Alice and Olivia Return Policy: Online Returns, Fees & Guide (2026)
Shopping for luxury contemporary fashion is exciting, but finding the right fit can sometimes be tricky. When you order a statement dress, tailored blazer, or silk blouse, you often need to try it on at home to see how it looks and feels. If an outfit does not fit quite right or fails to match your expectations, knowing how returns work saves you both time and money. The Alice and Olivia return policy gives shoppers a way to send items back, but it has strict rules and shorter deadlines than many other designer brands.
Unlike retailers that offer a standard 30-day window, Alice + Olivia enforces a tight return window of just 14 days. On top of the short deadline, the brand uses prominent exterior security tags on its garments. If you cut or tamper with this security tag, your return will be rejected. Mail-in returns also come with a $9.95 return shipping deduction from your total refund, though in-store drop-offs and direct exchanges remain completely free.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the full return and refund process for 2026. You will learn about key deadlines, return fees, condition requirements, how to handle final sale merchandise, and steps for returning items online or in-store.
Overview of the Alice and Olivia Return Policy
Alice + Olivia handles returns under a strict, luxury-retail standard. Customers can return unworn, unaltered items either by mail or by visiting a standalone brand boutique.
To give you an immediate snapshot of what to expect, review the quick-facts table below before starting your return:
| Return Parameter | Online Orders (Mail-In) | In-Store Boutique Purchases | Third-Party Retailers (Saks, Nordstrom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Return Window | 14 days from delivery date | 14 days from purchase date | Follows specific store policy (e.g., 30–90 days) |
| Return Shipping Fee | $9.95 deducted from refund | FREE ($0.00) | Varies (often free at Nordstrom/Saks) |
| Required Garment Tags | Price tags + black security ribbon | Original price tags attached | Retailer-specific tags and tickets |
| Refund Type | Original payment method | Original payment or store credit | Original payment method |
| Exchange Options | Free size/color swaps via portal | Available from store inventory | Handled through that specific store |
| Accepted Locations | Mail carrier (FedEx/UPS) | Freestanding A+O boutiques only | Must return to the department store purchased from |
Alice + Olivia Return Policy at a Glance
Alice + Olivia accepts returns on unworn, unwashed, and unaltered merchandise within 14 days of delivery (or purchase date if bought in-store). All original tags and attached black/white security ribbons must be intact. Mail-in returns incur an automatic $9.95 return shipping fee, while in-person boutique returns and online size exchanges are free. Items discounted at 50% or more are non-returnable Final Sale.
Return Window & Eligibility Requirements for Alice and Olivia Returns
Understanding the timeline is the most crucial part of making a return with Alice + Olivia. Because the timeframe is short, acting quickly ensures you do not get stuck with an item you cannot wear.
Delivery Date / In-Store Purchase
│
├─► Days 1–14: Return window active (Initiate return & ship or visit boutique)
│
└─► Day 15+: Return window expires (Items no longer eligible for refund)
Standard Return Window
Alice + Olivia gives you 14 calendar days to return an eligible item. For online orders, your 14-day clock starts on the exact calendar day your tracking number confirms delivery, not on the day you placed the order. The return package must be postmarked and handed over to the carrier within this 14-day frame. If you drop the package off after day 14, the warehouse may decline your return and send the clothing back to you.
Online vs. In-Store Return Windows
- Online Purchases: You have 14 days from carrier delivery to initiate your request via the online portal and hand the parcel to FedEx or UPS.
- In-Store Purchases: You have 14 days from the date printed on your physical register receipt to return the item to an authorized freestanding boutique.
What Items Qualify for Returns
To receive a full refund to your original payment method, your items must qualify under these guidelines:
- Full-price merchandise, including dresses, skirts, pants, tops, jackets, and accessories.
- Seasonal sale items discounted under 50% that are not designated as "Final Sale" at checkout.
- Footwear returned in its pristine, original designer shoe box (never use the shoe box itself as the shipping container).
Conditions for Accepted Returns
Item Condition Checklist:
[ ] Unworn, unwashed, and unaltered
[ ] No makeup, deodorant, or perfume scents
[ ] Black/white exterior security ribbon intact and uncut
[ ] Original price tags attached
[ ] Hygienic liners untouched (swimwear/bodysuits)
Meeting condition requirements is mandatory. Garments must be unworn, unwashed, and completely free of alterations, makeup smears, deodorant streaks, or perfume scents.
