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My Experience with StitchFix UK

Feb 4, 2020 | life updates, Lifestyle | 15 comments

I started my new job this week, and so my go-to uniform of jeans and leggings aren’t going to cut it. Currently I’m relying on items from my old work wardrobe and my hospital placements last in 2018. However, I am looking to update and upgrade some of it, making sure I look professional and put together, but am comfortable when on the wards, sitting in clinics and presenting to groups of patients. A number of you suggested Stitch Fix on this instagram post where I asked for suggestions on where to shop for key pieces, and so I thought I’d share my experience over the last few months.

my experience of stitch fix

I have literally been waiting for Stitch Fix to make it over to the UK, having seen many of the bloggers I used to follow (back in the day before IG took over EVERYTHING and the blog was still king) work with Stitch Fix and then continue using the service after their sponsored posts were complete. And it wasn’t just the running-turned-mummy bloggers using it, I’d always liked the ‘fixes’ that Nicole from Pumps & Iron got. So I signed right up…

What is Stitch Fix? 

Stitch Fix is an affordable personal styling service, for a £10 fee (redeemable against anything you keep), you are sent a box of clothes (5 items) to try on, keep or return. You fill in an online profile to help your stylist understand your personal style, you can leave comments, give example looks a thumbs up/thumbs down and generally give a feel for what you’re looking for.

There’s no obligation to keep anything, and you get 20% off if you keep the whole box, plus my favourite part, is there is no subscription required. You can try it once, monthly, quarterly or as often/little as you want.

This link gets you £15 off your first ‘fix’ if you want to give it a try! (full disclosure, it also gives me a £15 credit for my next fix) 

my experience of stitch fix

They carry women’s sizes 6-18 and men’s XS- 3XL, and carries brands you’ve heard of and some you probably haven’t. I’ve had Mango, Warehouse, plus a number of labels I didn’t recognise so it’s nice to get out of a rut!

I was a little disappointed with my first box but apparently Stitch Fix gets better the longer you use it as the stylist gets to know your style and size. So I’ve stuck with it for 6 months and had limited success… up until this last box, I have at least kept something including a couple of tops and a pair of jeans. I never knew Mango did such awesome jeans, I wear the pair from my second ‘fix’ all the time, and we all know a good pair of jeans is priceless.

my experience of stitch fix

My Mum has also been trailing Stitch Fix but with better success – I’m not sure if she is more specific with her requests but I do know her budget per box is higher than mine . Also we were both sent the stripey t-shirt below, I sent mine back but I think it looks cute on my Mum.

my experience of stitch fix

So, things I do worry about with Stitch Fix is that they send you end of season stuff, or perhaps items that have been discounted already (making their mark up I would imagine!). I received cropped tanks in September…

This latest ‘fix’ I asked for work appropriate gear and that is what I received, however I felt like it wasn’t my style and it all felt cheap (despite being pretty pricey for what they were!) Now I know snakeskin is ‘in’ but I would never wear this dress, it looks and feels tacky in my opinion. Also the buttons pulled across my chest, which is rather unprofessional feeling like you might pop out at any moment!

my experience of stitch fix The only item I considered keeping were these burgandy trousers, however they were a little too tight for the slouchy look and I don’t know what shoes I would wear with them aside from trainers, which I obviously can’t wear for work!

my experience of stitch fix

Other items included a sheer black top, cream shirt and spotty dress, none of which I thought were very flattering, and again just felt cheap. I would prefer to have a couple of good quality, well fitting items that I can wear on rotation so all of these were returned. I’ve increased the budget for my next ‘fix’, asked for more skirts and dresses, and asked to go back to my original stylist.

As I mentioned I’ve only ever kept one piece from each fix, all of which have been under £40, which is the second cheapest price point on the website. You can opt for up to £200+ per piece, or as little as £25-35.

my experience of stitch fix

Have you ever tried working with a stylist – either online or in person? Ever used Stitch Fix (here is the code again that gives you £15 off if you want to give it a try!

15 Comments

  1. Donna Kaseberg (@DonnaKaseberg)

    I have had more success with Trunk Club in the US not sure if you can get it or something like it in the UK. Love the feedback and the ability to view the items before shipped and request specific items.

