Intro to Stitch Fix: 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Fix

As fun as going shopping can sometimes be, it’s just so damn inconvenient. Personally, when I try to find the time to spend a day scouring stores for a new outfit or a specific item that I’ve been wanting to add to my wardrobe, I either completely strike out, or everything I find is way out of my price range–which usually means I’ve just wasted an entire day with nothing to show for it but sore feet and an aching back. Because of this (coupled with my insanely busy schedule), I have begun to gravitate more toward the online shopping world — both for its convenience as well as its vast array of options (and being able to sit on my couch in my PJs doesn’t hurt either). But we all know that with more options comes harder decision making, and for this reason, I usually end up spending days or weeks comparing items from different online stores before I will actually make a purchase.

As fate would have it, my frustration with shopping had reached its peak when I heard about Stitch Fix — it was love at first sight. The online subscription box service hooks you up with your very own personal stylist who sends you clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories that are tailored to your taste, budget, and lifestyle as often or as seldom as you wish. And bonus: Stitch Fix recently added plus sizes, so they can style women ranging all the way from 0 to 24W and XS to 3XL! It almost sounds too good to be true, right?

Well truthfully, that can be the case; if you don’t take full advantage of everything Stitch Fix has to offer, then your Fixes may end up being mediocre at best. Here are some tips for first-time users of this service to build a good relationship with your stylist, and in turn, make sure you get the most out of every Fix you receive.

1. Update Your Style Profile

Your Style Profile is the very first thing you’ll fill out when you sign up for Stitch Fix, and the questions range from asking about which styles you prefer to how much you’re willing to spend on different items. It will also ask how often you want to receive different types of clothing (casual, business, date night, etc.). Your Style Profile will be the first place your stylist looks to learn about you and your personal style, so make sure to answer all of the questions truthfully and thoroughly.

At the end of your Style Profile, there’s a place where you can leave your stylist some final comments. This is a good place to add additional information about your body shape and some of your biggest fit challenges, such as tops running small in the breast area or jacket sleeves tending to be too short on your longer arms. You can also let your stylist know if you have any celebrity style crushes so they can get a better feel for your personal taste and what you aspire for your style to resemble. Listing some of your favorite stores in the comments section is another great way to show your stylist what types of clothing draw you in, as well as your general budget preferences.

Update your Style Profile as frequently as possible to always make sure your stylist has an up-to-date version of what you’re looking for. If you were originally wanting your Fixes to update your work wardrobe, but now you realize you need some new outfit options for date night, make sure to let your stylist know so they can adjust the focus accordingly.

2. Communicate With Your Stylist

While your Style Profile gives your stylist more general preferences for your size and style, you can also ask for specific requests for each individual Fix via the Notes section. Each time you request a Fix, there’s a place to leave a note for your stylist where you can request an outfit for a special occasion, such as a wedding or a job interview, a trip or vacation, or a current trend you’ve been wanting to try.

The Notes section is my absolute favorite part of Stitch Fix, because it actually works! Every single thing I’ve ever specifically asked for from my stylist, she has found for me — and it’s usually exactly what I was looking for. Never again will I have to scour the dark corners of the Internet for the perfect suede bootie or blanket scarf; my Stitch Fix stylist has my back.

3. Be Active on Pinterest

I am one of the few people on the planet who’s never really gotten into Pinterest. However, now that I have Stitch Fix, I have a Pinterest board that I use exclusively for showing my stylist what I like. Having a Pinterest board dedicated only to Stitch Fix is a great way to show your stylist your general style, as well as which pieces you may be currently longing for — and pinning straight from Stitch Fix’s boards doesn’t hurt either.

4. Give Specific Feedback

After you receive your first Fix, you’ll have the opportunity to decide what items you want to keep and what you want to send back. You will only pay for the items you decide to keep, and Stitch Fix sends you a prepaid envelope for the pieces you want to send back. You’ll have three business days to decide what you want to purchase, and once you do, you’ll fill out a checkout survey that asks you about each item in your Fix before you’re billed.

The checkout survey includes a checklist for each item that asks about what you thought of the fit, style, and price for each item, but there is also a place to leave detailed notes about each item as well. This is the best way to help your stylist pinpoint your fit, style, and budget for your next Fix. Tell your stylist exactly why you did or didn’t like something, including the color, pattern, fabric, size, etc. Additionally, you can help your stylist by telling them what minor changes a piece could have had that may have helped it to work.

5. Be Open to Trying New Things

If you’re diligent about communicating with your stylist, then they’ll be able to get to know you pretty well after a few Fixes. Being surprised is one of my favorite things about Stitch Fix, and because I trust my stylist, I enjoy it when she sends me some new and different things every now and then that I may never think to try myself. While your stylist is there to send you Fixes that meet your personal needs, their goal is also to help you discover and develop your personal style — so let them be creative, sit back, and enjoy the process.