Today, I'll close out my very honest review of FashionPass and why I think it may not deserve a passing grade. Let's hop to it!
WHAT I'M WEARING THIS WEEK: FashionPass
Welcome back to What I'm Wearing This Week — FashionPass is where you can rent and wear designer items by names you know and love. FP started in 2016 by a husband-and-wife duo to solve a serious personal problem—spending WAY too much money on clothes. Back then, the couple ran FP out of their guest bedroom where they had a whopping 2 racks of clothing and 5 members (shout out to my best friends). They'd ship orders and process returns at their kitchen table and drive everything to the cleaners. With no office and no venture capitalists, they were just two people with some big & crazy dreams.
Then, now, and always, the sole reason for FashionPass is to make every woman look and feel like the best versions of themselves every time they walk out the door.
For the newbies to WIWTW, (almost) every Friday I’ll take you on a trip through my life, where I’m going, what’s missing in my closet, my current obsessions, what I’m excited to try, and maybe even buy. Well, that's if the price is right!
For sizing reference, I am 5'11", weigh 140 pounds, and have a 33" inseam.
This is a review of the 10 Items Per Month plan. They're currently running a limited-time deal where you can rent 10 clothing items and 2 accessories for one month for $59.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get your first rental for $29!
CODE: MSA29
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
WHAT I RECEIVED
All four items by Good American, For Love & Lemons, Saylor, and B-Low the Belt arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Good American Denim Tube Midi Dress, Retail Value $199, FP $129, B-Low the Belt Archer Belt, Retail Value $145, FP $145
About the Designer: It starts at the top. With founders determined to listen, learn and motivate. Women who will raise questions, have the difficult dialog, amplify causes and help women thrive.
Our global team is dedicated to making comfort and support every woman’s new normal. Our manufacturers produce to the best of industry standards and are constantly innovating to implement new techniques and sustainable practices.
Why I rented it: I liked the way it looked online!
How I styled it: I got a lot of wear out of this dress. I first paired it with the B-Low the Belt Belt from FP and Alexander Birman Suede Wedges. Then, I wore it to the office and topped it off with a button-down blouse from Amazon, a vintage belt, Ferragamo Gavins Sandals, and the Balenciaga Graffiti Bag. I removed the top for dinner that night and felt like Day-to-Night Barbie!
Size and fit: I got a medium and it was quite form-fitting with very little stretch. The dress is crafted in a cotton blend with a strapless neckline, hidden back-zip closure with a snap placket, adjustable side snaps at the waist, and back slit. The dress is difficult to get on and fitted due to the snaps and zipper, but it's worth the struggle.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: While I'm no fan of Khloe Kardashian, I liked this dress so much, I bought it!
For Love & Lemons Rosalyn Maxi Dress, Retail Value $315, FP $280
About the Designer: The story of For Love & Lemons began with two adventurous 11-year-olds and a tiny lemonade stand. When Laura Hall and Gillian Rose Kern found each other in their small Wyoming town, they began a lifelong friendship and business partnership rooted in fearless individuality, unapologetic femininity, and unconditional familial love. Eventually, they replaced their bucolic countryside surroundings with the sprawling, creative neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Here, lemonade stands gave way to vibrant dresses and delicately designed lingerie. Today, with a small team of 40 people, Laura and Gillian continue to stitch these principles into every fiber of their collections. For Love & Lemons is a 100% women-led team comprised of collaborative dreamers who value innovation, curiosity, and free-thinking fearlessness in everything they do. For Love & Lemons is a mighty band of talented individuals dedicated to bringing you otherworldly designs with imagery to match.
Why I rented it: There's not much to rent.
How I styled it: I couldn't wear this dress out in public because it was too revealing. I only put it on for the pics. In the photos, I just threw on Ferragamo Block-Heeled Sandals.
Size and fit: I got a medium and while the back tie is adjustable, the strings were too long, and it was nearly impossible to get the perfect cinch without help. Once I finally got it on, the tie started to unravel and slide off.
This strappy dress features a v-neckline, adjustable back ties, pleated and ruffled details, asymmetrical skirt with lace insets, and a lace-trimmed hem.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: The dress would work well if I were 25 and heading to a beach resort.
Saylor Rouen Dress, Retail Value $308, FP $308
About the Designer: In 2014, after losing her job, Jillian Shatken booked a trip to the west coast and it was there that she first saw LA's female-centric fashion scene. She met women creatives not much older than herself running their own companies and brands. It felt like the beginning of something important, and it was truly eye-opening.
With nothing more than a small savings account, a few rough sketches, and one very game business partner, Jillian decided to give Saylor (a name she saved for her future daughter) a shot. Today Saylor is sold in over 450 retailers, has quadrupled in size, and works out of a light-filled Garment District office in NYC.
Why I rented it: I rented the shorter version of this dress last summer and loved it.
How I styled it: I wore this dress to the office and then a work happy hour at Yardhouse and paired it with Karl Lagerfeld Strappy Pumps, the Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy, and a Vince Leather Jacket.
Size and fit: This crochet dress features daisy embroidery, a round neckline, crochet cap sleeves, open back, lace insets, back-zip closure, fitted waist, and ruffled hem. It's partially lined, but there are peeks of skin.
