If you’re obsessed with fashion like me, chances are you’ve come across Lyst. As an avid online shopper for over 10 years, I’ve used my fair share of fashion e-commerce sites. And I keeps coming back to Lyst as my number one destination to discover new arrivals and score deals.
But as their loyal customer base expands, not all experiences are glowing. That’s why I wanted to share my honest review after shopping with Lyst for so long. Consider this your crash course on what to expect before you hit that buy button!
What Exactly is Lyst?
In case you’re new to Lyst, let me give you the 4-1-1. Founded in 2010 and now welcoming over 150 million visitors per year, Lyst operates as a fashion search engine. Instead of stocking its own inventory though, Lyst directs shoppers to thousands of online boutiques and brands to shop.
So when you search for a ruffled prairie dress or leather mules, Lyst displays products from retailers like Net-A-Porter, MatchesFashion and Farfetch all in one place. It’s incredibly helpful for finding your dream piece without needing to visit tons of separate sites.
But Lyst takes it beyond just aggregating products. They use smart tech and data to serve you relevant outfit ideas and new arrivals too. I can’t tell you how many times the “Daily Edit” emails have led me to major fashion crushes I’d never have found otherwise!
Browsing Through Lyst‘s Massive Catalog
Let me tell you, Lyst has an enormous product selection – we’re talking over 8 million fashion and beauty items. Big name designers like Gucci and Dior rub virtual shoulders with Stories labels and tiny Etsy shops, so you never know what gems you’ll uncover.
I’ve personally discovered so many independent brands through Lyst that I follow religiously now. In fact, over 3500 stores operate on the platform, spanning 160+ countries. So browse to your heart’s content – especially if you love emerging designers or international pieces!
Rest assured the catalog includes a vast range no matter your style or budget too. Sample price points might look like:
Tops
- Graphic tee: $15-$50
- Designer blouse: $100-$500
- Runway crop top: $800+
Dresses
- Casual maxi: $50-$150
- Cocktail midi: $250-$750
- Red carpet gown: $1,500+
Shoes
- Flat sandals: $50-$150
- Designer heels: $300-$800
- Statement boots: $500-$2,000Lyst adds over 5,000 new products every single day – so endless eye candy for us shopaholics!
I will say, don’t expect every single item from every retailer though. Stock depends on what each store lists with Lyst. But in my experience, the selection beats alternatives for diversity and trends.
Handy Features That Enhance Your Shopping
While the awesome array of fashion gets top marks in my book, Lyst packs a punch feature-wise too. I take full advantage of perks like:
Universal Wish List
I can save all my favorite picks across different boutiques in one centralized list – genius! No more losing track of items between 20 open browser tabs.
Recommendations
Discover even more great items thanks to suggestions based on your browsing history and wish list additions. The handy “Complete the Look” outfit builder makes styling so much smoother too!
Price Tracking
For big ticket splurges, I always set price drop alerts so I’m notified right away if an item gets marked down. Saved me hundreds on designer bags!
Mobile App
The Lyst app lets me shop my favorite brands and track deliveries on the go – essential for this shopaholic!
For frequent Lyst shoppers like myself, signing up for an account unlocks the full suite of convenient features.
Now I’ll admit, certain tools work better than others. Trying to check out with multiple retailers in one cart got complicated for me. But overall, I really appreciate how Lyst streamlines online fashion discovery – especially with its smart algorithm!
Weighing Up the Pros and Cons From My Personal Experience
Look, after over a decade shopping through Lyst, I’ve had plenty of wins but a few letdowns too. Let’s start with the advantages that keep me hooked:
Pros
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Seamless browsing experience: Lyst makes it truly effortless to filter thousands of items by brand, price, size, color and more. I never feel overwhelmed navigating different stores in one place.
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Awesome delivery perks: Many boutiques and labels on Lyst offer free express shipping worldwide or same day delivery in metro areas. As an impatient shopper, I love when new buys land on my doorstep ASAP!
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Amazing sales: I’ve saved upwards of 50-70% off big name designers in Lyst’s sales and bran sales. Plus they’re great about sending members exclusive discount codes too.
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Simplified price tracking: I have peace of mind knowing I can get notifications if an item I’ve been eyeing for months finally gets reduced. Such a handy feature other platforms lack!
