It can be time-consuming and frustrating to go shopping in stores - and it isn't always possible. Some people also like to get input about what will work best for them in terms of fashion. This is where personal styling services come in. Most of these services offer subscription packages, but they are not all the same. Here are some things to look out for when choosing a personal styling service.
When signing up for a service, it's important to know that when you need help, you'll be able to get a hold of someone. Look for services that offer different ways to get a hold of a customer support representative, for example, by chat, telephone, email, or even Skype. If you want to know what other customers experienced when they had to deal with customer support, check out reviews online.
When you’re looking for reviews about customer service, make sure you check whether it is easy to return items or cancel the service. While most online styling services make it straightforward to return, cancel, or exchange, it can be very annoying to deal with less-than-upfront policies.
Not all styling services are priced the same.
While it may be tempting to just go with the cheapest option, make sure that you are getting what you want for the price. Sometimes, the best value is getting more expensive items that you will wear more often, are better quality, and are more versatile. In fact, many professional stylists recommend investing in a few big-ticket classic fashion items that can be worn timelessly and will stand the test of time (and fashion trends).
Another consideration is the pricing structure. Some personal styling services offer monthly subscription fees, while others collect a styling fee that is deducted from the cost of the items that you purchase. Other services ‘rent’ clothes at a fee with a deposit that can be used towards additional items once the original ones are returned. Many personal styling services offer loyalty benefits, special discounts, and sales items, so it’s worth doing some comparison shopping before confirming the stylist’s picks for you.
As always, when it comes to pricing, it is always worthwhile to read the small print.
One of the main benefits of personal styling services is that the clothing you receive is tailored specifically to your wants and needs. There are different ways that the consulting stylists can figure out what will work best for you, so look for a consultation that suits you. Some options for consultations include speaking directly to a personal stylist, either by chat or by video call, or taking an online survey or quiz to determine what your style is. You can also direct your personal stylist about what you are looking for: whether you need an outfit for professional meetings, super comfortable work out clothing, the perfect party dress for a special occasion, or a new maternity wardrobe to accommodate a growing bump, being clear about what you want will help your stylist curate the right style picks.
The most important part of the initial consultation is that you communicate your measurements and personal style preferences early on to avoid disappointment and ill-fitting picks. There are styling services out there for every size, so pick one that is right for your body type, gender, and sense of style.
After receiving your initial consultation with a personal styling service, you will receive bespoke fashion picks delivered to your door. Make sure that you know what the conditions are before signing up to make sure that the service delivers to you and whether there are shipping costs. Some platforms include free delivery and returns, while others include automatic shipping, so this may be the main selling point when making your decision.
These top picks offer some of the best personal styling services on the markets.
Stitch Fix has a huge client base with over 3 million customers enjoying this popular and well-priced personal styling service. The company offers a vast range of sizes and styles for every fashion need. In addition to budget-friendly clothing, Stitch Fix offers basic wear, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and more to make sure you are satisfied with a complete look.
Dia & Co. was created to deliver fashion-forward personalized styles to plus-sized women. The service boasts convenience and an in-depth consultation that saves time and hassle on shopping for the best clothing for your figure. Dia & Co. carries a wide range of inventory from many recognized brands, together with expert guidance on how to best match and wear these items.
Trunk Club is a somewhat more expensive personal styling service that sources its inventory from Nordstrom's. One of the top selling points of this platform is the ability for customers to meet with stylists in real-time. With many avenues for personal interaction, you can choose clothing and accessories from well-known brands according to your taste and wardrobe needs.
Frank and Oak is a unique, Canadian-based personal styling service that is committed to providing eco-conscious and budget-friendly fashion. With curated style picks from ethical brands and manufacturers, quality and sustainability don’t have to be unaffordable. With no monthly fee and a convenient cancellation policy, Frank and Oak is a good option for anyone looking for well-priced, beautiful clothing that doesn’t harm the environment.
Dailylook is a premium - and more expensive - personal styling service that features luxury brands. The company retains full-time stylists who deliver the best fashion for your individual preferences, ensuring that customers benefit from industry experts. Although the styling fee is high compared to other services, Dailylook is a great pick for anyone looking for a little extra pampering and upscale labels.
JustFab is a flexible subscription styling service carrying a large inventory of trendy clothes, accessories, shoes, and more. After filling out the initial consultation quiz, you will receive a personalized monthly collection of fashion picks. You can decide to purchase these items, with the monthly credit subtracted from the total, or pass.
Wantable lets you pay for what you want and return what you don’t. With a low styling fee and a wide range of sizing options, Wantable is a good personal styling service for anyone looking to save on time and frustration regardless of wardrobe needs. The service offers fitness and men’s wear, unlike some other companies that cater only to women.
Bombfell is a male-focused personal styling service that carries styles for every preference. The best part about the service is its flexibility in approving or keeping curated style picks. You can return anything that you don't want and will be asked to approve your order even before it ships. With responsive stylists offering guidance, free delivery and returns, and special discounts for loyal customers, Bombfell is leading personal men's styling.
Tog + Porter offers the most personal interaction with stylists of any styling service, but with a $50 styling fee and $25 shipping cost, it’s a little pricier than other services (even though this cost is credited if you purchase over $250). Customers can access stylists via video chat for a real-time face-to-face consultation, which is a great benefit for anyone looking for extra guidance. After you have received your style picks, you can consult with your stylist about what worked and what didn’t to make sure you are fully satisfied. Tog + Porter carries inventory from many known brands as well as emerging labels at the cutting-edge of fashion.
Le Tote sends you five hand-picked fashion items and essentially ‘rents’ them to you for as long as you want. When you return these items, you will receive a delivery of five different items. The service offers a range of subscription packages and free shipping both ways, so you can keep your wardrobe fresh and trendy at an affordable price. You can also choose to purchase any of the items that you receive instead of sending them back. One unique aspect of Le Tote is that they carry maternity clothing, which few other personal styling services include.
