Page 7 | Personal Stylist has changed my life

Queenest · 04/05/2025 16:39

Kangarude · 03/05/2025 17:04

Great news OP
I tried one at John Lewis and it was absolutely awful. She didn’t bring anything that suited me or would suit my lifestyle. I was very disappointed but I see loads of posters on MN recommending JL

Same for me. She found me all sorts of items that made me feel frumpy. I didn’t buy anything and it has put me off using a stylist.

Newmeagain · 04/05/2025 16:46

I have always thought how great it would be to have a personal stylist go through my wardrobe and suggest items to get rid of and new items to add. Although over time I think I have worked out what suits me and works for my lifestyle.

i will say that I am also a fan of Whistles and more so now that they have a petite range. (I am short and skinny.) I wish they used more natural fibres but I like their simple styles.

Em1ly2023 · 04/05/2025 17:54

Bigboobsnotgoodboobs · 03/05/2025 16:55

Back in October I saw a personal stylist for the very first time. It was a real investment, not cheap (it was at selfridges). I got some amazing clothes and my style totally changed

I have just had a 2nd appointment for “spring/summer” and can actually say it has changed my life.

each time I’ve gone I’ve spent just over £1000 on clothes, but I haven’t really spent much in between

I go on holiday in a couple of weeks and it’s the very first time I’m going away without being in a blind panic about what I’m going to wear, and literally buying a tonne of stuff online, however inappropriate before I go away.

its not cheap but its such an investment in me. At 45 with young children, size 16/18 I’m not lying when I say it’s transformed my life. I used to live in black leggings and black tops. Now my wardrobe is bursting with colour.

not looking for any validation here, but if you’re in a similar situation and just don’t know how to shop for your body type then I’d say absolutely go for it

Can you post us some of your outfits? 🤔

Em1ly2023 · 04/05/2025 17:55

Aiiii · 03/05/2025 18:04

I had a personal shopping session at John Lewis; I didn't really like the selection she’d pulled out, and she basically told me more clothes would suit me if I lost weight. (I was a size 14.) Haven’t been back…

How rude!

Igmum · 04/05/2025 17:57

Really interesting thanks OP. I am now very tempted

Verydemure · 04/05/2025 17:58

sounds like it’s well worth paying for an independent stylist.

I was also disappointed by the John Lewis personal shopper experience. I think it’s basically just a very attentive shop assistant ( no offence to them or shop assistants) but they can obviously only suggest what’s on shop floor.

The questions were things like ‘do you like jumpsuits?’ Then when you say yes, they just get some jumpsuits from the shop floor. I didn’t get the impression the person was actually thinking about what looked good.

it all felt a bit middle aged too ( though I think that’s because of the stock in John Lewis)

I spent a few hundred quid then took it all back because none of it was me.

Ive always been very into fashion and mostly confident in my style. Had just felt a bit in a middle aged rut and wanted some inspiration. Maybe if you are someone who hates shopping and is clueless about fashion then it could be helpful.

efeslight · 04/05/2025 18:08

I have enjoyed reading this thread, thank you. Have considered having my colours done before, and seeing a shop stylist, sounds like Chat gpt could be an option

DelleLdn · 04/05/2025 18:53

Kangarude · 03/05/2025 17:04

Great news OP
I tried one at John Lewis and it was absolutely awful. She didn’t bring anything that suited me or would suit my lifestyle. I was very disappointed but I see loads of posters on MN recommending JL

My JL stylist appointment was really disappointing too!!

DelleLdn · 04/05/2025 19:07

Verydemure · 04/05/2025 17:58

sounds like it’s well worth paying for an independent stylist.

I was also disappointed by the John Lewis personal shopper experience. I think it’s basically just a very attentive shop assistant ( no offence to them or shop assistants) but they can obviously only suggest what’s on shop floor.

The questions were things like ‘do you like jumpsuits?’ Then when you say yes, they just get some jumpsuits from the shop floor. I didn’t get the impression the person was actually thinking about what looked good.

it all felt a bit middle aged too ( though I think that’s because of the stock in John Lewis)

I spent a few hundred quid then took it all back because none of it was me.