I got a medium and it fit great! Definitely true to size.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: This beautiful dress is perfect for work and a night out on the town. If the resale price wasn't so high, I'd consider buying it! My only complaint is that the open back portion doesn't always stay closed.
DID THEY DELIVER?
- What items were most helpful and versatile to own this week to ensure I got the most out of my rental and completed the look I craved? I loved the Saylor dress and the belt and got the most wear out of the Good American dress.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? They barely met expectations!
- What’s the return process like? Simple! Just place your items in the pre-paid garment bag, slip and drop it off at FedEx.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Curiosity got the best of me last month when FashionPass advertised a $59/month special, so I downloaded the app, scrolled through their clothes, and signed up!
Since I'm already familiar with brands like Rocco Sand, Hemant & Nandita, and Saylor, I scanned their offerings and added pieces to my collection. When it came time to check out, my options were suddenly very limited — most of them were rented. I clicked over to Selkie (a brand I've been curious about for years) and realized that the short and puffy babydoll dresses would never work on me — I'm too tall, and my torso is too long. I settled on the corset top and skirt combo, which looked silly.
I've heard much about For Love & Lemons and LoveShackFancy, so I added them to my cart and confirmed the rentals. Yay! I'll have a new wardrobe in 1-3 days. No joke, it took 8 days to receive my first shipment. Sure, I could've paid an extra $29+ for speedier shipping (I think the shipping fees go up to $59 for overnight) but decided on the free option.
Big mistake, huge! Name that movie.
Once my shipment arrived (over a week later), I tore into the packaging and realized most of the pieces wouldn't work on me. They're too young! But that's one of the most significant issues I have with FP — their selection only covers ages 15-32. And by covers, I mean literally and figuratively!
I tried on the clothing and quickly realized I might be able to wear two or three pieces, but luckily, I only paid $59. To be honest, I was only able to wear 50% of the items I received for the month, and I kept two pieces from the previous shipment because that's how few items were available.
My second shipment was a little timelier — I think it took three days. But the return process isn't so great. They ship via USPS, but you must return via FedEx, and in order to get credited for the returns, you must take the items to an actual FedEx location. No drop boxes, no random kiosks at the mall, no shipping it off from your complex's mailroom, nada — otherwise your second shipment won't be released, or you will be charged for the next month.
Now, let's get to the cancelation process. After the first shipping debacle and lack of options for the over 35 crew, I decided I wouldn't continue with FP. I lost 11 days of rentals due to shipping. I clicked the "My Orders" tab on the app and proceeded to cancel my membership. Now, my membership began on July 6th, which made me think I'd have until August 6th to return the items, but that was not the case. They expected me to have the items scanned at FedEx by noon on the 4th or I'd be charged for the next month. It was already 1pm, so I hopped online to contact customer service, which is not 24/7.
I had to wait until Monday morning at 10am EST to reach someone, but there's no number to call. You either text a customer service rep OR use their online chat (so Gen Z), but it's during business hours only. I finally got on the chat, but they were busy and said I was being put on a waitlist and it wouldn't take long. Days later, I still never heard back from anyone on the chat. So, instead I text the number on the site and heard back 4 hours later.
The customer service rep was helpful and apologetic, but my biggest concern was being charged for the following month. How can you expect people to return the pieces almost two days before the membership ends? Seems like a money grab to me.
Anyway, let's get to the pros and cons.
Pros:
- I love that I can rent so many pieces per month!
- They keep investing in new clothing and designers.
- Their pink shipping bag is cute.
- They wrap and seal each piece separately.
- The prices are reasonable for the amount of clothing you receive.
- In addition to the 5 pieces, you can choose an accessory, and that includes B-Low the Belt belts.
- The clothing and designers aren't so high-end that it feels overwhelming.
- Lots of sizing options.
Cons:
- The clothes are geared toward a younger clientele.
- Cancelling is confusing and can become expensive.
- The shipping is sloooow.
- You can't zoom in on most photos.
- It's pricey.
- Low stock and few options.
- Customer service is lacking.
- Resale prices are high.
Perhaps my experience was a one-off and I signed up at the busiest time of the year due to the deal, but even without the shipping and cancellation fiasco, their stock is quite limited, and geared to Gen Alpha, Gen Z and younger Millennials. Cutouts, minis, backless dresses, underwear as clothing? It's like my 90s club days all over again.
It just makes me wonder how brands like this can remain in business, especially in our economy 😑. From what I've heard, RTR isn't making much of a profit (if any), but at least they cover all ages and occasions. If you limit your target audience to young people who are still living in their parent's basement, how can you make a profit? Maybe they're hitting up the bank of mom and dad.
Well, in my honest opinion, FashionPass deserves a soft pass (instead of hard) unless you're young, hitting the clubs, or going to a bachelorette party in Cancun.
But wait, there IS a silver lining! During my membership, they had a huge sale where some items were up to 90% off. Since the pickings are slim for someone my age, I didn't have high hopes, but I ended up scoring 5 pieces for around $160.
Here's what I got:
On that note, I'm skipping next week because I've got family in town. More RTR to come!
ACTIVE DEAL: Get your first rental for $29!
CODE: MSA29
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The 10 Items (or 12 if you consider the bonus accessory item) a Month membership costs $59/month at time of publication and goes up to $125/month after the first month).
Do you subscribe to FashionPass? Let us know what you think down below!
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