    Reply
  2. Helen

    Bummer! I *just* signed up as I hate to shop and desperately need a clothing update. My first box comes Saturday, here’s hoping for better luck. I think it must have been better in the States as I also know quite a few people who really liked it. (Although similar to you and your mom, girls at work would often get the same things in their boxes!)

    Reply
  3. Bethan

    I’ve been using Stitch Fix for a couple of months with mixed success and found it can depend on which stylist you get. I usually keep at least one thing and it has encouraged me to try new shapes as well as brands like All Saints I wouldn’t normally go for, but I do hear your concerns and I’ve definitely had pieces that either really aren’t me or that feel cheap!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      I think I just hate the synthetic materials that so many brands use, I get super hot on the wards and feel like I sweat more into them!

      Reply
  4. paddlepedalpace

    I’ve had two boxes and kept three items so far, so a pretty good success rate. The items were black leather pencil skirt, black wide-leg jumpsuit and black skinny jeans. I usually go for colour, so it was good to get some black basics. I took a break from it when I got made redundant though (as no need for work clothes)!

    Reply
  5. lalaforte

    I just started a rent the runway unlimited subscription and am so far quite pleased! Definitely renting things that would be outside my budget to buy, so it’s been really fun to feel more chic than I normally do. HIGHLY recommend! Discount code for $100 off your first month here: https://rtr.app.link/e/XIpIMB6RP3

    Reply
    • charlotte

      I wish they had that here, would be so great for events, weddings and work!

      Reply
  6. Alyssa B

    I did Stitch Fix for probably 6 months here in the US. One thing that I did that they suggested was to make a pinterest board with clothing items I liked. I feel like that really helped my person hone in on my style. I will say though that I am on the taller side, 5′ 10″. I struggle with buying clothes for myself that fit my arms, most are at least an inch too short. So that is where i struggled the most with Stitch Fix. It’s fine in the summer when short sleeves are in, but long sleeve items I don’t think I ever kept one.

    Reply
    • charlotte

      ooh no that is tricky but you’re right I should make more of an effort with a Pinterest board…which will be a wormhole in itself! x

      Reply
  7. Serena

    I go to John Lewis and use their stylist. I have used them for one off outfits for weddings and to add items to my wardrobe. I have always found them super honest – the words “nope, that doesn’t nothing for you” were uttered and really friendly. They can work with most budgets. I would recommend them. x

    Reply
    • charlotte

      This was the push that I needed to book with John Lewis, have been thinking about it for a while but going to give it a go!

      Reply
      • Heather Naylor

        I would also vouch for John Lewis – I used them for a jeans appointment. I was a little sceptical and I wasn’t a big fan of the first stuff they pulled for me, but the next lot was much better. Plus, being able to sit in a changing room while someone brings you clothes and sizes (often they have to go to the stock room too, which I would never ask for normally) is invaluable!

        Reply
        • charlotte

          I’ve booked a session for March, now that I know what sort of thing is best for the hospital (it is SOOO hot on the wards!)

          Reply
  8. Christine

    Personally I quite liked the snakeskin print dress on you! Thanks for the detailed post!
    I have had two boxes so far and am quite happy with it. I think in my first box, I wasn’t quite specific enough, but the second box was spot on and I kept all of it. I only use it quarterly but then with a higher budget to make sure that I don’t get cheaper feeling stuff which I don’t like either. So far I am good and will keep going as a supplementary box to normal shopping which I still like doing!
    The John Lewis tip is great though, I will keep that in mind when I need something bigger for a wedding or so!

    Reply
  9. Blaire

    I love stitch fix! Sorry you haven’t had so much luck with it and you are probably more stylish than me! But I’ve kept everything that they have sent me so far. Me the fit has been very good and I like that they send me pieces that I wouldn’t ordinarily pick. I tend to buy the same things over and over and get them home and realise I have exactly the same things in my wardrobe already. This is really helped with that! So I do suggest people give it a go and see if it works for them. One thing I highly recommend is to do the various quizzes as often as you can. I’m sure that that informs the algorithm which then helps them to pick things that I really like.

    Reply

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