Lulus Review: Stunning Styles or Overhyped Fast Fashion?
Brand Overview & Positioning
Lulu’s is an online fashion retailer that often markets itself as a label for “affordable luxury” or “accessible chic.” Its appeal lies in offering trendy, occasion-appropriate pieces (dresses, jumpsuits, rompers, bodysuits) at prices that are lower than many designer brands, but slightly higher than ultra-fast-fashion brands.
The feedback on the various review platforms is mixed:
- Many shoppers praise the stylish designs, the wide selection, and the relatively good quality for the price.
- Others express frustration with inconsistent sizing, the durability of the fabrics, or problems with customer service.
- On trust and reputation portals, Lulu receives mediocre to below-average ratings, with complaints about returns, quality, and communication.
So the brand lies somewhere in the middle: no luxury, no junk – but with compromises.
Here is a summary of the key strengths and weaknesses to consider when evaluating Lulus.
What Works: Strengths of Lulus
- Trend-forward, Occasion-ready Designs: Lulus delivers event-ready styles — gowns, jumpsuits, and dresses with chic cuts, sequins, and modern details.
- Relatively Affordable for Formalwear: Offers mid-range pricing for fashionable, premium-looking outfits without luxury costs.
- Good Variety and Selection: Wide catalog with multiple colors, fits, and seasonal options makes it easy to find your perfect match.
- Decent Return Policy (with caveats): Allows returns within a limited window — handy for trying on styles at home.
- Positive Feedback from Many Users: Customers love the balance between affordability and high-end style appeal.
What Doesn’t Work: Weaknesses & Risks
- Inconsistent Quality and Durability: Some fabrics may fade, stretch, or loosen after a few washes.
- Sizing and Fit Issues: Sizes can vary between items — some run small or large, making fit unpredictable.
- Return Window & Fees: The short return period can be inconvenient, and late returns might incur fees.
- Customer Service Gaps: Some buyers report slow or unhelpful responses for wrong or damaged items.
- “You Get What You Pay For” Reality: Although beautiful, delicate fabrics and embellishments may not hold up long-term.
Overall Verdict
If I had to choose a slogan: “Lulu’s is for shoppers who want statement pieces without designer prices—but are willing to shop carefully, read reviews, and accept the occasional imperfection.”
Now let’s move on to your six specific product recommendations. While I can’t personally inspect them, based on their design, user expectations, and typical Lulu pros and cons, we can see how they might perform and what you should look out for.
Product-by-Product Review & Considerations
I will discuss design and visual appeal, practical usability, risks/challenges, and tips for buyers.
Glamorous Dedication Black Sleeveless Column Maxi Dress
Design & Appeal
This is a classic black maxi dress—sleek, elegant, and minimalist. Because it's sleeveless and straight-cut, it's a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down with accessories or layered looks.
Pros & What Works
- Its strength lies in its simplicity: less effort means fewer places where sewing or cutting errors can occur.
- In a classic black dress, the quality of the fabric is rather forgiving.
- With the right styling, it can be used for various events (cocktail, formal occasions, evening gala).
Risks & What to Watch
- Opacity of the fabric: Many black dresses can be translucent or see-through in daylight if the fabric is too thin.
- Seam and hem quality: Pay attention to clean, reinforced seams and even hems.
- Fit along the hips/waist: Column cuts can accentuate small figure variations, so sizing must be accurate.
Buyer Tips
- If in doubt, order multiple sizes.
- Test it in good lighting to check transparency.
- Consider a lining or petticoat if coverage is weak.
Cultivated Poise Navy Blue Tweed Romper
Design & Appeal
A tweed romper stands out because tweed is more structured and textured, not typical of jumpsuits/rompers. The navy hue gives it a sophisticated, tailored look.
Pros & What Works
- The textured fabric can hide minor flaws or wrinkles better than smooth materials.
- When well fed, it can feel rich and sublime.
- Great transitional piece: suitable for semi-formal or daytime events.
Risks & What to Watch
- With rompers, the crotch and curves are always a bigger challenge – the fit has to be perfect across the hips, thighs and torso.
- Tweed can snag or pill, especially at seams or edges.
- If the fabric is too stiff, movement may be restricted.
Buyer Tips
- Control movement: sitting, walking, stretching if you try.
- Pay attention to the inside seams to see if they are bulky – rough seams can cause chafing.
- Check whether the fabric is stretchy or not. Some tweeds have some stretch, others not at all.
Impactful Elegance Purple Tiered Balloon Sleeve Maxi Dress
Design & Appeal
This is a striking statement dress: tiered skirt, dramatic balloon sleeves, bright purple. It's made to attract attention, for example, at formal events or for photography.
