Why Stitch Fix Is Really Worth It

Signing up for a clothing subscription with a tight budget seems counterintuitive, but it can really boost your wardrobe AND help you stay on budget.

My closet is full of clothes. Yet I never have anything to wear. And, my clothing budget is outta control. Sound familiar?

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Signing up for a subscription clothing service when you’re on a tight budget might sound counterintuitive. But my Stitch Fix box has expanded my existing wardrobe and kept my clothing budget in the black.

Create a Stitch Fix Account and Get $25 for Each Friend You Refer

Early in our relationship, my husband decided he would rather do all of the laundry and let me handle all of the bills. 16 years later, he’s still the go-to guy for clean and folded laundry in our house… and I’m still the bill payer. I seriously still can’t believe he thinks that’s fair! I’m one lucky girl.

This year we are really trying to be more frugal and just plain smarter with our money. So, I had to look at where the leaks were… and the clothing budget was one area we I needed to adjust. (see this post for the budgeting tool we use)

Many of my friends had already signed up for Stitch Fix and suggested I give it a try. I decided that I would use this subscription as the basis for my clothing budget for the month of December.

And, guess what? I’ve already signed up for my third box and I’m spending less on clothing. Read on to see why I think Stitch Fix is really worth it.

Stitch Fix offered to discount my $20 styling fee for giving it a try and providing a review. As always, opinions here are all mine. See my disclosure policy here.

My First Stitch Fix Box

I filled out my style profile on their website and I made sure to be very specific. I added comments about my particular preferences and was honest about my sizes and tastes. My Pinterest outfit page was linked to my account and I made sure it was updated with pieces I really loved.

When I opened that first box, I was ecstatic. You guys… it was like my stylist had known me all my life. Even my husband commented that it was eerie because the clothing looked just like me!

Chaplin Lined Hooded Anorak Jacket

This is my MOST FAVORITE piece I received. The fit was perfect. I’m a little heavier than I’d like to be and this coat fits well with room for layering. This fall I actually looked for something like this but didn’t find anything. I also LOVE the stripes inside and often roll up the sleeves a little so you can see them.

Anita Skinny Pant

These pants are super soft and look adorable for both work and casual. I work part-time and cannot wear denim at the office. With a tight budget, it’s difficult making decisions on whether to buy more work clothes or more casual clothes, so I love pieces like this.

Aldama Scoop Neck Blouse

I adore polka dots! And this top is so cute. It’s kind of a crepe-y material so it looks dressy when I wear it to work, but also looks cute with jeans.

Abriella Waffle Knit Cardigan

This was the answer to my request for a cozy cardi. I love the length and the deep pockets on the sides. The waffle weave makes it soft and flowy too.

Rosarita Oblong Scarf

This plaid blanket scarf was the only piece I wasn’t crazy about. I love the fabric/print but I’m petite and often fill swallowed up by big scarves. But, I decided to keep it for a couple of reasons. #1, you get a 25% discount if you buy all 5 pieces. #2, I thought it would make a cute home decor accessory in the fall if I didn’t wear it. Who knows, maybe I’ll figure out a way to make it work.

Here’s my total cost. And, I didn’t buy any other clothing in December. (can I get a slow clap?)

Subtotal: $306
Less the Buy 5 Discount: $76.50
Tax: $16.08
Total: $225.58

Typically there is a $20 styling fee as well, but as I mentioned before, I received a credit for writing a review.

Why Stitch Fix is Really Worth it.

A better investment. Let’s talk about money. Each of these pieces seem a bit pricey. I am not in the habit of spending $78 for a pair of pants. BUT…I looked at this as an investment – on the whole – in my closet. I’ve spent more on a trip to the mall and came home with stuff that I just settled for because it’s all I could find. This is about quality over quantity. I’ve read a lot about capsule wardrobes. I’m just not sure it’s for me. However, I like the idea of having fewer better-quality items than a bunch of inexpensive stuff I don’t wear.

More convenient. Did I mention our closest mall is 45 minutes away (welcome to rural Indiana)? A trip to the mall also usually costs me a meal and gas. I have a really bad habit of buying something because it’s on sale or because I am too lazy to decide what to wear to (insert event here).

Adds variety. The clothing in my Stitch Fix mixed well with clothes I already owned so that made it good investment for my overall wardrobe. It makes a great closet boredom buster by introducing a few new pieces every other month!

Better for my budget. I also look at this as a fixed expense in my clothing budget. I know exactly when it’s coming and budget as though I will love everything in my box – which is about $225 per box. So far, that’s been the case. But if not, that leaves me some room to purchase something else. Either way, it’s keeping me in the black.

Sign up for your own STITCH FIX box here!

My Second Stitch Fix Box

I received my 2nd box at the end of January and was just as pleased! I received more adorable clothes that complimented the stuff I had received in the first box as well as the clothes/accessories I had in my closet.

Here are a few outfit ideas with items from both Stitch Fix boxes:

Stitch Fix: Careen V-Neck Dolman Knit Top & Chaplin Lined Hooded Anorak Jacket
My closet: Jeans (similar) // Lucky Booties  // Leather Tassel Necklace (similar)

Each box also comes with an outfit card with ideas on how to wear the pieces together or with other clothing. I hang them up in my closet for whenever I need a little extra inspiration.

Stitch Fix: Aldama Scoop Neck Blouse & Kamala Skinny Jean & Toms Flats
My closet: Clutch (similar) // Earrings (similar) // Necklace

My second Stitch Fix included these amazing Toms shoes! I am already a fan with a few other pairs of Toms in my closet – but hadn’t tried their flats yet. If you are looking for a super-comfy and versatile shoe – THIS IS IT!

Stitch Fix: Abriella Waffle Knit Cardigan & Walfrid Henley Blouse
My closet: Pants (similar) // Clarks Booties  // Necklace (similar) // Clutch (similar)

So, what are you waiting for? If your closet is feeling a bit blah and you want to add a little spice, this is an easy way to get started. You can sign up for the frequency that works best for you. I’m getting my boxes every other month.

One of my friends mentioned to me that her husband said he thought she was dressing more trendy since she signed up (wowza!) and another friend told me that she loves the color it adds to her wardrobe. There are countless reasons to try it.

I’ll try to share my next box and maybe the weather will cooperate so I can actually get a picture of me in the clothing next time. Ha, ha… It’s been a roller coaster here this month, so we’ll see.