There are at least a thousand upcoming festivals, the beach is beckoning, barbecues are cropping up on your calendar and it’s wedding season. Summer is synonymous with travel, which means that you’ve got limited time to shop for all of those occasions.
Enter: Stitch Fix, your personal styling service that connects you with a real person who’ll get to know your overall vibe and aesthetic.
And, with that coveted intel that neither your mother nor your girlfriend ever seemed to understand, they’ll ship a curated collection of clothing to your doorstep. All you have to do is try the stuff on, keep what you like and send back anything you’re not that into, which, in theory, shouldn’t be much.
It’s painfully easy. I know because I use it.
Why I Use Stitch Fix
As I’m jet setting around the world—breaking rules in Jordan, jumping off cliffs in Greece and playing with kangaroos in Australia, frankly, I don’t have time to look for parking at the mall, ransack stores, bug retail clerks to find me my size or stand in endless lines.
I’d rather spend my summer becoming a better person on the road, than becoming a bitter person in some brick-and-mortar that could constitute as Dante’s 10th circle of hell.
I know what you’re likely thinking: It’s 2023, and I could just shop online. But take a second and consider this: How many ill-informed purchases have you made from the depths of the deep, dark internet because you didn’t have a chance to actually try anything on?
You know—those white linen pants that don’t look quite like they did pictured on that godly Greek model. We’ve all been there (and studies show that only 1% of the male population can pull off white pants).
But hindsight is 20/20, and Stitch Fix gives you a shot at rectifying your poor past and ensuring that your future is full of… festivals, beaches, barbecues and weddings that hopefully don’t skimp on the open bar.
The most exciting part of all of this: Each “Fix” is a complete surprise! I had no clue what kinds of outfits I’d be shipped for the summer but, thanks to no elbow grease of my own, I look good.
How Stitch Fix Works
The concept is simple: It’s an “un-shopping” experience. I’ll break it down for you.
1. You Sign Up with a Survey
Simply, you sign up on the site and introduce yourself through a detailed style quiz. You’ll answer questions on your measurements, budget, adventure habits, career, commute, lifestyle, the fashion risks you’re willing to take and your hard no’s.
The survey will even get to the nitty gritty: Are you a shirt tucker? How short is too short? Can you do prints or patterns? Do you have a child who is likely to spill on your lap?
It’ll even ask for your social media handles so your personal stylist can stalk your photos and get a clearer idea of how you normally dress.
2. You Connect with a Stylist
Then, you’re placed with a stylist and have an opportunity to share some more specifics. This is where you can let them know what exactly is on your summer agenda—and what kind of clothes you’re, therefore, hunting down.
Maybe you’re a UX/UI designer who works from home though, sometimes, has to Skype in—but your main concern is that not one of your nerdy coding-joke T-shirts is suitable for your new girlfriend’s upcoming family barbecue.
Your stylist will come up with five pieces for you and send them to your home, where you’ll have the opportunity to try them all on.
Included in your Fix will be a personal note explaining each piece and how to pair them (with pictures because, let’s face it, directions are hard).
3. You Try Stuff on for Keeps or Not
After receiving your order, you can give your personal stylist feedback, keep what you dig and ditch what you don’t.
You won’t have to pay for the clothes you mail back with the label provided. Just pay a $20 styling fee and the cost of what you keep. And, if you keep everything, you’ll get a 25% discount.
How Stitch Fix Turned My Summer Around
This is my seventh Fix, so my Stitch Fix stylist, Jamie, has gotten to know my preferences pretty well. This time around she sent me two and a half outfits—and they were perfect.
My Fix came with complete guidelines on how to wear each piece and what pieces to match with what (including a reference to an item from my last order!). Each Fix really is that personal.
While your Fix will be totally unique, here’s what Stitch Fix sent me:
1. Nifty Genius Seersucker Island Palm Print Button Down
This shirt came straight from the new Spring/Summer 2019 collection. I happen to be a fan of prints, so this shirt is right up my alley. Beyond that, the cotton material is incredibly comfortable, and the level of detail doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m referring to the sustainable Ultrasuede labels and trim.
2. Threads 4 Thought Triblend Short Sleeve V Neck Tee
The best part about this T-shirt is that it’s ethically made from sustainable materials. Read: triblend jersey, 50 percent recycled polyester, 37 percent organic cotton and 13 percent rayon. This means that it’s eco-friendly, durable and comfortable: the trifecta for travelers.
3. Faherty Short-Sleeve Henley
The Faherty Brand boasts a vibe that resonates with me, and the Henley is a staple. This particular one is soft and comfortable while still elevating my casual look.
It’ll work for everything from the barbecues I’ve promised I’ll show face at to the bougier restaurants on my summer bucket list. Pair it with a blazer, even, and you’re gold.
4. Rhone Mako Athletic Shorts
These shorts were built for adventure. In fact, they’re designed with both indoor and outdoor training in mind. Think: gusseted seams for mobility, zippered stash pockets, a drawcord-adjustable waistband and moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabric.
I plan to sport these everywhere from the gym to the trails in the upcoming months.
5. Jach’s Palm Print Stretch Chino Short
I received these cotton twill shorts with a design that’s perfect for summer—palm trees! And, as an adventure seeker, I appreciate the added stretch (they’re mostly cotton with two percent Spandex).
For all the globetrotting, festival dancing, bachelor partying and anything else that might crop up this summer, I know I’m going to be prepared.
How Stitch Fix Can Turn Your Summer Around
If you want to save yourself some time this summer, sign up for Stitch Fix here and get started building up your own travel wardrobe.
And, if you schedule your first Fix by June 29, 2019, you’ll receive a $25 credit!
Just keep these tips in mind in order to make the most of your Fix:
- Be honest about your preferences. The only way your stylist can send you options that you’ll love is if they know what you actually like.
- Keep an open mind. Your stylist is going to send you options based on your style preferences. But you may find different types of pieces that you wouldn’t otherwise pick out for yourself. This is because they have a lot more sartorial sense than you (trust me on that one).
- Use the style cards provided for you. They’ve helped me to find new ways of pairing the clothes in my own Fix. This way, I can make even more outfits out of just five pieces.
So don’t spend your summer in stores when you’ve got so much more you could be doing—like hiking in Hawaii or backpacking in New Zealand or chasing waterfalls in Iceland.
Life is good and summer is here. Let Stitch Fix help you out.
