Personal Stylists

[Themorallycorrupt]

Is there such a thing as a cheap personal stylist? I feel so awkward and frumpy because at the age of 37 I still have no clue how to dress well for my age or shape. I just end up wearing jeans and t-shirts and I freak out if I need anything even remotely nice, even just for a meal with DH because I don't have a clue. I don't really have any females I can ask to help me but every time I walk into a shop I just end up leaving feeling beaten and deflated. I don't want to try and be high fashion, I just want to wear nice clothes that suit me (on a high street budget)

John Lewis have them for free. I haven’t used myself but friends report that had a good experience there. You can always take the advice and look for cheaper versions.

A friend recently had a styling session at John Lewis and it was free, with no hard selling.
She was impressed. It might be worth a try as a start - I'm sure some of their suggestions could be applied to cheaper shops.

How about Stich Fix or similar?

Recommend looking at emilyinnesstylist on Instagram-she has great content and also offers paid services that won't break the bank.

I've had a few free personal shopping sessions with John Lewis and I'd highly recommend them.

IME they are not pushy and super helpful at suggesting key items, suggesting how you'd use them and putting together full outfits.

Depending on the size of the store there are usually quite a few stylists with a blurb so you can choose someone who sounds similar to you etc.

I had a genuinely great time every time I've done it and come away with lovely pieces that I've worn loads but wouldn't necessarily have picked out myself.

I hadn't realised JL offer that service, which sounds good especially if they aren't pushy with sales. I live a good hour away from my nearest JL but might look at making a trip to give it a go.
I have tried Stitch Fix and did keep one dress I got through them, but I the clothing is overpriced and you don't actually speak to/see anyone, you just answer a bunch of questions. It's not really what I was hoping for.

@Themorallycorrupt

I hadn't realised JL offer that service, which sounds good especially if they aren't pushy with sales. I live a good hour away from my nearest JL but might look at making a trip to give it a go. I have tried Stitch Fix and did keep one dress I got through them, but I the clothing is overpriced and you don't actually speak to/see anyone, you just answer a bunch of questions. It's not really what I was hoping for.

Do you have any other big department stores nearer you?

Our Debenhams used to do it and I think even some M&S' offer it too (although when I tried M&S I was never asked my age in advance and the cloths pulled ahead were aimed at a somewhat different age range!).

I do stitch fix and lookiero and have had few ok pieces, I think I'm a bit too fussy and have a difficult body shape for it to works brilliantly! But I do get excited every time the boxes arrive!

Not here to recommend a specific place, however it's all about layering and accessorizing.

If you're happy in jeans and a t-shirt - make sure you invest in a GOOD pair of jeans and plain t-shirts. That means going somewhere maybe slightly more upscale and trying on (with the help of their assistants) the best jeans to flatter your shape. J-Brand is really flattering, and ALWAYS on sale online - so go into the store, find what you like and the model and you'll most certainly find the same cut from the brand online for cheap.

Invest in some nice jackets (leather jackets, bikers, blazers, scarves), good trainers or boots and a decent bag. Keep everything neutral so that you can mix and match. Blacks/beiges/greys. I know some things will seem more than you would like to spend, but I promise you they will probably hold up far better than buying a faux leather or faux suede jacket in the long run.

For running around in day-to-day you don't need to worry SO much about body type. It's mostly just dressing up your look to make it somewhat more put together.

I am always on the outnet.com shopping the sales, and if I can't afford something, I still take a lot of inspiration from the outfits they've put together! Hope that helps :)

Examples of good layering jackets (you can always find something similar on the high street if too expensive)

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/iro/jackets/leather-jackets/ashley-cropped-suede-biker-jacket/38063312418659577

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/iro/jackets/leather-jackets/atik-cropped-suede-jacket/38063312418448306

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/iro/jackets/smart-jackets/skiaspe-boucle-tweed-jacket/38063312418644772

Scarves (I'd just get loads of different colours to mix up your look)

www.silkfred.com/womens/accessories/scarves/fs-collection/coffee-brown-leopard-print-scarf-in-black?locale=en-GB

www.zara.com/uk/en/soft-knit-scarf-p05987204.html?v1=153650436

You get the gist...

Netural bags (these look exactly like Bottega Venetta RRP £3000 - and you won't look like you're carrying a copy either, since BV don't have logo prints on their goods...

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1009199318/woven-vegan-leather-bagtote-in-onyx-i?gpla=1&gao=1&

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/907512611/black-woven-artificial-leather-diagonal?click_key=5e2ef27c36c7b17cee53bfce89759a54da14aa19%3A907512611&click_sum=5b9aeee9&rec_type=cs&ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-5&pro=1&frs=1

Do you have any other big department stores nearer you?

There is a House of Fraser and M&S so will take a look at them too. Also never looked at Lookeiro so will check it out. Thank you

[quote AM2476]Not here to recommend a specific place, however it's all about layering and accessorizing.

