The shopping services range from an outfit edit to a wardrobe refresh.
Personal shopping sounds like it's reserved for red carpets. Over the years, high-street to high-end shops have been offering the service. John Lewis on Oxford Street, London, has taken things up a fashionable notch with its personal styling service. Whether you're after one outfit or a wardrobe refresh, the stylists are on hand to help – and, best of all, it's free.
John Lewis on Oxford Street is one of London's most iconic department stores. In 1864, the flagship store opened as a drapery shop. The founder of the same name grew up as an orphan and became the youngest silk buyer in the city. The brand boasts a fascinating history, from the store being bombed during the Second World War to its Christmas adverts becoming a teary tradition in the festive calendar.
Today, John Lewis on Oxford Street includes men's, women's and children's wear, homeware, technology, food and drink, and cafés and restaurants. The fashion covers accessories, clothing and footwear, and brings together brands from Burberry to Bvlgari and Chloé to Chanel.
John Lewis' personal stylist services range from the Express Service for up to one hour, to the Wardrobe Refresh for up to two hours. The shop has more than 150 stylists working across its branches, and it's best to book it in advance. The Style Studio offers a drop-in service, and Style Talks take place throughout the year. And, there is no obligation to buy anything.
On our visit, we were led to a private room in John Lewis that felt like a swanky walk-in wardrobe fit for Carrie Bradshaw. The space included soft seats, large mirrors, a railing, and a curtained-off area. We were offered a drink, which ranged from fizz to water.
Our stylist was the perfect mix of fashionista and friendly. She asked about my style and shopping habits, and I gave her my brief: a day at Buckingham Palace. She smiled reassuringly: "I've dressed people for royal garden parties before". The edit: Emily Blunt meets Kate Middleton, modest but stylish, and a statement piece. We discussed how the statement could be created through a bold pattern, on-trend cut or eye-catching colour.
The stylist began by looking at my body shape. "You're hiding a great figure under here," she said as she pulled in my oversized shirt. After she sized me up, she said we could go out together or separately on the shop floor. As I stayed in the room, she curated an excellent edit of what I wanted and didn't know I wanted.
The options ranged from dependable to daring. Gradually, we narrowed it down to two dresses, one which looked like it was already in my wardrobe and the other which looked like it was never in my wardrobe. It was out with the old, and in with the new style: Jigsaw's Abstract Long Sleeve Dress.
The dress masters the art of being suitable for different settings: it covers my arms and legs yet has a slight slit; and the light material could be worn at the beach or Buckingham Palace. It even comes in a colour I've never worn – cobalt blue. "Blue really is your colour," shared the stylist.
The experience made me rethink my shopping habits, and how I should invest in long-life pieces rather than trends. Since then, the dress is one of my fashion favourites. Whenever I've worn it, I've got compliments. I feel like the most glamorous version of myself, and have a stylish story to share.
John Lewis' personal styling service: A-lister luxury without breaking the bank.
GO: Visit www.johnlewis.com for more information.