I fell for an Instagram ad for this hot pink set from Cider, and it was one of my best impulse buys ever

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• I impulse-bought a sweater set through an Instagram ad from Cider, a trendy online clothing store.
• My order arrived on time and I was actually impressed with the quality of the clothes.
• Half of the set is sold out now, but there are lots of other cute sets available.

I swore I'd never give into fast-fashion ads on Instagram, but I was recently served an exceptionally cute one from Cider and, whoops, I totally caved. 

Cider isn't too far off from Forever 21 or Zara with its many trendy styles at affordable price points, but it has a bit of a Euphoria High School vibe. You'll find a ton of lacey crop tops, retro-inspired mini dresses, and the ability to shop by mood (cute, dreamy, grunge, etc.). Some styles have plus-size options, but I wouldn't call Cider truly size-inclusive.

I was skeptical of ordering from Cider since I don't usually buy fast fashion, but I actually had a really great experience buying from the brand. 

The thing that got me on Instagram was this adorable bright pink sweater/shorts set — a color that is totally out of my usual neutrals-only wheelhouse. I ended up buying it straight from the ad, which is also unlike me, and very good marketing on their part. Unfortunately, the shorts from the set are already sold out, but the sweater is still availabe (as are a ton of other cute sets, dresses, and more).

My order shipped within about a week and arrived days later in perfect condition with no weird smells or wrinkles. I opted for an XL in the shorts (I'm usually a size 10-12 often wear a large in bottoms, but most of these brands seem to run small so I sized up) and a L in the cardigan (my usual size), both of which were the tiniest bit oversized on me. When it comes to sizing, I recommend going true to your usual.

The material is very thick, made from a dense knit, and it's not itchy in the slightest, which is something I'm super sensitive to. I've worn it completely on its own and with white T-shirts underneath, and the sweater is versatile enough for pairing with jeans and ballet flats or sneakers so it's basically like getting several outfits in one. It washes well and hasn't started pilling yet, either. 

The one complaint I have about this set is that I don't like the pleats on the front of the shorts, but not all of the shorts are designed this way. 

Overall, I had a good experience ordering from Cider and I'd buy from the brand again if something really fun caught my eye. I can't speak to the quality of everything they make, but if you're wondering whether it's legit, I can at least say you're not going to end up with doll-sized clothing or something made of tissue paper. 

If you're curious what else Cider makes, here are some more cute styles I've loved from the site, including a few affordable sets:

Cider FAQs:

Does Cider run small?

Not in my experience. I actually found that the set I ordered ran a little large. If you're ordering something oversized and you're usually between sizes, I'd opt for the smaller one — otherwise I suggest ordering true to your usual size.

Is Cider a legit clothing brand?

From my personal experience, yes! I got exactly what I ordered, no scams.

How long does Cider shipping take?

I received my set took about a week and a half to arrive in New York after placing the order. I can't speak for every order or shipping location, but from all the reviews I read, this seemed to be standard.