.

I’ve waited to post extensively about StitchFix until I had a full 9 months of the service under my belt. I never ever ever want my readers to spend money they don’t need to on a product they won’t love…all because I suggested it. Yuck, yuck. I have to REALLY believe in something these days to even spend the time writing about it.

So, I went through the whole StitchFix process a full NINE times and figured out the things I loved, the things I wish were different, and the tips and tricks along the way. There were some fixes where I was ready ready ready to write this post–and then I’d end up waiting. There were other fixes where I was disappointed and sure I was done with StitchFix for good. I’m glad I waited to have a fully fleshed out opinion–and “best practices” to pass along.

First, I want to answer some questions I got on social media about StitchFix.

1. What the heck is it?

StitchFix is a girlie kind of tech/fashion startup based in the Bay Area of California. It’s just a few years old and is growing like crazy. They use a special data-driven process to hone in on the things you love most–but also pair you with a stylist whose job it is to make sure you get awesome stuff that is TRULY you. It’s designed to get better and better the longer you use it (because the more data you provide the more their system and stylists understand your tastes). You sign up, fill out their Style Profile, and then pay $20 for your fix. Your $20 is credited to your account to be used toward an item in your fix! I’d recommend AT LEAST filling out the style profile…it will help you figure out your style!

2. Is it expensive? I’m a Target shopper–will I find anything in my price-range?

You likely won’t find anything Target or Forever21 cheap. But, you get to pick how much you want the pieces to cost. I normally get things no lower than $35 and no higher than $100. There are some things I’d never pay StitchFix prices for, and then there are some things priced at a point I’m pleasantly surprised by.

3. What if I don’t love it and I waste my money?

You might not be WILD about it at first. But, I am going to give you the tips to get GREAT fixes. I’ve gone from being skeptical to loving the service and I think I’ve figured out the BEST methods!

Soooo…here’s some things to keep in mind.

1. It’s not magic. The stylist can’t read your mind…you might not love every single piece. But, that’s okay because it’s likely rare that you’d spend the $200 or $300 for the whole box anyway. I heard somewhere (?? sorry to not have a source! I can’t remember!!) that they aim for you to buy 1-2 items from each fix. The goal is NOT to get a 100%, 5/5, adore every single thing in the box. So, don’t be disappointed if you don’t love everything. That’s an unreal expectation.

2. You MUST be specific and honest. I was afraid to be bossy and choosy at first, and you know what that got me? Fixes that I didn’t love. Finally, I got brave and told them no more synthetic blouses like I’d find at TJ Maxx…and I haven’t received a single one since then. Word on the street is that if you have the guts to be brave and speak your mind, it actually makes your stylist’s job easier and more fun…plus, you get better fixes.

3. If you LOVE the act of shopping and have very specific taste…StitchFix just may not be for you, and that’s okay. It’s made for a busy woman who doesn’t have time to shop–and also for the woman who needs a little nudging out of her comfort zone.

NOW–my top 7 tips and best practices for StitchFix.

1. Build a killer Pinterest board (here’s mine!) and reference it OVER and OVER. Be very specific and note in the descriptions of the pin what you like and/or DON’T like about the image shown.

2. Request to always have the same stylist. (My stylist is Margaret and I actually had the chance to meet her at the Influence Conference…when we met, her words about my style were spot on!) Consistency is key. You want your stylist to get to know your style in real life.

3. Tell your stylist which celebrity or store is your “style muse”. Again, they can’t read your mind and it helps them to be able to put an image to your style. I told Margaret that Madewell is my style crush…and since then, she keeps everything to a very “Madewell aesthetic”…she also points out when she is particularly thinking along those lines.

4. Use StitchFix to figure out YOUR personal style. Maybe you don’t actually KNOW what you love or don’t love when it comes to clothes. See this as an investment in figuring it all out. Take pictures of yourself in each piece…and if you DO find yourself with a dud of a fix, don’t waste the opportunity to really make note about what you didn’t like about each piece.

If I get a fix that I didn’t love, I make sure to note WHY I didn’t like stuff. That way, I know when I’m out shopping next time not to waste my time even trying that stuff on. I know that I don’t like synthetic blouses because I feel like I have to wear a cotton undershirt, otherwise I get clammy.

I also learned specifically that I don’t like jewel tones and I don’t feel like myself in them, therefore I’ll never wear them. I didn’t know that before, because I’d just never pull them off the rack, but when faced with a “yes” or “no” decision, I had to figure out if they were a keeper or not. Make sure to update your style profile as you figure these things out. I realized that along with saying NO PINK, I needed to add purple to that list as well.

5. I choose not to get accessories or bags in my fixes. I’m particular about my accessories (I wear the same ones over and over and I like them to have sentimental value) and know that no one is going to get it right to my tastes–why set them up to fail and waste a chance at a clothing item I may love??

6. Don’t get basics in your fix. You can normally find those for a fraction of the price at a local store. Although I have an exception, I do think Stitchfix has GREAT denim.

7. Take an early peek! StitchFix says they are more concerned that you LOVE the experience of getting your box than that you love all 5 of your items every time. But, for me, knowing that I was spending $20 to get this grab bag surprise box made the expectation of actually receiving the fix too high to achieve. I was left feeling disappointed until I figured out this little trick. When you get the email saying your fix was shipped, you can login onto the site and get a sneak peek of what you’ll be receiving. It’s just a text list, but you can Google the exact phrase and sometimes you’ll find other StitchFixers (or Polyvore) who have posted images of the item. Just knowing what to expect in the box made that expectation more manageable. The first couple fixes I had higher expectations than could have ever been met unless I was shopping myself with an unlimited budget.

Here’s another secret, you can refer your friends to the service and when they sign up and order a fix, you get $25 at no cost to them. This is a fun way to earn a little clothes money–especially if you have Facebook friends who might love Stitchfix. If you DO recommend your friends try StitchFix, make sure to send this post along to them so they can have the best experience possible! I receive referral credits from the links in this post, and if you choose to use these links–I’m super grateful! 

If you have any StitchFix questions that I haven’t answered, leave them in the comments–I’ll answer them there! :) xo.

 I’d love it if you’d pin the image above!! Thank you! xo.

You’ll love these other posts, too:

click the image to visit the post