Fitness
4 Wardrobe Subscriptions Worth Checking Out
Can’t find anything to wear? There’s a website for that.
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After a graduation and a few other springtime celebratory events, as well as a recent vacation, I realized that my wardrobe needs a major revamp. And it wasn’t just the special events. Despite a closet full of clothes, every morning is a battle for me. Half of my clothes don't fit, and the ones that do are what we would call loungewear. I dream of the day I wake up, shower, walk to my closet and pull out an outfit without a second thought.
But clothes are expensive, and this Girlfriend is not rich. Even if money weren't an issue, there's the matter of time, which I don't have, and the added stress of sizing. I don't really have a size; sometimes I'm an eight, sometimes a six. My short stature, big chest and odd proportions make it nearly impossible to find clothes that actually flatter. So instead of shopping and fixing the problem, I just live with the same headache of outdated, ill-fitting clothes, day after day.
Lucky for us, the world of digital fashion has introduced a more modern way to shop — wardrobe subscriptions. And the options are plentiful. Not sure where to start? Well, I've done the research for you.
Here are the top services to help you finally revamp your closet — for your next vacation, big event or just a regular day in the office.
Stitch Fix
One of the more well-known digital styling services, Stitch Fix offers a hybrid model — you can set up a monthly subscription or order a box of styles as a one-off. Regardless of which option you choose, the process is the same: take a quiz to determine your style preferences and wardrobe needs, enter your dimensions and sizing information, review and rate outfit images then let your personal stylist get to work! Your (real human) stylist will put together your very first "fix" — a box of five or more items — and send it to you for free (subsequent orders have a $20 styling fee). When your items arrive, try them on, keep — and pay for — whatever you love, then return anything that doesn't fit the bill. You have the option to set a budget before your items are sent, and shipping and returns are free and oh-so-easy!
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Short Story
I'm a whopping 5' 2.75", so forgive me for the bias on this one. But oh my gosh, can you believe there's a clothing subscription service specifically for us shorties? Yup, that's right. Short Story is intended for women 5'4" and under, and if you are one of us then you know that the shopping struggle is real.
CEO Isabella Sun, who stands at 5'1", quickly grew tired of cutting her own jeans and shopping in the children's section, so she quit her job and committed to creating fashion that celebrates petite women everywhere. Want in on the action? Take a style quiz, and your stylist will pick and send your first box. When your clothing arrives, you have five days to try everything on and decide what to keep or return. Prices range from $35 to $150 per piece, and there's a monthly $25 styling fee that is applied toward your box purchases. However, if you choose not to keep any items, the $25 is not refunded.
Sunshine Sisters: Jordann Jammies
Cute pajamas are trending hard among Gen Z, and honestly? It's time us Gen Xers stopped sleeping on this one! Don't have a pajama collection to match every holiday? No worries, Girlfriends — Sunshine Sisters to the rescue!
Head over to their website, sign up for the Jordann Jammies Monthly subscription, and you'll be the proud new owner of an adorable fresh set of jammies every single month. The price is a total dream at just $24/month, and the styles are super cute. From shorts sets to joggers or wide-leg pants, they've got every style covered. You'll be looking so cute and cozy that bedtime might just become your favorite part of the day (if it isn’t already)!
Rent the Runway
For those with Dom Pérignon taste on a Bud Light budget, Rent the Runway is your pot of gold. The concept is genius, really: Rent top designer clothes for a limited amount of time at reasonable prices (how does $39 sound?) then simply send them back. Rentals are available for one-time wear as well as monthly subscriptions.
Co-founder Jennifer Hyman had her aha moment after watching her sister drop a small fortune on an evening dress for a single wedding. Why not rent designer pieces instead? Together with her friend Jenny Fleiss, she turned that idea into Rent the Runway. What started as a pop-up clothing rental shop on the Harvard University campus has since grown into a full-fledged brand offering subscription services and clothes and accessories for any and every occasion. The process couldn't be simpler: pick an item from their extensive collections, choose your size plus a backup size and hit send. When your order arrives, wear it, pack it up and ship it back using the prepaid label they include.
In addition to renting one outfit for a special event, which is priced accordingly, subscribers can rent anywhere from five to 16 items to wear for up to a month. When you return those, you get to pick a whole new batch. Subscription prices for monthly rentals start at around $65 (for your first month) and climb to over $100 per month depending on how many items you choose. The best part? If you fall in love with one of your rentals, you can purchase it and give it a forever home in your closet.
So, Girlfriends, do you have a summer wedding coming up? A vacation? Do you have to get dressed every day? Or need something special to wear after undressing for the day? Have no fear. The battle with your closet is over. Pull out your phone or laptop and get subscribing, shopping and renting!
Have you ever used any of the above? Let us know in the comments below.
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