Reluctant shopper - gifted £500 Harvey Nichols personal shopping session, HELP!

[Nonononomaybe]

I’m aware this is a great problem to have but almost 2 years ago DH very kindly bought me a £500 voucher for Harvey Nichols with a personal stylist session fir my birthday, well intentioned as I don’t like shopping, feel a bit frumpy after having 2 DC and don’t really know what to wear/ how to mix it up etc. It expires in a few months time and I don’t want to waste it BUT the thought of this ‘experience’ makes me want to cry.
I’m 5ft 2 and a size 16, not overly happy with my appearance but am doing a fitness/ healthy programme at the moment and doing ok, but have never been less than a size 10-12 in my adult life! I also WFH apart from the occasional meeting where I can dress fairly casually anyway so live in jeans & jumpers/ tops/ trainers. No events to go to other than the odd birthday party and school parents stuff.
How can I make the most of this? Go for expensive well cut jeans when I usually go to Next/ M&S/ White stuff? A couple of summer dresses?
Or just ‘go with it’ and see what happens?!
Any advice from stylish people greatly appreciated!

I would say go with it and try and enjoy the experience as you might be surprised what they come up with. I haven't been in HN for years ( it used to be my corner shop at one time when I worked in Knightsbridge <sigh>) so not sure what brands they currently stock. They did tend to run quite high end ( and therefore small sizes) if memory serves, so I do understand how trepidatious you feel ( I'm a 16 myself).
If you're really not up to it, there's always shoes, bags and perfume!

I expect beforehand they may ask a few questions as to the sort of thing you might be interested in (so they don’t fill the room with ball gowns if you’re after jeans!). If jeans and a t shirt, or some nice tops/jumpers is what you’d like then absolutely feel free to make that clear.

Go for it, and enjoy it. I remember being surprised by trying on a blouse that 100% I would have walked past in the shop, and I have worn it so many times. There was no pressure to buy, and really interesting to be offered some things I’d not have considered.

Definitely go. But also email them and explain how you are feeling. They should be kind and also take your feelings into consideration

That's a very good idea.

you can get a few nice bits that would be useful year round.
I would get trainers or ankle boots, wallet, nice longline jumper, scarf, socks, makeup or pjs. I would check online to see what is the less expensive brand they stock and how much it costs, so you get an idea.
hope you enjoy it! :)

I'd probably get a nice coat or leather jacket, some nice fitting jeans and some lovely leather boots. Maybe a new bag.

Although perhaps what you should do is book some nice things to look forward to so that you have a reason for a nice outfit.

Dinner and the theatre, a weekend away?

Sounds like you need a bit of cheering up and maybe some events would help you get your mojo back.

I’d go and look for things that will elevate your everyday wardrobe such as great jeans, knitwear, coat and bags.

I think the suggestion of a really good coat and maybe boots is a great idea - ive got a long wool coat that was about £350 15 years ago and I still feel really smart and put together when i wear it, its so much nicer than a coat from marks or next!

They will also have really good parkas etc, and stock good handbags like aspinal/mulberry so even if you dont feel up to trying much on you could still have a great time and treat yourself.

I wouldnt waste it on tshirts and jumpers as i dont think they would really last or look worth the money

A good quality coat or slightly smarter versions of what you already have in your wardrobe. Go for separates that you can put together with existing clothes to make outfits for an interview, funeral/wedding & lunch/dinner out.

Thanks everyone - some really good suggestions here, will get it booked in!!! And yes to the suggestion of emailing them in advance, good idea.

I've done a similar experience and was also dubious (though not as worried as you). It was honestly really useful and made me feel more confident about my appearance. It's great to have an expert who isn't biased advising you.

The thing I really wish I'd done though, was take her advice! It's very easy to focus on 'going out' clothes, or 'work' clothes- but she asked me what I actually wear most if the time. Which is absolute trash comfortable things. She said why not focus on those? I didn't. You should! It was really good advice!

Good luck. Enjoy it as much as you can. You deserve to feel fabulous!

This is great advice.

I think I'd try to get a pair of jeans and then either boots, a coat or an everyday bag, depending on how expensive everything is!

Just to update - I went earlier this week 😁 got some Gucci sunglasses, Veja trainers and a pleated skirt that I love but would never have picked for myself. Thanks everybody for your advice - I almost enjoyed myself! I would do similar again (pre selected clothes in a room was amazing) but probably at John Lewis or Selfridges where I can afford more.