Getting Started
What is Short Story?
Short Story is a personal styling service for petite women 5'4" or under. We help you find clothes that actually fit, so you can dress with total confidence. Get started by taking our Style Quiz. Our team of petite style experts will use your responses to curate outfits suited to your preferences. We deliver these curations to your door on your schedule, as often as you'd like. You can try everything on in the comfort of your own home and purchase your favorites.
What is "petite"
Petite is about height, not size. Petite clothing is specifically designed to fit women 5’4” or under. Petite women come in all shapes, sizes, and proportions. We believe that no matter what height, shape, or size you are, you deserve the perfect fit. We’re here to help you find the best options for your proportions. Read our Petite Style Guide to learn more.
What sizes do you carry?
We currently carry sizes 00P-20P. We’re constantly working on expanding our size range.
Quickly--how does it work?
First, take the Style Quiz to find your perfect fit. Next, we'll match you with an expert stylist who will handpick pieces that fit your taste, needs, and budget—and mail your picks to your door. Each box contains a curated selection of clothing and accessories for you to try on at home. You have 5 days from the date of delivery to decide what to keep. Then, checkout online and mail back anything you want to return. Shipping and returns are always free.
What can I expect in my box?
Each box contains 5-6 pieces curated just for you. You can tell us what you're looking for, or let your stylist curate outfits suited to your lifestyle. We have petite tops, pants, jeans, jackets, dresses, jumpsuits, and accessories in a variety of styles and price points.
What brands do you carry?
We work with both established and up-and-coming brands. Some brands we work with are: Joe's Jeans, Vince Camuto, Vero Moda, Amour Vert, Good American, Liverpool, and more. Part of the fun is helping you find new brands you'll love. We like to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh.
Do you make your own clothing?
Yes! We carry our own exclusive Short Story clothing lines, created using feedback from you, our Short Story community. This is your style journey, so you should be a part of it!
How much does it cost?
There’s a $25 styling fee for every box that goes to the work of your personal stylist (yes, you get a real human stylist 👩). After you receive your box, you only pay for pieces you decide to keep, and your styling fee gets credited towards anything you keep from that box. The styling fee can only be applied to purchases from your current order. It cannot be rolled over to your next curation and is non-refundable.
How much are the pieces?
We carry a variety of options so we can personalize your picks to your budget. Our clothing items range from $35-$150+ per piece. When you fill out your style quiz, you can tell us your budget and your stylist will send you items based on that range.
Do I need to subscribe
When you sign up, you’ll automatically be on a monthly subscription plan, but you can change your subscription frequency at any time by updating your profile settings. You can schedule a box to come every few weeks, every few months, or whenever you like.
How is Short Story different from shopping online, or in a store?
The Short Story experience is one that is truly made for petites. Our team of petite stylists handpick items just for you. We save you a trip to the store by shipping items directly to you. Our stylists also save you the time and trouble of selecting clothing and accessories. Just tell us how often you'd like to get a box, and then sit back and relax. :)
How it works
1. Take the Style Quiz
Fill out our Style Quiz with with your size, style, and budget preferences. The more you share with your stylist, the better she can style you.
2. Get your personalized box
Your stylist will curate your box based on what you've told us. At the time your stylist selects your items, you’ll be charged a $25 styling fee. That $25 will be applied as a credit toward anything you keep from your box. The styling fee can only be applied to purchases from your current order. It cannot be rolled over to your next curation and is non-refundable.
3. Try it on at home
Try on everything in the comfort of your own home. You have 5 days to decide what to keep and to check out online. For example, if you receive your box on a Monday, you have until Saturday to decide.
4. Check out online
Log into your profile to check out and give us feedback on your picks. Your feedback is key - it’s how we get to know you and your style better. Don’t hold back, we welcome all your comments. 😊 If you’ve set up recurring shipments we'll automatically schedule the delivery date for your next shipment. You can always choose an alternative date if needed or stop regularly scheduled shipments at any time.
5. Mail back your returns
Use the included prepaid return envelope to mail back anything you don’t want to keep. Return your items within the 5 day Return Window to avoid being charged. Returned merchandise must be unworn, undamaged, and with tags still attached.
Managing Your Account
How do I log into my account for the first time?
If it's your very first time logging in, set a new password.
Help! I can't login/forgot my password!
Not to worry! You can create a new password If you’re still having issues, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] and we can help out.
I just signed up, but I'm not sure if my order went through?
If you completed the style quiz and entered your billing information, you’re all set! You should have also received a Confirmation email. If you’d like to confirm if your information was processed, feel free to reach out and we can check for you.
How can I update my profile/size info?
You can edit your profile information on the Style Profile page
How can I request specific items?
To leave a note for your stylist, login to your profile and add any requests or notes for your next box on the Schedule page.
How do my boxes get scheduled?
Your next order is created at checkout and scheduled based on your subscription frequency. Be sure to update your subscription frequency in your account settings before checkout if you want to update the shipment timing. You can check your current box schedule.
How do I change my subscription frequency?
