You finally did it. You splurged on that silk Khloe blazer or a ruffled Mckenna dress, and it arrived. You open the box with all the excitement in the world, only to realize the fit is just... off. Or maybe the color looked different on your iPhone screen than it does in your bedroom light. It happens. Now you're staring at a $400 price tag and wondering if Cinq à Sept returns are going to be a total nightmare or a walk in the park.
Honestly, the contemporary fashion world is a bit of a minefield when it comes to sending stuff back. Some brands make it so easy you could do it in your sleep; others hide their policies behind three layers of legal jargon. Cinq à Sept sits somewhere in the middle, but there are a few "gotchas" that can leave you stuck with a very expensive piece of clothing you'll never wear if you aren't careful.
The 15-Day Window Is Shorter Than You Think
Let’s get the most important part out of the way immediately: the clock is ticking faster than you probably realize. While a lot of big-box retailers give you a generous 30 or even 60 days, Cinq à Sept is much more restrictive. You have exactly 15 days from the date your order was delivered to initiate a return.
That is not two weeks from when you "get around to opening the box."
If you travel for work or leave a package sitting in your mailroom for a week, you’ve already eaten up half your window. It’s tight. If you miss that 15-day mark, the system usually just locks you out. You can try emailing their customer service team, but they are notoriously firm about this specific timeframe.
Why the strictness?
Fashion moves fast. Cinq à Sept produces seasonal collections that rotate quickly. If they take a dress back 40 days later, it might already be marked down or out of style, which hurts their bottom line. It’s business, but for the shopper, it feels a bit like a sprint.
The $10 "Restocking" Reality
Nothing is truly free, and that includes shipping things back. Unless you are doing an exchange (which they usually incentivize by waiving fees), you are going to see a $10 deduction from your refund. This covers the return shipping label and the processing.
It’s a bit of a bummer when you’re already paying premium prices for the clothes. However, compared to some high-end boutiques that make you pay for your own insured FedEx shipping—which can easily run you $25 or more—ten bucks isn't the end of the world. It’s just something to keep in mind so you aren't surprised when your bank statement doesn't perfectly match the original invoice.
Condition Standards: Don't Remove That Tag
This is where people usually run into trouble. Cinq à Sept is a "sophisticated" brand. Their clothes are delicate. We’re talking silks, intricate embroidery, and fine knits.
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If you try on a top while wearing heavy perfume or fresh self-tanner, and it leaves a mark or a scent, they will reject the return. Period. They inspect these items by hand. If the "security tag" or the main brand tags are missing, you are basically the new owner of that item forever.
- Keep the plastic wrap. If it came in a specific polybag, put it back in there.
- Be careful with zippers. Forcing a zipper on a silk dress can cause "stress marks" in the fabric.
- Check the hem. If you walked around your house in heels to check the length and the hem got even slightly dusty, wipe it off gently before packing it.
The "Final Sale" Trap
We all love a good deal. When Cinq à Sept hits the "Sale" section of their website, the discounts are deep. But there is a massive catch.
If an item is marked Final Sale, it is truly final. No returns, no exchanges, no store credit.
I’ve seen dozens of people vent on forums because they bought a "Final Sale" item that didn't fit and thought they could charm their way into a return. It almost never works. If you are buying a sale item, you better be 100% sure of your size in that specific cut. If you're between sizes, skip the final sale. It’s not worth the risk of losing $200 on something that makes you look like a shapeless marshmallow.
Buying from Nordstrom vs. Direct
Here is a pro-tip that most people overlook: where you buy matters more than what you buy.
If you bought your Cinq à Sept piece from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, or Saks Fifth Avenue, do not try to return it to the Cinq à Sept website. They won't take it. You have to follow the return policy of the department store.
Honestly? If you are worried about the fit, buy through Nordstrom. Their return policy is legendary for being flexible. They don't have a strict 15-day cutoff in the same way, and you can usually walk into a physical store to drop it off. If you buy directly from the brand’s website, you are bound by that strict 15-day, $10-fee structure.
The Step-by-Step Logistics
Okay, so you’ve decided it’s going back. What now?
First, go to the Cinq à Sept Returns Portal on their official site. You’ll need your order number (it starts with a #) and your shipping zip code. You pick the items you want to send back and give a reason. Most people just select "too small" or "changed mind."
Once you submit, they’ll email you a prepaid shipping label. Print it out. Stick it on the original box if you still have it. If you threw the box away, use a sturdy mailer. Do not—I repeat, do not—stuff a silk blazer into a tiny bubble mailer. If it arrives wrinkled beyond recognition or damaged because of poor packaging, they can dock your refund.
Drop it off at the designated carrier (usually UPS). Get a receipt. Seriously. If that package goes missing in the mail and you don't have a drop-off receipt, you have zero leverage to get your money back.
How Long Until You See Your Money?
Don't expect the cash back the day they receive the box. It usually takes 5 to 10 business days for their warehouse to inspect the item. Once they clear it, the refund is triggered.
Then, you have to wait for your bank. Depending on who you bank with (Chase is usually fast, smaller credit unions can be slow), it could take another 3 to 7 days for the funds to actually show up in your account. All in, you’re looking at about a three-week turnaround from the moment you drop it at UPS to the moment the money is back in your pocket.
International Returns Are a Different Beast
If you are ordering from outside the United States, things get messy. International customers are typically responsible for their own return shipping costs and any duties or taxes. Since shipping a box to the US from, say, London or Sydney can cost $50+, you really have to be certain about your purchase. The "return shipping fee" isn't a flat $10 for you; it's whatever DHL or FedEx quotes you, which is often painful.
Common Misconceptions About the Process
A lot of people think that if they email customer support, they can get the 15-day window extended. While they might give you an extra day if there was a documented shipping delay, they generally don't budge.
Another misconception is that you can "exchange" for a completely different item. Usually, the exchange system is set up for the same item in a different size. If you want a totally different dress, you’re better off just doing a straight return and placing a new order. It keeps the paper trail much cleaner and prevents your money from being tied up in "system limbo."
Making It Work for You
At the end of the day, Cinq à Sept makes incredible clothes. The Khloe blazer is a staple for a reason—it’s tailored perfectly. But the high-end fashion world demands a bit more diligence from the consumer.
To avoid the headache of Cinq à Sept returns, treat the delivery date like a deadline. Try the clothes on the hour they arrive. Check the tags. Check the seams. If it’s not a "hell yes," get it back in the box and start the return portal process that same night.
Your Actionable Checklist:
- Check the date: Is it within 15 days of delivery? If yes, proceed.
- Inspect the garment: Are the tags attached? Is there any makeup or perfume on it?
- Verify the status: Was this a "Final Sale" item? (Check your email confirmation).
- Portal check: Go to the website, enter your order number, and print the label.
- Pack it right: Use the original packaging to prevent transit damage.
- Get the receipt: Always get a scan receipt from the UPS driver or store.
If you follow those steps, you’ll get your money back without the stress. Just don't let that box sit in your hallway for three weeks, or you'll be trying to sell that dress on Poshmark for half what you paid.