In order to get the most out of my monthly Stitch Fix subscription I’ve gotten into a bit of a routine. A little 5 step routine to ensure that I get the most out of the Stitch Fix experience. Since I’ve had a few more friends sign up for Stitch Fix, I wanted to share my tips with you!
Step 1: Try Each Item On
Now it’s totally up to you if you immediately squeal loudly and strip off all your clothes as soon as you hear your mail person drop your Stitch Fix box at the door. I mean, I do. Obviously. But you may decide to be a little more refined about it, if that’s more your style. What isn’t negotiable is to try on every single item in the box.
It seems a bit of a “duh” step, but so many times, people say “Oh, I knew I hated it when I took it out of the box, so I didn’t even bother to try it on!” Um… why? It will literally take you a minute to try an item on since you’re already throwing clothes on and off, so why not give it a chance? Sure, you may immediately decide that you hate the cut, or color, or shape of an item. But until it is actually on your body, you don’t really know.
Take that extra minute and try everything on, even if you think you’re going to hate it. Maybe you’ll surprise yourself and actually like the piece. Or, if you do indeed hate it, figure out WHY you hate it, so that you can leave better feedback for your next Fix.
Step 2: Make at Least Two Outfits & Use the Style Cards
So, you’ve tried everything on and you have some favorites. Great! Now is the fun part: Go into your closet and put together at least two outfits using each new piece. No matter how awesome that new blouse may look to you, if it doesn’t go with a couple different things in your closet, it might not be the best buy for you right now.
Stitch Fix makes it easy on you by including their Style Cards. At first glance you might not know what to pair with a gray swing skirt, but by checking out the cards you can easily find something similar to try.
Step 3: Take Pictures & Ask Friends What They Think
Even if you’re not a blogger who is interested in posting your Stitch Fix items for the whole world to see, it’s still a great idea to get some feedback. My friend Katie takes pictures of each of her pieces and texts them to me to check out. Other friends have posted their Fix items on Facebook and asked for opinions. Sometimes another pair of eyes is exactly what you need to decide whether to go for that saucy pair of red jeans.
I would say to ask your husband/significant other/spouse, but if they are anything like mine you’ll get one of two answers: The “everything looks great on you” answer, or the “I don’t understand why that top has two different kinds of stripes” answer. Neither is very helpful.
Step 4: Complete the Return Survey & Be Brutally Honest
It’s easy to say that you don’t like something, but when you are filling out your return survey for Stitch Fix be sure to tell them WHY you didn’t like the item. Was it too expensive? Do you have a white-hot hate for anything gray? Was the fabric so thin that you could see every lump and bump through it? Do dolman-sleeve tops make you want to punch a puppy?
Whatever the reason is, make sure to type it into your return survey. This way, when your stylist looks through your notes to style your next Fix they will know what doesn’t work and how to avoid it.
Step 5: Send it Back
Okay, so you tried on all the items in your Stitch Fix box, took some pictures, asked your best friend what she thought and left some feedback. Great! Now all that is left is to pack up everything you don’t want to purchase and throw it back in the mail. You have three days to mull over your decision before you put the rejects back in the prepaid shipping bag, so take the entire time if you need it!
Disclaimer: This post appeared on BlogHer.com. This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix, I pay for the $20 styling fee and any clothing I purchase with my own hard-earned money. If you enjoyed my review and decide to try Stitch Fix for yourself, the biggest compliment you can give me is by using my referral link. Thank you to anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction!
Psssst…Do you love checking out what other people received in their Fixes? I added quick links to every single one of my reviews on my Stitch Fix Reviews page!