Easily change your settings by logging into your profile and going to the Settings tab. You can schedule a box to ship every month, every 2 months, every 3 months, or whenever you like.
I'm on subscription plan. Can I skip a box?
You sure can! Just log in and update your schedule
Need to cancel your subscription?
We’re sorry to see you go! To cancel, log into your profile and go to the Settings tab in the top right corner. Then click stop receiving automatic shipments and select “Let me schedule my own boxes”. This means we won't ship you a box unless you request it. As a small company, we're always looking to improve. If you have any specific feedback on what we can do better, please let us know!
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship?
At this time we only ship in the United States. We plan to expand internationally in the future. If you'd like to be the first to know, follow us on our Instagram and Facebook page for updates.
How long will it take for my box to ship?
Your box will usually ship within 1 week of your order being placed. You’ll be able to see the status of your box by logging into your account. You will also receive updates and tracking info via email.
How do I check the status of my box?
Log in to your profile to see your expected shipping time.
Will I be notified when my box ships?
You’ll receive a shipping email the day your Short Story curation leaves our warehouse - you can track your order directly through the USPS link in your email, though the information sometimes takes about 24 hours to update with full details.
Checking Out, Returns & Exchanges
How do I check out?
Go to the Checkout page. For anything you want to return, mail it back using the prepaid return envelope included in your shipment.
How do I return items I don't want to keep?
Returning unwanted items can be done in a few easy steps. A prepaid return envelope is included in every Short Story curation.
- Complete your online Check Out. Make sure to leave feedback for your stylist so they can make your next curation an even better fit for you!
- Neatly place any return items inside the included prepaid return polymailer envelope.
- Drop off your return envelope at your local USPS Post Office. In a pinch? Schedule a free USPS pickup!
Be sure to send your returns back on time to avoid having your next Short Story delayed or being charged for unreturned items. You are responsible for getting your returns back to us. We do not recommend returning your bag through non-USPS shippers or in stand-alone Post Office mailboxes. This can cause delays and we would never want to bill you incorrectly for items you didn't keep.
How much time do I have to return things?
From the day your Short Story is delivered, you have 5 days to checkout and return anything you don’t want to keep - pack any return items into the return mailer and drop it at any USPS Post Office or USPS Blue Bin. You can also schedule a pick-up! Be sure to send your returns back on time to avoid having your next Short Story curation delayed or any charges for unreturned items.
How do my boxes get scheduled?
Your next order is created at checkout and scheduled based on your Subscription Frequency settings. Be sure to update your subscription frequency before checkout if you want to update the shipping timing.
What if I can't return my box within 5 days? Can I get an extension?
We understand life can get crazy. If you are unable to send back your items by the 5 day Return By Date, please reach out to us at [email protected] and we’d happy to provide an extension.
I accidentally marked something I wanted to purchase as return/marked something something I wanted to return as purchase? What should I do?
Sometimes the wrong option is selected during checkout; it happens. We will confirm everything when we receive your returns, and process a refund where there's a difference, as long as your items are received back within the Return Window. You'll get an email confirmation when that's done.
Do you offer exchange?
Yes! We're happy to exchange items for you. Just mark the item as "Exchange" when you check out and we'll ship it to you (free shipping included). If you are unable to select the size you’d like, it means we don’t have that size in stock. We charge for exchange items upfront. Exchanges can be returned within 15 days.
Payment & Billing
When do I get charged?
Your styling fee is charged when we start working on your box, usually a week before it is delivered to your door. You'll also be charged for any pieces you keep when you check out, including any items you select for exchange.
If you decide not to keep something, please mail them back to us before the end of the Return Window. We will charge for any unreturned items past the end of the Return Window.
Need an extension on your returns? We're happy to accommodate. Just send us an email if you need a little more time.
What are your payment options?
We accept credit cards and debit cards. We do not accept prepaid cards.
How do I update my address/billing information?
You can log into your profile and update your address and billing info in the Settings tab.
Referrals & Gift Cards
Can I refer a friend?
Yes! Just use the referral link we provided in your Confirmation email, or log into your profile and go to the Get $25 tab to get your link.
What do I get?
For every friend you refer, you get $25 in Short Story credits when they check out and make their first purchase. Your friend also gets her $25 styling fee waived. Win-Win! The credits can be used towards items in your next box.
I received a gift card and it's my first time using Short Story. How do I apply it?
We’re so excited to start this petite style journey with you. 💖 Go ahead and fill out our style quiz. Once you reach the billing information page, you can add your gift card code and it will be applied to your profile.
I received a gift card and I already have an account with Short Story. How do I apply it?
We apply gift cards for existing Short Story clients automatically to your account, so you’re all set!
I have gift card credit, why do I still see a styling fee charge?
We understand that seeing the styling fee can be confusing when you already have a gift card. Unfortunately, our payment processor is unable to automatically deduct the styling fee from your gift card balance right now. This is something we are working on fixing; we appreciate your patience during this time! Your gift card can always be used towards items in your box and never expire.