Free personal shoppers - any good?

[teenytinypontypine]

I am due to go back to work after maternity leave early in the New Year and am feeling a bit frumpy and also don't fit some of my pre-pregnancy clothes. I work as a GP so need to be professional but comfortable. I notice that places like Debenhams have free personal shoppers - are they any good? What is the experience like? Do they actually personalise their service or do they push you toward whatever is on trend, regardless of whether it is any good for you? Which department store/shop's service would you recommend, if any? At the end of mat leave and a bit strapped for cash so can't afford to pay for a personal shopper or stylist really, though I suppose I could whack it on the credit card if you all report back and say that the free service is rubbish!

I had a good experience in John Lewis, and bought a dress I would never have picked out but love.

Thanks @Lumene - I'm glad you had a good result, but do you think the shopper really listened to what you wanted and looked at you as an individual, or do you wonder if the next client also got pushed towards that same dress?! This is my worry you see, that they have a limited palette of outfits that are currently fashionable and everyone gets crammed into one of them, regardless of whether it is right for them.

I used JL after a very significant weight loss. I was pleasantly surprised, she had obviously read my pre appt comments. She did bring things I wouldn’t have picked up myself. No pressure at all to buy.

I don’t think so, it was a big John Lewis so loads of choice. Why not go for it and if it’s no good you can always go for a different option.

Thanks both, sounds like JL is a good option then. There isn't one v near me but I could make a bit of a day trip to visit one. I am terrible for being J able to say no in high pressure sales situations too, so my other worry is that I end up buying everything put of politeness! Ha ha! Will get myself booked in in the New Year.