Hey girl, let‘s talk about one of the most popular destinations for trendy, affordable fashion online – Nasty Gal. Founded in 2006 by #GIRLBOSS author Sophia Amoruso, Nasty Gal has made a name for itself with its bold, unapologetic style and meteoric rise from an eBay vintage shop to a global fashion brand. But is the quality worth the hype? I‘m here to give you the tea with my honest Nasty Gal clothing review.
About Nasty Gal
First, a quick history lesson. Nasty Gal started as an eBay store where Sophia Amoruso sold vintage clothing and gained a cult following for her edgy, confident style. The brand quickly grew into its own e-commerce site and opened brick-and-mortar stores. However, after some bumps in the road, including Amoruso stepping down as CEO and the company filing for bankruptcy, Nasty Gal was acquired by UK fast fashion retailer Boohoo Group in 2017.
Despite the ups and downs, Nasty Gal has maintained its distinct identity as a brand for rebellious, fashion-forward young women who want to serve looks on a budget. With 4.4 million Instagram followers and collabs with celebrities like Cara Delevingne, the brand definitely has a strong fan base.
Nasty Gal Style and Clothing
So what‘s the Nasty Gal aesthetic? Think ‘90s supermodel off-duty – lots of body-con dresses, crop tops, distressed denim, chunky boots, and faux leather. The vibe is equal parts sexy and tough, feminine and edgy. Nasty Gal is not for the wallflowers – it‘s all about standing out and making a statement.
Now let‘s get into the meat of this Nasty Gal clothing review – the actual products. Nasty Gal‘s offerings run the gamut from casual everyday pieces to going-out looks to shoes and accessories. They‘re constantly adding new items to keep up with the latest trends. Some of the most popular categories include:
Dresses
Nasty Gal is known for figure-hugging mini and midi dresses in flirty florals, animal prints, and slinky solids. High slits and cut-outs show some skin while still keeping it classy. They also have a great selection of plus-size dresses that don‘t sacrifice style.
Tops and Sweaters
Crop tops, bodysuits, and lingerie-inspired camis are Nasty Gal staples for pairing with their high-waisted bottoms. But they also have comfy oversized knit sweaters and graphic tees for a model-off-duty vibe.
Vintage
Nasty Gal hasn‘t forgotten its vintage roots. Their vintage section includes reworked pieces as well as throwback styles like ‘70s jumpsuits and ‘90s slip dresses. These items tend to sell out quickly and are one of a kind.
Shoes
From lace-up booties to strappy heels to chunky sneakers, Nasty Gal‘s shoe selection completes their edgy, cool-girl look. Their wide fit shoes are a customer fave for those who need a little extra room.
Sizing and Fit
One thing to note about Nasty Gal sizing is that it can be inconsistent, as is often the case with fast fashion brands that use junior sizing. Nasty Gal clothing tends to run small, so when in doubt, size up. Check the reviews on specific items and the size chart to get an idea of fit. On a positive note, they do offer a full range of sizes from petite to plus and even wide-fit shoes.
Quality and Materials
In my experience, Nasty Gal‘s quality is hit or miss, again typical of the fast fashion price point. The majority of their clothing is made of inexpensive synthetics like polyester and rayon rather than natural fibers. That said, I‘ve found some gems that have held up well. Stick to simpler pieces rather than anything with too much hardware or embellishment. And be sure to follow the care instructions – these aren‘t investment pieces, so hand wash when needed to extend the life.
Price and Value
You‘re not going to find $300 silk blouses at Nasty Gal – most pieces are under $100, with frequent sales bringing prices down to fast fashion territory. Nasty Gal is all about trend-driven looks for less. While the quality isn‘t always top-notch, I think it‘s a fair price for the style you‘re getting. And Nasty Gal often has discount codes for students, first-time shoppers, and app users to sweeten the deal.
Shopping Experience
Nasty Gal‘s website and app are visually appealing and user-friendly with lots of styled outfit ideas if you need some inspo. They offer free shipping on orders over $40 in the US. Returns are free within 30 days – just make sure to check which items are final sale. Nasty Gal has also expanded their payment options to include AfterPay so you can buy now and pay in installments. One thing to note is that some popular items sell out quickly, so if you see something you love, snatch it up!
Comparisons to Other Fast Fashion Retailers
If you like Nasty Gal, you might also shop at other trendy fast fashion sites like Topshop, Forever 21, Missguided, Fashion Nova, or Nasty Gal‘s sister brands under the Boohoo umbrella. Nasty Gal differentiates itself with a more edgy, cool-girl style and a slightly higher price point that allows for a range of sizes including plus and petite. I‘d say Nasty Gal is a step up quality-wise from some of the cheaper fast fashion options but below higher-end stores like Reformation or Revolve.
Sustainability and Ethics
Like many fast fashion brands, Nasty Gal has faced criticism over the environmental impact and labor practices of producing cheap, trend-driven clothing. They have taken some steps towards more sustainable materials and processes, but there is definitely room for improvement in terms of transparency. If sustainability is a top concern for you, you might want to look into other options. But if you‘re going to shop fast fashion, I appreciate that Nasty Gal offers a range of sizes for more body inclusivity.
Customer Reviews
So what are other Nasty Gal shoppers saying? On Trustpilot, Nasty Gal has a respectable 4.1 out of 5 star rating with over 10,000 reviews. Positive reviews praise the stylish, affordable clothing and easy shopping experience. Repeat customers love the frequent sales and discount codes. Less favorable reviews mention inconsistent sizing, long shipping times, and some quality issues.
So, is Nasty Gal Worth It?
To sum it up – if you‘re looking for cool, edgy style and aren‘t too picky about quality, Nasty Gal is worth checking out. It‘s a great option if you want to jump on a trend without blowing your budget or if you have an event coming up and need to find a head-turning look. Just keep the fabric composition and sizing in mind and read the reviews before you buy.
Tips for Shopping at Nasty Gal
- Check reviews on specific items for notes on fit and quality
- When in doubt, size up (especially in fitted styles)
- Sign up for emails to get a discount code and sale notifications
- Shop off-season or during sales to get the best deals
- Filter by your size so you don‘t fall in love with something that‘s sold out
- Opt for styles that aren‘t too complicated or embellished and you‘re more likely to get bang for your buck
Conclusion
I hope this Nasty Gal clothing review has been helpful as you consider your next online shopping spree. No fashion brand is perfect, and it‘s up to each of us to decide where we spend our dollars. When I want to spice up my wardrobe with a statement piece or try out the latest Insta-bait trend, Nasty Gal is one of my go-tos. Just remember to read the fine print and style responsibly, babes! Let me know your Nasty Gal favorites in the comments.
