The Bestie Tests: Nuuly
It's like Netflix for your closet.
Welcome to The Bestie Tests!
This is my brand new review series where I test things I see online. But first, the rules:
I’m not paid to do the review. This means I’m not getting compensated or bribed to say nice things.
It fits my lifestyle & budget. I only review products that make sense for my real-life needs & what I’m willing to spend.
It’s available right now. Whatever I’m reviewing can be bought immediately or at least pre-ordered with a clear shipping date.
I give it a fair trial over time. I don’t just try it once & say I’m obsessed. I make sure it holds up— unless we’re talking about hot chicken wings, that’s gone in seconds.
I share my honest opinion. Whether it's a freebie, affiliate link, or full-price purchase, you’ll get my genuine feedback— the yay, the nay, & the "meh, it’s fine."
Now let’s get to it!
The Bestie Tests: Nuuly
Nuuly is a subscription clothing rental service. For $98 a month, you can rent any six items that you choose from 150+ brands, including selections from Anthropologie, Free People and Urban Outfitters.
But why Nuuly?
Well, I wrote this poem in 2022:
Can you relate?
Let me let you in on a little secret: I actually don’t buy much. Most of my cute outfits are borrowed. How? Enter: Nuuly. I've been using it since August 2019. Yes, even in 2020. It’s a little luxury I kept even though no one was going anywhere or getting dressed for anything.
I packed my most recent Nuuly in its entirety for my Nashville trip last week. My six items were a great mix of going out clothes & "I’ll-just-sit-here-and-look-cute" comfies.
I kid you not, a stranger stopped her car in the road & complimented those sweatpants overalls! Also the orange coat was a showstopper on Broadway.
5 Things to Know About Nuuly:
It’s the ultimate trend experiment.
I get to test out bold prints, funky styles, & the kind of “what-was-I-thinking” clothes without the commitment. Barrel jeans? NEVER thought I'd buy them. Now? Can't stop wearing them. I even bought barrel overalls last fall.It’s curbed my spending habits.
Why buy when I can try? $98/month for six pieces may seem like a lot (please do not extrapolate that for the six years I’ve been doing it), but because it’s like hitting refresh on my wardrobe every single month, I rarely buy new things. On the few occasions that I end up becoming OMG obsessed with something in my Nuuly, I can usually snag it at a great discount.It makes getting dressed feel like a game.
Opening my Nuuly box is like unwrapping a present every month. Sure, I chose the items that came, but will I love it or leave it? It’s the thrill of shopping without the commitment.Sustainability is (actually) a vibe.
Renting means I'm not contributing to the fast fashion problem. That means fewer clothes in landfills & more fun outfits. And if you’ve been with me since my Adored Austin fashion blogger days, you know how much this means to me.No buyer’s remorse, just happy surprises.
No more “Why did I buy this?” moments. If it doesn’t fit or just isn’t my style, I send it back. If I love it? I can buy it. The best part? Zero pressure. No regrets.
The Yay:
If $98 isn’t feasible to do… you know… every month for six years… try it seasonally, like for vacations. I especially love it November - January for holiday outfits & big winter coats.
The Nay:
Be prepared for at least 1-2 things that are a nope.
The Meh:
Get a travel clothes steamer (← I have this exact one & love it). Clothes come washed but the delicate fabrics aren’t always ready to wear.
Best Tip:
Always read the reviews, especially those from people your size. And I dare you to try the weird jeans. They might surprise you!
Outfit links: puffer coat, brown leggings, & cashmere sweater (similar) | cropped button down (similar), red track pants (similar), leopard sneakers (similar) | leather pants & cream top | orange coat (similar), jeans, leopard sneakers (similar) | sweatpants overalls, duster (similar), Uggs
TL;DR:
Nuuly is a sustainable, exciting way to experiment with new clothes. Six pieces every month for $98, with a chance to buy them at a discount if you love them. You don’t need to wash anything before returning it, & they come ready to wear (just might need a little steaming). If you’ve been craving fresh looks but you’re on a budget, this is the answer.
Promo code:
If you're ready to try it, use my code for $15 off your first two months at Nuuly.
What Should I Test Next?
I’m on the lookout for new things to Bestie Test! If there’s something you’ve been eyeing online & want my honest review, drop it in the comments!