If you're happy in jeans and a t-shirt - make sure you invest in a GOOD pair of jeans and plain t-shirts. That means going somewhere maybe slightly more upscale and trying on (with the help of their assistants) the best jeans to flatter your shape. J-Brand is really flattering, and ALWAYS on sale online - so go into the store, find what you like and the model and you'll most certainly find the same cut from the brand online for cheap.

Invest in some nice jackets (leather jackets, bikers, blazers, scarves), good trainers or boots and a decent bag. Keep everything neutral so that you can mix and match. Blacks/beiges/greys. I know some things will seem more than you would like to spend, but I promise you they will probably hold up far better than buying a faux leather or faux suede jacket in the long run.

For running around in day-to-day you don't need to worry SO much about body type. It's mostly just dressing up your look to make it somewhat more put together.

I am always on the outnet.com shopping the sales, and if I can't afford something, I still take a lot of inspiration from the outfits they've put together! Hope that helps :)

Examples of good layering jackets (you can always find something similar on the high street if too expensive)

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/iro/jackets/leather-jackets/ashley-cropped-suede-biker-jacket/38063312418659577

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/iro/jackets/leather-jackets/atik-cropped-suede-jacket/38063312418448306

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/iro/jackets/smart-jackets/skiaspe-boucle-tweed-jacket/38063312418644772

Scarves (I'd just get loads of different colours to mix up your look)

www.silkfred.com/womens/accessories/scarves/fs-collection/coffee-brown-leopard-print-scarf-in-black?locale=en-GB

www.zara.com/uk/en/soft-knit-scarf-p05987204.html?v1=153650436

You get the gist...

Netural bags (these look exactly like Bottega Venetta RRP £3000 - and you won't look like you're carrying a copy either, since BV don't have logo prints on their goods...

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1009199318/woven-vegan-leather-bagtote-in-onyx-i?gpla=1&gao=1&

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/907512611/black-woven-artificial-leather-diagonal?click_key=5e2ef27c36c7b17cee53bfce89759a54da14aa19%3A907512611&click_sum=5b9aeee9&rec_type=cs&ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-5&pro=1&frs=1[/quote]
Wow, thanks for all that.

I have no problem spending extra on some really good quality, key pieces. I tend to avoid higher end shops because they scare the crap out of me and I feel like I stand out as being out of place.
Finding jeans that fit me well is my nemesis. I'm 5'2" with wider hips/thighs but a small waist and I struggle to find things that fit well, while not also being several inches too long, even from petite ranges. I've not even heard of J-brand before so will definitely check them out.

I think a large part of my problem is feeling like I look stupid, even in simple outfits. If I saw the items you've linked in a store I'd totally ignore them because they would seem too "out there" for me, but if I saw on someone else I'd really love the look. I need to work on my self-esteem a little.

@Themorallycorrupt you sound like a similar shape to me, and how I felt a while back!

I have come to find that the higher end brands have far better tailoring than high street. I used to never wear jeans as I felt so uncomfortable in them, however I re discovered my love after buying better brands and now I love them!

A few to check out aside from J brand are m.i.h jeans, frame and bimba y Lola which have some fabulous cropped options too if you’re slightly shorter.

Also with a small waist and wider hips you definitely want to go for mid rise jeans to lengthen your legs and enhance your waist. Flares are really great for this too! Great example here:

www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/frame/clothing/flared/le-high-flare-high-rise-jeans/367268775668059?cm_mmc=Google-ProductSearch-UK--m--NAP_INTL_EN_UK_London_PLA--NAP+-+INTL+-+London+-+GS+-+SSC+-+L2+-+Clothing--INTL+-+London+-+L2+-+Clothing_INTL&gbraid=0AAAAADRhZnucCOCZGuLN-vF8nL6dyXh9L&gbraid=0AAAAADRhZnucCOCZGuLN-vF8nL6dyXh9L&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg7vItvrP9QIV0-vtCh2XewZcEAQYBCABEgIhMPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Also, online shopping is so much more helpful when it comes to the things you would ignore in a shop, as it just puts the look together for you and you can imagine how to wear it! Don’t be scared to get some fun jackets and pieces. You will look fabulous and no one could ever think you were trying too hard if you’re pairing a fabulous suede jackets with a nice pair of jeans. It’s literally all to do with the tailoring!

The best sales are right now following covid so you can really grab so many pieces online that you won’t find in the store or for these prices again!

Definitely also be sure to check out IRO for high waist trousers and jackets. They are on sale right now at the outnet and brandalley (which is amazing.)

IRO’s signature trouser style is a high waist with looser legs which is always flattering for those of us with smaller waists and bigger hips :) best of luck!

@Themorallycorrupt

Oh and an iro link ! You would look fab in trousers like these and don’t be scared to wear them! You can dress them up or down !

www.iroparis.com/uk/p/audien-high-waist-cropped-trouser-pants-mixed-grey-3666004215801.html