Cons
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Inventory gaps: Sometimes boutiques seem to list only part of their new collection on Lyst. If I’m hunting for a specific item, I’ll still check the brand’s site directly too.
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Pricing discrepancies: Occasionally I’ll spot an item cheaper on the retailer’s own website versus on Lyst. Double checking is worthwhile before hitting checkout.
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Counterfeit concerns: While extremely rare, a few knock-off cases have made headlines regarding luxury brands. Lyst has since ramped up protections, but still pays to be vigilant buying pricier items.
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Community relies on retailers: Don‘t expect direct customer service from Lyst for issues post-purchase. You need to contact individual stores, which can mean inconsistent policies.
On the whole though, the pros easily outweigh the cons in my books. Yes, a few imperfections exist. But no other platform offers such a seamless way for me to uncover hidden fashion gem after gem.
After trying the likes of Farfetch, ShopStyle and MatchesFashion, Lyst remains my go-to – especially thanks to the cool tech features and extensive catalog.
Top Tips to Find Your Perfect Piece on Lyst
After countless Lyst orders over the past 10+ years, I’ve gathered a few top tips worth passing on. Hopefully these help you swiftly track down your newest fashion loves!
🔎 Use filter options obsessively – I always filter by color, item type, size, brands and price maximum to narrow the field. Makes sorting through 20K options way less overwhelming!
🤑 Compare prices meticulously – It never hurts double checking item prices against the original retailers. Lyst displays history too so you can see whether you’re getting real deal.
⏰ Pounce on timed sales – For big designer discounts, temporary sales often launch for 24-48 hours. Sign up for Lyst emails to hear about them or check site daily.
💸 Maximize codes and cashback – Before checking out, Google “[retailer] Lyst discount code” and check cashback sites. I average 5-15% savings per order doing this!
👌 Read sizing guidance – My one fitting note is to consult reviews and size charts even for familiar brands. Sometimes boutiques carry alternate size runs than stores.
Final Thoughts: Is Lyst Worth Trying?
If you can’t tell by now, I happily declare myself a Lyst devotee after all these years. Yes, a few kinks exist as with almost all retailers. But in my experience, the selection, convenience and exclusives outweigh any nitpicks.
I seriously doubt I‘d have discovered so many incredible under-the-radar labels and emerging designs without Lyst‘s technology and breadth of catalog. And the pure joy I get uncovering new styles tailored to my taste makes minor issues forgettable.
For the widest possible array of brands and fastest access to just-dropped arrivals, Lyst still dominates over boutique sites in 2024. So if you ask me, Lyst remains very much worth trying for any fashion-lover.
I hope breaking down the pros, cons and insider tips helps you shop smart – and maybe even fall in love with Lyst like I have! Just dive in with reasonable expectations, use those handy filters and enjoy uncovering your next great fashion find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some burning questions before you dive into Lyst‘s fashion treasure trove? Here I cover some common FAQs:
Is Lyst legit and safe to order from?
Yes, absolutely! Lyst only facilitates discovering and browsing products then redirects to the brands and boutiques to complete checkout. So rather than buying from Lyst directly, your order gets fulfilled by trusted retailers you likely know.
How does Lyst‘s selection compare to stores like Farfetch?
Lyst offers a wider range spanning extremely niche indie designers all the way up to mega brands like Dior and Balenciaga. But boutique sites like Farfetch have an edge specializing in high end and luxury.
Why don‘t I see all available inventory on Lyst?
The products come directly from what each brand/retailer lists with Lyst, rather than the site carrying its own stock. So boutiques don‘t upload their entire catalogues – usually just the latest and greatest pieces!
How do Lyst‘s costs and discounts compare?
For the most part, prices mirror what you‘d pay ordering through retailers directly. Though unusually Lyst displays higher costs than the store itself – so always good to double check before you buy! Signing up does grant access to special Lyst promo codes too.
Who handles shipping, returns and exchanges?
Lyst passes off fulfillment entirely to individual retailers once orders are placed. So you‘ll need to check with the specific store on policies around shipping, returns and more. Customer service goes through brands too.
I hope this inside intel from a long-time Lyst shopper helps set your expectations before trying this fashion mecca! Drop any other questions my way in comments. And do report back on whether you discover any fab new designer loves through Lyst!
