After having two children and completely losing myself (and my fashion sense) I was really excited to hear about the John Lewis Free Personal Stylist service. This is a free service offering 2 hour long “wardrobe refresh” appointments based in John Lewis stores. There is no obligation to buy anything. I wanted to write a quick review about my experience with the personal stylist as I know it can be nerve-racking going in blind to something new.
What happens at a John Lewis Personal Stylist appointment?
When you arrive you will be offered a hot or cold drink and sometimes snacks depending on the store (I wasn’t at Cribbs Causeway but I’ve heard of others’ being offered them). Your stylist would have already picked out some pieces based on your profile so you have somewhere to start. They will make sure they have the correct sizes and then you can start trying things on and your stylist will keep coming and going with different items to try.
There was one particular piece of clothing I really liked (a denim skirt) but I wasn’t sure how to style it so my stylist helped show me ways I could style it throughout the seasons/for different occasions. It was a lot more than I’d usually spend on an item of clothing but she helped me realise how versatile it was and I felt really nice in it. I tried on over 30 items in total and ran out of time.
It really helped me feel better about myself and my postpartum body. She helped me find breastfeeding friendly pieces too.
How much do the John Lewis Personal Stylist sessions cost?
As mentioned above this is a completely free service. There is no obligation to buy anything, or credit against clothes etc. You can simply try on clothes and leave if you wish. The appointments are 2 hours long.
Did you feel obligated to buy anything?
Personally yes, I’m a people pleaser and worried about wasting the persons’ time if I didn’t. This isn’t the case but for review purposes yes I did buy things I probably wouldn’t have usually and yes I did return them and feel awful about it.
How do you book the John Lewis Personal Stylist appointments?
You can book via this link. There is usually a couple of months’ wait depending if you’d like to see a specific person but I got a last minute slot the night before. When you book your appointment there is a brief questionnaire so your stylist can learn a little more about you, a profile (size/hair/skin/eye colour) and tell your stylist what you would like from the appointment.
Can you take children do a John Lewis Personal Stylist appointment?
I arrived with 6 month old Rupert and this wasn’t a problem at all. There is seating within the room for older children too. Bring plenty of snacks and they’ll be absolutely fine.
What sort of price are the clothes at John Lewis?
I gave the minimum budget possible any my stylist found full price and sale pieces for me. I tried on a top for as low at £8 and a jumper at the upper end at £169. She also tempted me with a bag at almost £400 (which I’m holding in the photo) but I couldn’t justify that with two very little ones. Some of the sale items were as much as 60% off, I bought some gorgeous jeans reduced from £99 to £39 and some shoes for £25.
If you have any other questions I haven’t answered here please ask them in the comments and I will answer them for you but I really hope this has helped. I would definitely do it again.


