
Hi! It’s been a while. I cut back on reviews lately since I’ve been busy with my full time job. As a teacher, I consider myself quite lucky to get my summers off, but once school starts again, it's a whirlwind. Stitch Fix understands that this back to school transition can be hectic, so until the end of August, teachers get a discount of 25% off their first Fix, once they are verified by ID.me. I've been teaching for 16 years and know a thing or two about what a teacher's wardrobe has to put up with, so I really wanted to see if the Stitch Fix team could find me items that met my specifications.
Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service and one of the most popular women's fashion subscriptions. You tell them all about your style and size preferences through their very specific style quiz, and then they send you a package of carefully selected stylish goodies to try on at home. The styling fee is $20 a month for your stylist, but that fee goes towards any items you choose to keep as a discount.
My Subscription Addiction received a credit for this box. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Style Preferences
I was a member getting regular boxes every few months in 2014, 2015, and 2016, then again in 2019 - I know this because the app lets me see my order history and purchases that far back (I was super impressed with the long account history that was accessible). Back when I first ordered, more that 10 years ago, Stitch Fix was the premier clothing subscription box and the only one I was aware of for years. I would typically keep 0-2 pieces from a box, but they were items I loved that I kept and wore for years.
As with many jobs, there is a dress code. It's not a uniform, but there are rules - my clothing needs to be easy to move in, no cleavage, jeans are limited to special occasions, etc. With this note in my profile, I was curious as to how my stylist would navigate my requests while still keeping me look good.
Even though I had a pre-existing Stitch Fix account that had been sitting idle for over 5 years, I was able to log right in and access content in the app after all that time. I updated my style profile and was also able to complete ”Style Shuffles”, which allow you to give a thumbs up or thumbs down to each item in an image deck, in order to provide insight into your fashion tastes. Style Shuffles refresh every day, as well as pop up to complete after preview feedback. Completing the Style Shuffle is optional, but does give more information to your stylist about your preferences.
Ordering was simple. I could pick the date, which was as soon as 8 days later. I was pleasantly surprised at how soon the box could arrive.
Two days after placing my order, I received a style preview - a great feature I had not experienced before. I was shown eight potential items for my Fix and could choose any that I definitely wanted included in my box. There were also options for why I was passing on items—such as Dislike this item, Own something similar, Don’t need it, or It’s too pricey—which give the stylist insight into my preferences. I ended up selecting two tops from the preview.
First Impressions
The box was much smaller than I had anticipated. It was nice to see the items securely but compactly packaged, without any filler needed.
Seeing the folded pile of clothing, I immediately knew my stylist got me. I was looking for cool neutrals, and that’s exactly what I got. White, black, grey, stripes, and dark denim. To some it may be boring, but those are my wardrobe staples.
My second happy surprise was seeing the item list, including pricing. All of my items were quite reasonably priced. Stitch Fix offers a 25% discount if you choose to keep all 5 items that were sent. The total price for all 5 items, with the discount, was $150.75. That’s hard to beat.
I also appreciated my stylist's note. She did a great job of explaining why she picked the additional pieces.
What’s Inside
Fortune + Ivy - Milan Two Pocket Blouse – Retail Value $49
Size: M | Color: White
I love a white blouse, but I have a hard time picking one out. My mom can make any white blouse look good, espeically linen ones. Unfortunately, when I wear linen I just look wrinkled and messy, which is not the most professional look.
So many things about this one make it a great piece: the neckline, it’s lightweight but not sheer, and the hem makes it so you can wear it tucked in or out. This was easily a keep.
The jeans that I paired with this shirt are also from my fix.
Bridge by Gly - High Rise Slim Wide Leg Jeans – Retail Value $49
Size: 6 | Color: Indigo
These jeans fit well, I love the color, but I wasn’t crazy about the crop and I’m definitely not in the market for another pair of dark wide leg jeans. I’m glad I tried them on though, so I know sizing for this brand. While I appreciate my stylist's choice, these were returned.
Market & Spruce - Brianne Twist Sleeve Knit Tee – Retail Value $29
Size: M | Color: Black
At first glance this looks like just another black shirt. Black tops are a staple for me, and I can always use more. I chose this one because I liked the sleeve details. I also noticed that the care instructions for this (and most of the items in the fix) were "Machine wash" which means that I don't have to worry about any special laundry treatment for my work clothes.
This shirt fit well, had a nice drape, and the sleeve detail gave it some interest. Another shirt to keep.
Nine Britton - Olea Striped Knit Top – Retail Value $29
Size: M | Color: White
This is one of the items that I chose because I am a sucker for white with black stripes. This is great for hot weather and or layering. It is a little big, but being cotton, I am confident it will shrink a bit and fit perfectly. So this is keep.
Pinque - Franchesca Long Sleeve Sweater – Retail Value $45
Size: M | Color: Light Grey
This is a nice neutral sweater with some interest in the ribbing and a bit of a dolman sleeve. It fit well, but the sleeves scrunced up on me more than on the model. Also, I wasn’t crazy about the feel of the synthetic fabric. I did consider keeping it, but I had just bought another grey sweater that I love more (with wonderful textured detailing, softer fabric, but also over twice the price). Thus, this was also a return.
Purchase and Returns
Checkout was super easy. I just needed to click through on the app and give feedback about each item I was returning. It didn’t take long to give the feedback - mostly multiple choice with a box for comments. I feel like the stylist will actually use this to guide my next box.
A label and mailing bag, big enough to hold all items, were included. To complete the return I just needed to put the clothes in the bag, slap the label on, and stick it in the mailbox for pickup. I do love that it was a USPS return, so no extra trip to a UPS drop off location.
In the app, there are tons of outfit ideas for each piece that was sent. All items are available for purchase through Stitch Fix Freestyle. Freestyle allows you to browse items available to either buy directly or include in a Fix.
Takeaways
I can’t wait for my next fix! This was the perfect influx of a few new affordable items for back to school. My stylist took all my preferences and feedback into account and I ended up with 3 new tops that I know will get a lot of use in my work wardrobe. The app is engaging and easy to navigate. I love that I have the option for recurring boxes on a specific timeline, but can also just order on demand. Stitch Fix asked me my pricepoint, and they delivered fashionable options that stayed on budget.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Stitch Fix customizes each box based on your unique style profile, so while you won’t get the exact same items I did, your stylist will curate pieces specifically for you. The 25% discount for teachers is valid until the end of August.
What’s the return period? You have three days from the time you receive your box to try everything on and decide what to keep. If you need more time, you can request an extension through your account, which is super convenient if life gets busy.
How do returns work? Stitch Fix includes a prepaid return envelope in every box, making it easy to send back anything you don’t love. Just drop it in the mail, and you’re all set.
Can you customize what you receive? Yes! Before your box is sent, Stitch Fix allows you to preview your items and swap out any pieces you don’t like. You can also leave notes for your stylist if you’re looking for something specific or want to avoid certain styles.
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