I've booked a John Lewis personal shopper

[Silverclocks]

Is there anything I need to know or do to get the most from it?

I need an update my smart casual wardrobe, although of course I don't mean smart, I mean casual, but have made a bit of effort. For things like a pub lunch, a day sightseeing or an evening in the pub/watching a band. I have no idea what to wear for these kinds of occasions these days so have enlisted some help.

I've used this service for similar reasons. I'd say: be open minded but honest, if you don't like something be frank, set a budget and be clear with this. Think about what shoes you want to wear, both in terms of easy to put on and off but also the sort of thing you would wear with the outfits you are looking for. I found shoes made a huge difference to the outfits

I did an online session last summer. It's was really useful and she sent me the photos of the outfits and links so I knew what to wear with what.

I’ve done two sessions over the years and highly recommend. I’d definitely agree about being honest and open minded. Both times I ended up coming out looking like a more stylish version of yourself.

It is helpful to go with an idea of what you’ll say when the stylist asks you what you’re looking for and what sort of things you like. I burbled something vague on the first time and it took a while to get going.

Oh, yes and I agree about shoes. I ended up buying the pair she brought me to try things on with. They are still firm favourites five years on. Enjoy the experience!

I'm told they have a tendency to offer the same capsule wardrobe over and over again, so don't be afraid to be picky.

I’ve used it a few times.

It’s very helpful as I’m rubbish at styling myself. They call the previous day & ask questions & budget.

The last couple of times I’ve gone over my budget but I’ve worn the outfits loads. So I don’t regret the spend.

It’s also got me out of my comfort zone as well. Enjoy it.

I've done it several times and usually end up buying something. I think a lot depends on the stylist you get. Some are better than others.

How fun! Please let us know how it goes.

I do it every couple of years and they are very good at finding things I would never looked twice at but which look great on. I remember very fondly a paisley tunic top from Whistles in a fine cotton. I wore it until it wore out . It was (for me) very expensive at £95 but on a pence per wear basis it probably ended up about 50p a time and I loved it.

I've been thinking of doing this, so watching with interest.

What's a reasonable budget to set?

Ooo fun. How much are you expected to spend?

They say there's no expectation to spend anything, but ask you to set a budget. I've said £500+ on the basis that £100 doesn't go very far in John Lewis and if they get it right, it should save me all the money I spend on mistakes!

@WaterBottle123

Ooo fun. How much are you expected to spend?

I set a budget at under £300 every time. I’ve gone slightly over but not up to the £400 mark. So I’m happy that I stick to it in the main.

Is it in person? Either way, when I went to meet her, I wore my favourite smart casual outfit , fav boots, jacket etc, so she could see me at my most comfortable.
She immediately removed a few items from the rack and once we had tried on some of her suggestions, she walked me round the store, to pick some other things to try on.
I bought a lot 😱, then went back a couple of weeks later and bought more 😱😱. That was 2019, and it’s all still good.

I was planning to do this after lockdown, but my local JL closed down!

How exciting! Id love to do this.

Make sure that they are around your age and get your style.
I went with my older sister for her 40th and she didn't get anything her style. The stylist was mid 20's and bought out really frumpy clothes. My sister had quite a bit of money to spend about £300 (a good few years ago) and only bought some black trousers for work.
We had a look around ourselves afterwards and my sister spent the rest of the money.

I’d love to do this.

I've used Debenhams for years, now closed, for holy communion and wedding guest dresses. JL were equally fab. I was very honest and told her what I didn't like and refused to be pressurised into buying anything I didn't want.

I’d love to do this! Let us know how it goes @Silverclocks

@Enzbear

Make sure that they are around your age and get your style. I went with my older sister for her 40th and she didn't get anything her style. The stylist was mid 20's and bought out really frumpy clothes. My sister had quite a bit of money to spend about £300 (a good few years ago) and only bought some black trousers for work. We had a look around ourselves afterwards and my sister spent the rest of the money.

This is a really good point. I've done it twice. First time was really successful and I loved it, but the second time the stylist was really young and I found a lot of her suggestions really boring and frumpy.

Not that there's anything wrong with being young, but I think she saw me and just thought, boring old mum, has no life!

They have their photos on the site..I chose one who looks like I'd like to look

Good thinking!

Please let us know how it goes @Silverclocks, I often thought about doing this.