Experience... John Lewis Newcastle's Personal Styling Service

Walk into John Lewis’ Personal Styling, and you’re immediately put at ease. There’s a central hub in the middle of the womenswear department, but the real magic happens in the personal styling rooms towards the back.

Graciously sized with huge mirrors, gorgeous lighting, and plenty of cosy seats, you’ll be offered a drink (tea, coffee, or prosecco if you’re in the mood!) and the chance to run through some more details about what you’re looking for. It’s also worth pointing out that you’ll have the chance to call your stylist before the appointment to discuss what you want – which saves a bit of time on the day.

We sat down with two talented stylists – Natalia and Molly –  to talk through the experience at John Lewis, what they love about it, and gather some top-tips too!

How long have you been working in fashion? 

Natalia: I’ve been working in fashion for over thirteen years. I’ve worked with clothes, as well as hair, and I’ve been with John Lewis just for about fifteen months.

Molly: I’ve worked in fashion since I was sixteen, but I studied fashion communication at Northumbria university.

What’s your favourite thing about your job? 

Natalia: It’s very simple – I make people happy, I change their life, and make them feel good about themselves!

Molly: Everything! I love meeting new people, hearing everyone’s life stories, and getting to help women feel a bit more confident about themselves, kind of giving them a new lease of life, it’s really lovely.

What are three pieces that you think are going to be popular this autumn season? 

Natalia: Animal print, particularly leopard print has come back like never before. Wine, burgundy colours in all the accessories – belts, bags, boots. And the third, jeans are staying strong in different shapes and forms, not necessarily just as trousers but they’ll be everywhere.

Molly: You can’t go wrong with your trench or duffel coat… anything animal print is back in again and anything mauve, wine-coloured or red. And I think lots of vests, knitted vests, gilets, and anything that you can layer really, anything transitional.

What’s the “it” John Lewis brand of the moment? 

Natalia: It’s very difficult to say just one! We have Nymph, we have a very niche brand Sister Jane, and Ghospell– although they might not be for everybody but they’re certainly very, very different!

Molly: Not being biased but I do love Ghospell! It’s a little bit quirky, a little bit fun, it’s good to have as like a statement piece in your wardrobe – so you can have your capsule wardrobe with all of your good quality staples, but then having something like a pop of colour, or something a bit different maybe asymmetric. I think Ghospell's really my brand!

Could you describe the personal styling experience in three words?

Natalia: It’s exciting, it’s refreshing, and it’s also quite enlightening for the customer.

Molly: Enlightening, relaxed and just fun, I think.

What is one thing that someone coming to a personal styling experience should know?

Natalia: We are on their side. We’re not there to offend them or make them wear or do something that they don’t want to do – it’s not like that at all. We’re like your best friend… only the one who’s got a bit of knowledge as well! We’re totally on your side.

Molly: That we’re here to help. Like Natalia says, we’re all on their side and that we’re really there to listen to them and help them.

What’s your favourite styling session? 

Natalia: Personally I like doing ‘back to work’ – especially if it’s more formal. And of course, wardrobe refreshes because then we can cover so many areas.

Molly: I do have a soft spot for a full wardrobe refresh – but that’s because you kind of get to pick bits of everything and you get to really see and understand your client. But I do really love having appointments where it’s a special occasion, because it’s normally something really special and exciting like a wedding or a graduation – it’s really fun to get the one wow piece.

What would be your top tips for someone who’s coming to a styling session for the first time? 

Natalia: Have a little think about yourself, like “what do I really like?” Just so you have a notion for yourself. Be open-minded with whatever you’re going to work with or see.

Molly: I definitely think to have an idea of what you’d like to come away with – whether that’s just some knowledge or whether you want to leave with a few key pieces. Definitely approach the appointment with an open mind to try anything we bring.

What’s the process like post-styling session? 

Natalia: Sometimes customers want to check the brands that they find out here online to add more to their collection. We always say that you’re welcome to come back now we’ve met each other and we can start building your wardrobe further - it could be seasonal, it could be annual. They just kind of learn to look at themselves differently because we give little points about the lengths, the proportions, the fabrics – they’re kind of equipped better for further shopping, and they know that they can always come back to us or reach out for any further help.

Is there anything else anyone should know? 

Natalia: I just think it’s such a great service that you get for free, which you probably can’t get anywhere else. Because of the variety of the brands we have on the shop floor it saves you time too and we make you feel better about yourself! It’s a nice experience to have as well - why not?

Molly: If you’ve got a particular item of clothing that you just love and don’t know how to style, or you need something to go with it, you can always bring that in and we’re open to really helping them with anything – it doesn’t have to be just a wedding or transitional wardrobe or going back to work – we’re here for anything and any needs they have.

So whether you need a full new wardrobe (autumn is well and truly on the way, after all!) or need that outfit for an upcoming occasion, John Lewis' personal styling sessions are the perfect place to start. Happy shopping!

To find out more about John Lewis Newcastle's personal styling service or to book an appointment visit www.johnlewis.com/our-services/personal-styling.