The Mandatory "Black Security Ribbon" Rule
When your Alice + Olivia order arrives, you will notice a large black or white security ribbon attached to the exterior of the garment. This tag is designed so you can comfortably try on the clothing at home without removing it.
Do not cut this ribbon. If this exterior security tag is removed, snipped, tampered with, or safety-pinned back on, the company will reject your return immediately. The garment will be mailed back to you, and your refund will be denied. Keep this tag intact until you are 100% certain you are keeping the piece.
Hygienic Liners and Intimates
Any swimwear or bodysuits must retain their original plastic protective hygiene liner. If the liner is missing, pulled back, or repositioned, customer care will reject the return for health and sanitary reasons.
How to Return Items to Alice and Olivia
Alice + Olivia offers two ways to complete a return: dropping it off in person at an official retail store or mailing it back via their online return portal.
In-Store Return Process
Taking an item back to a store is the fastest way to get your money back, and it saves you money on shipping costs. An in-store return carries no return fee.
- Find an Authorized Boutique: Use the store locator on the official brand website. You must visit a freestanding Alice + Olivia boutique. Department stores (such as Bloomingdale's or Saks) and outlet stores cannot process direct online orders.
- Gather Your Items: Pack the item with all original tags and security ribbons attached, along with the original invoice or order confirmation email.
- Bring Payment Proof: Bring the credit or debit card used for the original purchase so the associate can process your refund to the original account.
- Receive Receipt: The store associate inspects the garment and processes the refund on the spot, handing you a printed confirmation receipt.
Online Return Process
If you do not live near a brand boutique, an online return can be started from home in just a few minutes:
- Head to the official Alice + Olivia Return Portal.
- Type in your Alice + Olivia Order Number and the billing or shipping zip code associated with the purchase.
- Review your order history and select the specific garments you wish to return.
- Choose the reason for your return from the drop-down list (e.g., fit, style, color).
- Select whether you prefer a refund back to your original payment card or a direct size/color exchange.
Mail-In Return Process
Once your request is generated in the portal, follow these steps to prepare your package:
- Print Documents: Download and print the digital prepaid return shipping label provided by the portal.
- Pack the Garment: Wrap the garment carefully. Place it inside the original shipping box or another sturdy cardboard carton. Include the packing slip or return confirmation paper inside.
- Seal and Label: Seal the package with strong packing tape. Tape the prepaid label flat onto the box, making sure to cover or peel off any older shipping barcodes.
- Carrier Hand-Off: Take the box to the authorized carrier shown on your label (either FedEx or UPS).
- Get a Drop-Off Receipt: Always ask the carrier counter agent for a physical drop-off receipt showing the tracking barcode and acceptance date. This serves as proof that you shipped your parcel within the 14-day limit.
Return Label Instructions and Multiple Orders
The return shipping label fee of $9.95 will automatically be deducted from your final refund amount when the warehouse processes your box.
Important warning on combining orders: Do not package items from different order numbers into a single return box unless you have explicit written approval from customer care. Mixing orders without permission can cause system errors, which often results in severe refund delays or rejected credits.
Alice and Olivia Refund Policy & Processing Time
After your return arrives at the brand's distribution center, it undergoes careful review before your refund method is triggered.
Mail-In Return Timeline:
Carrier Transit (2–5 days) ──► Warehouse Inspection (5–10 days) ──► Bank Processing (3–5 days)
Refund Methods
Approved refunds are credited to the original form of payment used at checkout. This includes standard credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal accounts, and buy-now-pay-later services such as Klarna or Afterpay. If you used a gift card or return a gift with a gift receipt, you will receive your reimbursement as store credit.
Warehouse Inspection and Processing Schedule
The typical warehouse processing time is between 5 and 10 business days from the date the tracking number shows the package arrived at the facility. During warehouse intake, technicians inspect each item to verify:
- The black security ribbon is fully intact.
- No alterations, tears, or pulled threads are present.
