John Lewis Personal Styling

[Whodrankmytea]

I often see this suggested on this thread and wondering how it works as am tempted to book a session. Anyone done this? I'm early 60s and petite and have trouble knowing where to shop these days. I need shorter length items as am only 5ft. I'd not be looking to buy for any special occasion (at the moment) but just some ideas to update my wardrobe maybe and suggestions of things that I might not have thought about looking at in the past. I can't afford to spend huge amounts of money either but happy to pay for a few new things if they really suit me.

I did a JL appointment and got a male stylist. He started with 5 different looks, asked me what I was drawn to and then went from there. I bought one thing that I loved (whistles denim jumpsuit) and a top that was fab. But… it took three hours and although it was free I probably wouldn’t do it again.

that said I did find it a good test of how I felt about personal styling :)

I’ve done it once and want to go again when I’ve lost abit of weight. I spent £500 from memory on about 6/7 items I’ve worn all soooo many times since. It was great I didn’t feel any pressure at all to actually buy anything but I wanted to.

I often use it when I’ve got something special to go to. It really helps me not get overwhelmed and take me out of my comfort zone. I’ve worn the clothes over and over again so for me it’s been worth it. Only time it wasn’t was when I had a male stylist many years ago.

It’s totally free so worth a punt. I’ve done it a few times and always walked away with lovely items from brands I wouldn’t usually consider. It was great after maternity leave when my shape had changed.

There’s no obligation to buy nor minimum spend.

I’ve done it twice and found it helpful. I had slightly unusual criteria - smart fashionable clothes for work that I could cycle in. The stylist found loads of items that were great, and she kept to my budget.

Are you on Instagram @Whodrankmytea ? If so, have a look at stylebyclairelopez.

she’s petite and does a lot of styling tips so perhaps worth a look for a bit of inspiration.

I haven’t used JL personal shopper, but given it’s free, it’s got to be worth a try.

I did it once and came away with two shirts that ticked all the boxes and a summer dress that I would never have considered even trying on. I absolutely love the dress and wear it every summer.

I spent about 2h there. Very pleasant, absolutely no rush. I would certainly do it again.

Thank you everyone - I'm really tempted and curious as to whether they'd be able to find anything to fit and suit me!

I've done it recently and I'm petite, but struggled as JL stock very little petite clothing in store. I ended up taking pictures of what I liked and then going home to order them in the petite versions I.e from Hush and Reiss. I still ended up spending around £300 and coming away with some good essentials and outfits!

I did and got loads of advice! Don't wear trousers with turn ups, wear more open necks, go 70/30 (trousers and tops), what colours suit me best. I didn't spend too much, they weren't pushy at all. I was there for more than 2 hours though so make sure you have plenty of time!

I have done it once. I was super disappointed. I asked for structured polished looks suitable for the office.

I got the impression that the stylist thought because I’m a size 16, I needed to wear baggy clothes. Everything she suggested was baggy and from their plus size collection. It made me feel worse about my appearance, like I need to hide myself away.

I deliberately selected her as her profile said she was experienced in dressing different body types and was really inclusive. This wasn’t true at all.

One so called office dress was a shiny floor length baggy evening gown with a super low cut nearly to the navel and a side split. Yes, really.

Even her colleague looked at the outfits she selected for me in horror.

I’d only try again if someone I trusted personally recommended a specific stylist.

I have and liked it.

I did it for workwear.

I found it really tricky but that's because I hate workwear 😄

The vast majority of trousers don't fit me because I'm an hourglass - that was just reinforced to me. I look rubbish in sludgy colours and frumpy in midi dresses.

What I did take away from was that cropped wide leg trousers would be a good buy, so I found some cheaper ones in M&S. I also still want a funky blouse when I can find the right one that is less than £140.

What I did like was the experience of having someone select things for you, but I felt guilty I didn't buy anything. Don't let that put you off though.