Is Nuuly Worth It? My Completely Honest First Box Review

I got a new job! I’ve waited a while to celebrate online simply because I didn’t want to jinx it but I couldn’t be more excited. For the past six years I’ve been working remotely or hybrid and this is almost a full RTO initiative. So, my wardrobe needed a bit of a pick me up which is why I decided to join the world of Nuuly to fill in some office staples while I figure out what I need to invest in.

This is not a paid advertisement. I am paying for this service and I thought it would be insightful to share my experience because I was looking for reviews myself.

Table of Contents

Why I Decided to Join Nuuly’s Subscription Box Service

I’ve gained happy weight. It’s been a very stressful year but it’s also been one of the happiest years of my life. With that came body fluctuations and accepting that the majority of my old office attire simply doesn’t fit me right now and honestly it also doesn’t feel like me anymore. My previous work style was very mood dependent and this time around I want to feel more sophisticated, polished, and put together.

I don’t want to drop $1k on an all new wardrobe when I know I’m going to change my size and I also don’t know my exact style yet. Which is when the idea of joining Nuuly made sense for me.

Pros and Cons to Joining Nuuly

Pros

Huge library stock
Array of sizes including petites
Different styles and trends
Amazing review system that scales fit from runs large to runs short, includes pictures, women’s measurements including bust, weight, and body shape, and you can search by material
Six items in every shipment with the option to add more for an additional fee
Keep each item for a month and wear as many times as you want
Option to purchase items for an additional cost
Wear trends once to see if you like them
Feels like sharing a closet with a ton of other women
No laundering required before return
Delivered in a recyclable luggage bag
Discount offered for first shipment
Amazing customer service

Cons

You have to return items unless you buy them for an additional cost
Cost is roughly $100 plus taxes every month to rent six items, which feels like a lot upfront until you break it all down
Items might not fit despite the research and you’re stuck with them for a month
You might get something you don’t love or that isn’t actually your vibe
Some items might be more worn than others

My First Nuuly Box Review

My first box was really satisfying. I learned about the cons quickly as well as their customer service. I scoured the site for hours debating what six items to get for my first few weeks of work. I checked every review and read every word on what women loved and didn’t about the pieces. It was as much fun as you think it was but equally exhausting.

Delivery

The delivery was great! Expectations were set after confirming my order with a note that it would take 5-7 days. After that I got a UPS confirmation and a note that I would receive it by end of week. I was told when my shipment was filled and sent to the UPS facility. It was a breeze.

The Bag

I was so surprised and excited by the carrier it came in. Finding out the bag was made of recycled plastic bottles was really comforting. It’s sturdy and will last for years instead of buying boxes. It’s a great concept and I loved that the return label came tucked into a slot under the top of the bag.

The Items

Since I was looking for work pieces I got two tops, two pants, and two dresses. I figured this would be the perfect experiment to see what I’d want in the future and figure out what my trouble pieces were going to be.

Tops were so fun and easy. I’ve been trying to figure out my color palette and because of that I think this batch was really successful on that front. Every piece worked well with my skin tone and hair color and I felt like they would easily blend into what I already have. The blouse drapes beautifully and I got it in petite which was definitely the right call for the length. The sweater I got in standard and I’m glad I didn’t go petite or it might have been too short for the vibe I was going for.

Dresses were 50/50. I went with a denim dress that everyone reviewed as comically huge so I went down a size and got it in petite and it was still comically huge. I felt like I was wearing a tent and not at all what was shown on the model. I’m going to attempt to make it work, maybe roll up the sleeves, but I think it might be a loss. I’m drowning in it. The other dress is a linen blend and lovely. I got it in petite too but I don’t love the belt that came with it and I’d rather swap it for one I already own.

Pants were both a no, unfortunately – I can’t believe I’m putting these photos on the internet. This is just how the cookie crumbles with these services. I read through the reviews but I don’t think I factored in my weight gain as much as I should have. The cords were both too tight and though I could button them up, there’s no way I’m working nine hours in them. Same with the tailored trousers.

Three out of six items didn’t work but it’s also because sizing is inconsistent across the board, not just in the US but by brand. So it’s impossible to truly know your size until you try something on. I knew pants were going to be problematic for me because they always are.

Customer Service

Customer service was amazing. I reached out to ask if I could exchange my two pants and not only did they respond quickly but they gave a really thoughtful answer. The agent was kind, mentioned how they recently launched a new Fit Review feature with more specific sizing and measurements, and noted that they currently don’t have the option to swap or exchange items. As a courtesy she added two bonus items to my account that I can use anytime. I found her answer to be kind and fair. I’ll definitely use those bonus items over the next few months and it’ll be super helpful for a date night or our mini photo session next month.

Conclusion

All in all, I’m genuinely surprised to say this but I’m going to keep this monthly subscription. I also think I’ll keep that lovely flowy top.

For where I am in my life and in my body, this makes a lot of sense for me right now. I don’t want to drop a ton of money getting my wardrobe back and this will help me look professional, put together, and ready to start my new job with confidence. I need to find new pants asap unfortunately, but I have a few from my old days and a ton of dresses that can hold me over until the rain comes back and I get back to my normal weight.

Have you tried Nuuly? Or have you been thinking about it? I’d love to know what you think in the comments below or shoot me an email. I genuinely love hearing from you. 💕

I’ll make sure to mention how I feel next month. Til then, hope you and yours are well.