- The fabric is free of makeup, sweat, and perfumes.
Once the item passes inspection, you will receive an automated email confirmation stating that your refund has been processed.
Bank Posting Time
After Alice + Olivia releases the funds, your financial institution requires additional time to post the credit. Most banks and credit card companies take 3 to 5 business days to display the funds in your available balance. If you used Klarna or Afterpay, any upcoming installments will be canceled, and previously paid installments will be refunded to your card.
Why a Refund Might Be Denied
Alice + Olivia enforces strict standards. Your refund may be rejected if:
- The return was dropped off past the 14-day window.
- The security ribbon or brand tags were removed or reattached.
- The piece smells of smoke, perfume, or displays makeup stains.
- The garment was marked as a Final Sale item.
If an item is rejected, the warehouse ships it back to your delivery address at your expense, and no refund will be issued.
Alice and Olivia Exchange Policy
If you love the style of your purchase but need a different size or shade, you can use the brand's exchange policy instead of waiting for a return and re-ordering.
- Free Exchanges: Choosing a direct exchange through the online portal waives the $9.95 return shipping fee, making it an affordable alternative to returning for a refund.
- Portal Exchanges: When initiating your return online, select "Exchange" instead of "Refund." You can pick a different size or color of the exact same item, provided inventory is in stock.
- In-Store Exchanges: You can also swap garments in person at any standalone Alice + Olivia boutique. The store will process an even exchange based on current store inventory.
If the replacement size you want is sold out online, you will need to choose a refund or opt for store credit instead.
Non-Returnable Items & Final Sale Restrictions
Not every product purchased from Alice + Olivia can be sent back. The following non-returnable items are strictly ineligible for refunds, store credit, or exchanges:
- Final Sale Merchandise: Any item purchased at a discount of 50% or greater is considered Final Sale. Items purchased during major warehouse events, sample sales, or checkout flash promos labeled "Final Sale" cannot be returned.
- Intimates and Swimwear: Swim bottoms, one-piece swimsuits, and bodysuits that have had their protective plastic hygiene liner removed or handled.
- Gift Cards: Physical plastic gift cards and electronic e-gift certificates cannot be returned or redeemed for cash (except where required by state law).
- Altered Garments: Any dress, jacket, or pant that has been hemmed, tailored, or customized in any way.
- Damaged or Missing Tags: Items missing brand price tags, wash-care tags, or the black security ribbon.
Before completing any purchase on discounted items, check your digital shopping bag carefully to confirm whether an item has a "Final Sale" notation.
Fees, Deductions, and How to Avoid the $9.95 Charge
Nobody likes paying return fees, but mail-in services require logistics handling. Here is a clear breakdown of the costs:
- Prepaid Mail Return Fee: $9.95 is deducted automatically from your total refund amount when you use the provided prepaid shipping label.
- Original Shipping Costs: Initial shipping charges (such as standard ground or overnight express fees) are non-refundable.
- Restocking Fees: Alice + Olivia does not charge a separate percentage-based restocking fee. You only pay the $9.95 shipping label fee.
How to Avoid the Return Fee
You can easily bypass the $9.95 return deduction using two simple methods:
- Return to an Official Boutique: Head to a freestanding, full-price Alice + Olivia boutique and return the garment in person. In-store returns are 100% free.
- Opt for an Exchange: If you need a different size, select an exchange in the digital portal. Alice + Olivia waives the return shipping fee on direct exchanges.
Alice and Olivia Holiday Return Policy
During the winter shopping season, the brand extends its return terms to accommodate holiday gifts.
Under the seasonal holiday return policy, eligible full-price purchases made between mid-November and December 25 can be returned through January 15, 2026.
Items sent back under the holiday extension must still meet standard condition rules: unworn, unwashed, and carrying all tags and intact security ribbons. Promotional sale items discounted 50% or higher remain Final Sale and are excluded from holiday return extensions.
Purchases Made at Third-Party Retailers
Alice + Olivia designs are widely sold at luxury department stores and online fashion boutiques. However, you cannot return third-party purchases to Alice + Olivia directly.
If you bought an Alice + Olivia dress at retailers like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, or Neiman Marcus:
- You cannot return it to an Alice + Olivia boutique.
