About a year ago, I decided to try out this fun shopping service a bunch of my blogger friends were talking about. It was July after all, and since my birthday is on the 29th (and I’m a Leo), I like to celebrate my birthday all month long. So why not start with a box of fun clothes?

Best. Idea. Ever.

Well, at least when it comes to clothes. Because I hate shopping, especially when it comes to trying stuff on with awful dressing room lighting. And I love that clothes come straight to my house so I can try them on with the stuff I’ll actually pair it with, instead of guessing in the store if that top will actually go with my favorite pair of jeans. I’m not very good at guessing.

Since I’ve fallen in love with the service, I wanted to share some of the tips I’ve learned. Because, franky, I was pretty skeptical. We lived in the bus, after all, when I got started, and I just did not have the space for a bunch of extra clothes.

What is StitchFix?

StitchFix is an online service that sends you five pieces of clothing to try based on your personalized style profile. It’s  quite convenient (especially if you’re like me and get so drained by shopping). And it’s really, really fun!

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me use #happymail, oh,  a thousand times or so. That’s because getting the mail has been my favorite part of the day since I was a kid. And when my latest order from StitchFix comes, it’s like getting a beautifully wrapped present full of surprises. So basically it’s like my birthday every month.

And one of my favorite parts? When you refer your friends, you get a $25 credit when their fix ships.

(Full disclosure: If you click on any StitchFix links in this post and schedule a fix, I’ll get credit. Thanks in advance if you do!)

Minimalist tips for using StitchFix

1. Don’t feel like you have to buy everything. Or anything.

This should probably come at the end as the big tip you must read, but that’s not how I roll. This is by far the most important tip I’ve learned while using StitchFix (as a self-proclaimed minimalist).

With my first fix, I sent everything back. There wasn’t a single item I loved. Did I have to forfeit my styling fee? Yes. But it was worth it to me to not have to pay double the fee for a piece of clothing I wasn’t going to wear.

Some people argue that’s it worth it to keep it all because of the discount that comes with buying everything in the fix. It’s a great feature, especially if you LOVE every piece, but is it worth it to buy everything at a discount when you’ll only wear one item (that costs significantly less than the total – even with the discount)?Just because you can, doesn’t mean you have to.

2. Schedule your fixes when you need something

This is important if you’re trying to curate a wardrobe you love. StitchFix has a great feature that allows you to schedule your fixes so you receive them automatically each month or so. And while I was making some big changes to my wardrobe, I used that feature.

But now, I’m pretty happy with my capsule wardrobe. So I’ve turned off automatic shipments and will just wait until I’m looking for something to add to schedule my next fix.

3. Communicate with your stylist

Your stylist wants to send you pieces you’ll love. Really. I’ve had an awesome stylist for my last few fixes and she sends me SO many items I love. How do you communicate with them? When you’ve got a fix scheduled, there’s a spot that asks if you want to send your stylist a note.

Can I suggest something? Send your stylist a note. Even if it’s just to say that you love what they’ve been sending, it helps them continue to get to know you so you get more of what you want for your wardrobe.

4. Give constructive feedback

This is important. The more you let them know what you love/don’t like, the better chance you have at getting a fix that you love every time. Rate everything and if there’s something you really love (or hate) use the comments to let them know why (be polite, please).

5. Ask for what you want, but remember it’s not a personal shopping service

Stitch Fix is great because you have a stylist who knows what they’re doing who will pick out some fabulous pieces for you. But. It’s not a personal shopping service. I see so many complaints from people who say they asked for very specific things and didn’t get what they wanted.

That’s not the point. One of the best things about StitchFix is you get to try things you wouldn’t normally pick out.

Yes, it’s ok to ask for what you want, but instead of, “I want this pair of jeans, a black t-shirt, a denim skirt and this exact bag,” try “I’m looking for a versatile summer dress and some cooler clothes to wear for the hot weather.” Doing so has gotten me even better pieces than I would have asked for.

6. Keep your profile current

Did you lose weight recently? Maybe you’re pregnant now. Perhaps you recently decided you hate bohemian and want to dress more preppy. Awesome. Make sure you update your profile when something major happens. I check mine out every few fixes to make sure everything’s up-to-date.

7. Make your list of what you’re looking for

It’s so much easier to ask for what you’re looking for when you know, well, what it is you’re looking for! If your aim is to create a versatile capsule wardrobe, take stock of what you already have and make a list of the pieces you’re looking for.

And then, when it’s time to leave a note for your stylist for your next fix, you can let them know that you’re looking for certain pieces. They might not include them all, but I’ve found some of my favorite wardrobe essentials this way.

8. Connect your Pinterest account

There’s only so much they can glean about you from your profile selections. That’s why I’m so glad you have the option to connect your Pinterest account. Each time I’m waiting for a fix, I go to my style Pinterest board and add some things I love. Your stylist checks this. That’s how I got this shirt (that I kept and love).

Hint: check out the Stitch Fix blog for pin ideas.

9. Don’t keep it if you don’t love it. Period.

I have this rule about only buying clothes I love and I’m usually pretty strict about it. Why? Because those few times I’m not, I end up not wearing the piece. Listen to your intuition. If you have to talk yourself into keeping a shirt (like the grey shirt I kept from one of my fixes), you’re probably not going to wear it much.

Remember that StitchFix is a fun, convenient tool to help you curate a wardrobe you love, not just another way to fill your closet with stuff you don’t need.

Choose wisely.

Do you use Stitch Fix?

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