Ive always been very into fashion and mostly confident in my style. Had just felt a bit in a middle aged rut and wanted some inspiration. Maybe if you are someone who hates shopping and is clueless about fashion then it could be helpful.

Yes was also so underwhelmed by JL stylist! Brought me about four things, one of which something I suggested. Really reluctant to bring me jeans ‘because jeans are tricky”

MrsCreek · 04/05/2025 21:37

I have had a brilliant few hours on Chat GPT, discovered I have been wearing completely the wrong colours, especially make up, for years! Thank you whoever posted the Chat GPT tips

Orangemintcream · 04/05/2025 21:41

I would consider it but I have to say I don’t like any of them items shown that you’ve bought.

Perhaps that’s a personal style difference as anything “loose” or oversized/boyfriend style doesn’t suit me as I am quite short and also slim. I also am not a fan of bright colours as they wash me out.

I would look like I have raised someone else’s clothes.

The main place I go is the office and we have a relaxed dress code. I would love some clothes I could wear to the office and out and about.

Starling7 · 04/05/2025 21:42

Kangarude · 03/05/2025 17:04

Great news OP
I tried one at John Lewis and it was absolutely awful. She didn’t bring anything that suited me or would suit my lifestyle. I was very disappointed but I see loads of posters on MN recommending JL

It's really pot luck depending on who you get. I used to work for JL and the girls who were in the personal styling at the store I worked at were just chosen because they were buddies with the manager - they dressed like the ugly sisters

Middlechild3 · 04/05/2025 22:35

MoominMai · 03/05/2025 20:20

Would be interesting to hear if anyone’s had a good experience with a free John Lewis stylist. It probably won’t be as good as with a paid stylist as from OPs post looks like a ton of work including a colour match goes into it but would be interested in experiences!

Not me sorry, it was a while back now. Paid no heed to my likes, dislikes, height, shape size. The clothes suggested wore me. I returned the two items I bought the next day and felt worse than before I started it all.

Twinsandsome · 05/05/2025 08:30

MrsCreek · 04/05/2025 21:37

I have had a brilliant few hours on Chat GPT, discovered I have been wearing completely the wrong colours, especially make up, for years! Thank you whoever posted the Chat GPT tips

What sort of things did you ask? I would always assume I’m cool going by blue veins pale skin with freakles etc but I did the thing with getting my skin tone hex colour and inputting etc and it’s saying I’m warm with peachy golden pinky skin in so surprised. Though I might need to dig deeper x

laughingnow · 05/05/2025 09:15

I recently had a brilliant John Lewis personal stylist session. Previously did one at Debenhams which was also helpful, fun and effective. Horses for courses.

MrsCreek · 05/05/2025 09:53

Twinsandsome · 05/05/2025 08:30

What sort of things did you ask? I would always assume I’m cool going by blue veins pale skin with freakles etc but I did the thing with getting my skin tone hex colour and inputting etc and it’s saying I’m warm with peachy golden pinky skin in so surprised. Though I might need to dig deeper x

Show quote history

I uploaded a couple of pictures in different lighting, all daylight. My eyes can look quite different if the light isn’t on them, for example. And just asked what my colours are. Then asked it to suggest make up and outfits etc. told it that the clothes it put me in were too frumpy, asked for a more youthful look. I just “spoke” to it like it was a person, but one that wouldn’t take offence if I was a bit blunt

sandpiperspring · 05/05/2025 10:57

That sounds great OP.

I tried with John Lewis - but they don't do personal styling above a size 18 in store, only online. And the online experience was rubbish.

The (relatively young) stylist had obviously pigenholed me as a frumpy older woman and picked out things she thought frumpy older women wear - nothing like what I was after.

She did eventually find something that was a bit less fumpy, but it was only available 2 sizes smaller than me. She suggested I buy it and hope it came up large. What a disappointing waste of time! I know JL has plenty of non-frumpy options, but none (that would fit me) were shown to me that day.

