6 Tips for Getting the Best Stitch Fix Box
I was skeptical when I heard about styled clothing subscription boxes a couple years. I’m a pretty avid online shopper and I couldn’t see how a stranger could do better than I could. If you don’t enjoy clothing and accessories shopping, you may find these services to be more useful more quickly than I did. After trying several boxes, here are some tips for getting a box you’ll love.
Note: If you use my referral link for Stitch Fix, we both get $25 off our order! This is not a sponsored article. Once you sign up, you’ll be able to get a referral link to share with friends, too.
Stitch Fix does it best
I’ve tried Dia & Co, Stitch Fix, and attempted Amazon Prime Wardrobe. I’ll start by giving you a little bit of information about each service. All let you schedule boxes, you don’t have to worry about recurring charges that happen with other subscription boxes.
Dia & Co specializes in plus size clothing and active wear. I’ve tried them several times, but always found the clothing to trend too old and shapeless for my personal style. With so many trendy plus size brands available, it was disappointing that their service was this way for me. The notes from the stylist had no reference to my preferences or requests. They also didn’t follow my price preferences. So, after several boxes, I quit them in October 2018.
Stitch Fix, on the other hand, does mention my requests from my notes. It’s just good to know that the stylist reads my profile and puts thought into it. Perhaps both Stitch Fix and Dia & Co read my profile, but Stitch Fix personalizing their box notes with language like “this will go well with your favorite black leggings” after I mentioned that I preferred tunic-length tops is going the extra mile. Since Stitch Fix has worked the best for me, I’ll be focusing on them for most of the article. However, most of these tips can be used for any service or box involving a stylist.
Amazon Prime Wardrobe was just too frustrating for me personally. Basically, you can pick several clothing items and you aren’t charged until you send what you don’t want back. There’s no stylist or fee involved, just a guarantee that you won’t have problems with returns. One major warning and the reason I ultimately haven’t tried it: not every item has colors and sizes available for Prime Wardrobe. Also, like other things on Amazon, prices vary based on color and size. If you want to try Prime Wardrobe, standard sizes and accessories will probably have a better outcome. I just didn’t find enough pieces to make it worth it for me. By the way, I’ve heard good things about Trunk Club and Wantable, but I haven’t tried them because the prices are a little high for what I want to spend right now.
Be detailed in your note to your stylist
Stitch Fix has a very detailed quiz that gathers info on your style, size, body preferences (show arms, don’t show arms, show cleavage, don’t show cleavage, etc.), fit, patterns, and colors. It’s not enough because we’re all different. Don’t be afraid to really tell be honest with your stylist in the notes section on your profile. You can also add another note when you schedule a Fix. In the Fix-specific note, tell the stylist about an occasion you have coming up that would be a good opportunity to try something new. If you’re losing weight or it’s between seasons, tell the stylist you want pieces that will be versatile for those instances. If you’re looking for a piece to go with a specific item in your closet, mention it and describe the look you want to achieve. You’re paying a $20 style fee (don’t worry, you can use it as credit if you choose to buy something from the box), so get your money’s worth!
Periodically make edits to your style profile
Every few months, I go through my style profile and make changes. It could be because my style is changing, I want to try something I previously checked-off as not needing, or need to change a size. Remember, it’s to your benefit and the company’s benefit to give you as many items as possible to keep. Both Stitch Fix and Dia & Co give a 25% off discount if you keep all items in your box.
Link to a Pinterest board
My boxes really improved once I shared my Pinterest board in my profile notes and encouraged my stylist to look at it for inspiration. If you don’t have time or interest in making a Pinterest board, just search for the board for a brand or person whose style you like or ask a friend whose style you like if she has a link. Include that link as a style that fits you. If you’re not sure where to start on making your own board, just start searching for phrases like “jean jacket,” “work outfits” or my personal favorite, “white jeans.” Seriously, I love seeing all the different ways white jeans can be styled. Look to your closet for ideas. If you’d like to wear a favorite item more, search for it and “outfit” and start pinning!
Watch unboxings on YouTube
I didn’t know unboxings were a thing until a couple months ago. I’m seriously way behind on YouTube trends. Watching unboxings is one of my favorite things to do because you can learn so much about what to expect in a box and various price points. For example, my preference is set to not send me any denim or shoes because I learned from others’ unboxings that the price is higher than I’d like. My favorite accounts to follow are Taren Denise and Hot Southern Mess.
Ask for a jewelry item in your price range
This is my hack for not letting the stylist fee/credit go to waste. If you like jewelry, this is a good way to make sure the stylist fee is used toward something. Most jewelry items I’ve received are under $30. Since you’re paying the $20 stylist fee and it’s applied to any purchase from the box, buying the jewelry item is a good way to use the credit without having to spend much more if that’s the only thing you like. If it’s not your style, you can always give away to someone as a gift. It’s basically just insurance in case the sizes or style happens to be totally off on your first couple of boxes.
I hope these help you get the perfect box of must-have pieces! If you have any other tips that have worked for you or recommend other boxes, please comment!