Pros & What Works
- The volume and layers create a dramatic silhouette.
- Balloon sleeves can add a fashionable flair.
- Color helps to conceal small wrinkles or texture, especially strong colors.
Risks & What to Watch
- The many levels and volume require careful construction – every connection must be cleanly processed, otherwise it may look sloppy.
- Balloon sleeves can puff up unfavorably if they are too stiff or too loose, thus destroying the desired silhouette.
- Weight: Too many layers increase the weight, layers that are too light can lead to a poor drape.
Buyer Tips
- Test the movement of the sleeves – raise your arms, turn – to see how the volume behaves.
- Carefully check the seams of the floors for cleanliness and reinforcement.
- If possible, look at the dress in person or in bright light to assess how well it holds the desired shape.
Coveted Crush Black Lace Tie-Neck Bodysuit
Design & Appeal
A lace bodysuit with a bow at the neck is an elegant, delicate piece for layering. It can be worn alone or under blazers, skirts, or trousers. The lace and bow add femininity and interest to the bodysuit.
Pros & What Works
- Bodysuits are great for tucking into pants – they create smooth lines under the pants.
- Lace adds a luxurious touch when it is of high quality.
- The tie collar provides versatility – it can be worn loosely or tied in a bow, creating different moods.
Risks & What to Watch
- Lace is delicate and can easily snag, pull, or tear, especially at seams and ribbons.
- The bodysuit's fasteners (snap fasteners or hooks in the crotch) must be securely fastened and well sewn.
- The fit has to be perfect – if it's too tight, the seams will stretch, if it's too loose, you'll lose your shape.
Buyer Tips
- Check the integrity of the lace pattern and edge finishing – unfinished lace edges can fray.
- Pay attention to how the snap/fastening system is reinforced.
- When trying on the garment, raise your arms and bend over to test the stretch and coverage of the seams, especially in the lace areas.
Sayana Emerald Velvet Sleeveless Straight Leg Jumpsuit
Design & Appeal
The one-shoulder satin maxi dress is a classic cocktail/formal silhouette. The emerald green satin adds volume and charm. Asymmetry adds visual interest.
Pros & What Works
- Satin (if it's of good quality) can feel smooth and luxurious and have a gentle sheen.
- Asymmetry draws attention and contributes to a flattering neckline.
- A dress like this, if executed well, can tend toward red carpet elegance.
Risks & What to Watch
- Satin often has all sorts of imperfections – wrinkles, seam irregularities, lumps.
- Shoulder strap or structural issues: The shoulder strap needs to be reinforced to prevent it from slipping.
- Difficulty in matching underwear (which side to hide the strap on, etc.).
Buyer Tips
- Check the shoulder and bust support carefully – seams, boning, or lining should support one shoulder.
- Check the inner seam allowances – satin tends to slip.
- Try it under strong light to detect any imperfections in the fabric.
Sayana Emerald Velvet Sleeveless Straight Leg Jumpsuit
Design & Appeal
Velvet adds plushness and a sense of richness. A straight-leg jumpsuit is modern and elegant, and emerald green velvet is a striking color choice.
Pros & What Works
- Velvet naturally conceals small imperfections and adds a luxurious texture.
- The silhouette is clear and, with the right proportions, can flatter many body types.
- The sleeveless cut allows for multiple layers (like jackets or wraps) and versatility across the seasons.
Risks & What to Watch
- Velvet can easily wrinkle or develop pressure marks – it can be damaged by lying down, folding, or packaging.
- Seams on overalls (inner leg, crotch) are subject to stress – so they must be well sewn.
- The stretchability or flexibility of the overalls is important – too stiff velvet = discomfort.
Buyer Tips
- Examine the direction of the velvet pile (the direction of the fabric pile) – mismatched pile directions at seams can look odd.
- Test movements, sit, bend, walk to see if the seams hold.
- If possible, lightly steam (do not iron) to remove packaging creases – velvet is sensitive to direct heat.
Shipping Policy (U.S. & International)
United States Shipping
- Lulus offers several shipping options in the US: standard, 3-day, 2-day, and 1-day.
- Standard shipping is a flat rate of $5.00. Orders with standard shipping are typically processed within 1–2 business days and delivered within 7–8 business days.
- 3-day shipping is available for a flat rate of $9. Orders confirmed before 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET) will be processed and shipped the same day (subject to payment confirmation).
- 2-day shipping costs $18, with similar deadlines: Orders placed before 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET) ship the same day.
- 1-day shipping is $25, with the same time limit for same-day delivery for orders placed before 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET.
- Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days (standard) before shipping.
- For Alaska, Hawaii, and the US territories, shipping is via USPS and delivery typically takes 8-21 business days.
- The original shipping costs will not be refunded after the order has been shipped.
- Lulus sometimes offers free shipping promotions (for orders over a certain amount). The app may not have a minimum US address requirement.
International Shipping
- For orders outside the US, Lulus offers two international shipping options: Standard (8-15 business days) and Express (3-8 business days).
- Transit times are estimates and may vary depending on the destination and customs clearance.
- The original shipping costs will not be refunded.
- To avoid unexpected charges upon delivery, prepaid duties and taxes may be collected during checkout. However, local customs fees may still apply.
- For international returns, Lulus recommends using the prepaid express DHL return label (if available) to ensure proper customs documentation and avoid unexpected customs duties.
Return Policy
Here’s how Lulu’s returns and refunds are structured. Be careful: Some of the rules come with strict deadlines and fees.
Return Window & Eligibility
- To be eligible for a refund or exchange, items must be postmarked within 21 days of delivery.
- Lulus no longer accepts returns after 21 days.
- Returned items must be in new, original condition and all tags must still be attached (including seller tags, security tags, garment ties, etc.).
- Items must not be worn, washed, altered, or used. Returns with obvious wear or missing tags may be rejected.
Return Shipping & Fees
- For US orders, returns using the return label will be subject to a fee of $5.95 per return label (i.e., for each individual return from the same order).
- High-volume returns (customers who frequently return large quantities) may be subject to additional fees: an $8.00 return label fee and a $3.00 restocking fee per item. Refunds under this policy can only be issued in the form of online credit.
- For international returns, Lulus does not cover return shipping costs. The cost of the DHL Express label (if used) will be deducted from the refund.
- If customers choose to use their own carrier (without the prepaid label), they may be treated as a new import (i.e., additional duties or taxes will apply) and will be responsible for those charges.
Refunds & Processing
- Refunds will be sent to the original payment method.
- Once the returned item is received and processed, it may take 10-14 business days for the refund to appear, depending on your payment provider.
- Lulus states that the cost of return shipping or labels, restocking fees, etc., will be clearly displayed before completing a return.
Customer Reviews & Feedback
Below is a summary of real customers’ comments—both praise and criticism—about their Lulu shopping experiences. These voices help balance the picture beyond the policy pages.
Positive Feedback
- Many shoppers appreciate Lulus for trendy, event-ready pieces at relatively accessible prices.
“I order a bunch, try them on at home & seamlessly return … their price point for a nicer-looking dress is unmatched.”
- Some customers say a dress they bought “felt thick, high-end” compared to expectations, drawing compliments.
- People often praise the variety and selection: many styles, colors, and fits to choose from.
- In U.S. orders, many report smooth returns when within the return window.
Criticisms & Cautions
- Return / refund delays: Some customers say they waited long for their money back, or were given site credit instead of full refund.
“I returned my first order and still haven’t received my refund.”
- Inconsistent sizing / quality: Many mention that what fits well in one style can be off in another. Thin or sheer fabrics, mismatched stitching, and shedding are often cited.
“The sizing was all over the place and so was the quality.”“It started shedding right out of the package … very patchy.”
- Return costs / hidden fees: Some customers feel the return charges or shipping deductions reduce the refund significantly.
“I would not get a full refund due to huge shipping costs to return.”“Quality was horrible and return process is another scam … they charge you $6 on every return.”
- Customer support / communication: Some buyers say customer service is unresponsive or unhelpful when issues arise.
- Strict return window: Some feel the window is too narrow, especially for bridal or special-occasion items.
Final Thoughts & Advice for Buyers
When writing a review or recommending Lulus to your audience, you should highlight or consider the following tips and caveats:
- Manage Expectations
Don’t treat Lulus like a premium luxury brand. Lulus offers a mix of attractive design and mediocre execution. Your target audience should expect occasional imperfections, but also potential bargains when a product performs well. - Read real customer reviews and photos
Photos uploaded by users often show what the garments look like in real life (fit, drape, defects). This provides more insight than studio photos. Order multiple sizes if unsure
Since size and proportions can vary, we recommend ordering multiple sizes (if the return policy allows it) to ensure the best fit.Inspect immediately and return if necessary
Given the tight return timeframe, your customers should open packages promptly, try them on in good lighting, and return them promptly if there are any issues.Gentle Care
Many of the more delicate fabrics require gentle washing (handwashing or gentle washing machine cycle), proper storage (hang carefully, avoid crushing velvet or satin), and prompt care to maintain their durability.