Newmeagain · 05/05/2025 12:19

@Orangemintcream you sound like me. I am also short and slim, and work in an office with a reasonably relaxed dress code.

On weekends (if out and about) I tend to wear jeans. Usually straight jeans. At the moment, as it’s warmer (not so much today!) I wear a nice shirt (e.g. from Sezane) and a casual jacket.

you say bright colours wash you out. It’s likely that it’s blue based jewel colours that are doing that - e.g. ruby red, dark green, etc. Google spring colours - those might be good for you.

Twinsandsome · 05/05/2025 14:56

@Bigboobsnotgoodboobs you see the blue dress, where abouts does it come to on your arms if you’ve wore it yet?

Original poster

Bigboobsnotgoodboobs · 05/05/2025 15:52

Twinsandsome · 05/05/2025 14:56

@Bigboobsnotgoodboobs you see the blue dress, where abouts does it come to on your arms if you’ve wore it yet?

Just above my elbow

OP posts:

blueleavesgreensky · 05/05/2025 16:21

I’ve just looked at Claire Watkins on IG. To me she looks ….. not so good. I don’t know how to put it nicer.

she keeps posting herself wearing a trench coat that just swamps her. She looks like she’s trying to cover herself up in it. And the jean shape she prefers make her look very wide and blocky. I think she looks awful for a stylist. Is it a case of cobbler and his dc shoes? Is she better with other people?

her outfits look very non cohesive. Red shoes, blue jeans, brown coat, green top. All over the place which on a heavier figure like hers just cuts her up and makes her look messy and chunkier than she could look. certainly not ‘styled’.

Littlefish · 05/05/2025 16:54

MoominMai · 03/05/2025 20:20

Would be interesting to hear if anyone’s had a good experience with a free John Lewis stylist. It probably won’t be as good as with a paid stylist as from OPs post looks like a ton of work including a colour match goes into it but would be interested in experiences!

I had a great experience with a personal shopper at John Lewis.

She selected some fantastic basic pieces, all of which I still wear, 2 years later. She was honest in her opinions, but also, pushed me to try on some shapes that I wouldn’t normally have chosen.

I would definitely do it again.

I suspect it depends on the individual personal shopper though.

MoominMai · 05/05/2025 16:59

Littlefish · 05/05/2025 16:54

I had a great experience with a personal shopper at John Lewis.

She selected some fantastic basic pieces, all of which I still wear, 2 years later. She was honest in her opinions, but also, pushed me to try on some shapes that I wouldn’t normally have chosen.

I would definitely do it again.

I suspect it depends on the individual personal shopper though.

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Yes exactly, very much dependent on allocated stylist. Must admit though that other than one person most people have had a positive experience and still wear those recommended clothes years later. Thanks for sharing - def something I’d like to give a try once I’ve built my clothes budget up!

WeAreNumpties · 05/05/2025 17:58

I knew this would be Clare, she is amazing and I am always recommending her on here. I've been going to her for five years now and I wish I'd done it years ago, it's made my life so much easier. To the person that commented on Clare's figure and style, I can only say that what one person considers stylish another person considers dull. I love her style and she is stunning in person. I follow a lot of personal stylists and think a lot of them are quite bland TBH, the thing I like about Clare is she loves colour and is not afraid to wear it or encourage others to wear it. Five shades of camel coloured clothing just isn't what I'm looking for.

Original poster

Bigboobsnotgoodboobs · 05/05/2025 18:05

WeAreNumpties · 05/05/2025 17:58

I knew this would be Clare, she is amazing and I am always recommending her on here. I've been going to her for five years now and I wish I'd done it years ago, it's made my life so much easier. To the person that commented on Clare's figure and style, I can only say that what one person considers stylish another person considers dull. I love her style and she is stunning in person. I follow a lot of personal stylists and think a lot of them are quite bland TBH, the thing I like about Clare is she loves colour and is not afraid to wear it or encourage others to wear it. Five shades of camel coloured clothing just isn't what I'm looking for.

Edited

Amen to that 🙌

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