- You cannot process it through the Alice + Olivia online portal.
- You must return the garment directly to the department store where it was purchased, following that retailer's return guidelines.
Department stores often offer much longer return windows (for example, Nordstrom's flexible return process). Check your retailer's receipt for their return terms.
Customer Support & Contact Information
If your order arrived damaged, your return portal shows an error, or you need help with an exchange, reach out to Alice + Olivia's customer support team:
- Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-401-8227
- Email Support: customercare@aliceandolivia.com
- Live Chat: Accessible on the official website by clicking the chat icon in the bottom corner.
- Support Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST.
Pro Tip for Damaged Deliveries: If an item arrives flawed, torn, or defective, contact customer care within 48 hours to 7 days of delivery. Take clear digital photos of the damaged area, packaging, and tags before reaching out. When reported promptly, customer care will provide a return label free of charge and issue a full refund or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to return an Alice and Olivia order?
You have exactly 14 days from the carrier delivery date for online orders, or 14 days from the register purchase date for in-store purchases, to start your return and hand the package to the carrier.
Is return shipping free for Alice and Olivia?
No. Mail-in returns using the prepaid return label incur a $9.95 shipping fee, which is deducted from your refund balance. However, returns brought to freestanding Alice + Olivia retail stores are completely free, as are direct size exchanges online.
What happens if I cut off the black security ribbon?
If the exterior black or white security ribbon is cut, removed, or manipulated, Alice + Olivia will reject your return. The piece will be mailed back to you, and no refund will be issued.
Can I return Alice and Olivia clothes bought at Nordstrom to an A+O boutique?
No. Alice + Olivia standalone boutiques and their online portal only accept items purchased directly from aliceandolivia.com or freestanding company boutiques. Items bought at department stores like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, or Bloomingdale's must be returned directly to those retailers.
Can I make no-receipt returns at Alice and Olivia?
Alice + Olivia generally does not allow no-receipt returns. Online purchases require your order number and zip code to enter the portal. For in-store returns, associates need the original store receipt, packing invoice, or order confirmation email to verify purchase eligibility.
Are sale items returnable?
Sale items discounted under 50% can be returned within the standard 14-day window. However, any item discounted at 50% or more, or merchandise marked as "Final Sale" at checkout, cannot be returned, exchanged, or refunded.
How long does a refund take to process?
Once the warehouse receives your return package, physical inspection takes roughly 5 to 10 business days. After approval, your bank or credit card company requires an additional 3 to 5 business days to post the money to your account.
How do I return a gift from Alice and Olivia?
If you received an item as a gift and have the packing slip or gift receipt, contact customer care or visit a boutique. You will receive reimbursement in the form of store credit for the purchase price, or you can exchange the item for a different size.
Does Alice and Olivia offer price adjustments?
Yes. Alice + Olivia offers a one-time price adjustment on full-price items if the exact item (same size and color) goes on sale within 7 days of your original purchase date. Items originally bought on sale or during promotional discounts are not eligible for price adjustments.
Comparing Return Policies of Similar Contemporary Brands
If you frequently purchase from contemporary fashion and designer labels, return rules vary significantly from one store to the next. Review our other comprehensive return guides to shop with confidence:
- Compare Alice + Olivia's strict 14-day timeline against the Retrofête return policy for party wear and dresses.
- Check the Self-Portrait return policy guide to see how lace and occasion-wear security tag rules match up.
- Learn about label costs and deadlines using the Staud return policy guide before purchasing contemporary separates and handbags.
Summary Checklist for a Seamless Alice + Olivia Return
- Check the Date: Ensure your package is postmarked within 14 calendar days of delivery.
- Leave Tags Untouched: Do not remove the exterior black/white security ribbon or price tags while trying on clothes.
- Verify Sale Terms: Confirm that your piece was not discounted 50% or more (Final Sale).
- Choose Your Return Route: Visit a boutique to save $9.95, or use the online portal to print a prepaid carrier label.
- Keep Your Drop-Off Receipt: Always get a physical drop-off receipt from FedEx or UPS to protect against transit delays.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by store location. Always confirm specific terms on the official Alice + Olivia website or with your local retail boutique. Information verified for 2026.
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