How do I find a stylist?

There is a surprising wealth of options, says The Kit’s editor-at-large, as long as you know where to look

“I’m 54 and wonder where I can get a stylist, since I want to up my style with a selection of some quality pieces that work together and for my body type, which is athletic. I am a professional and have adult children. How much would it cost?” — Heather, Mississauga

I don’t often get to be the harbinger of such good news, so this is a good day for me. How much does a stylist cost these days? Nothing. Literally, zero dollars. Sure, we are living in an age when everyone with a crumb of fame employs a full-time styling team to look exceptional whether they are hitting the red carpet or executing a Dairy Queen run; and Hollywood-endorsed stylists cost thousands to keep on retainer, so they can bail clients out during last minute fashion emergencies and equip them for whirlwind multi-city press tours.

But most of us would benefit from an annual appointment with a seasoned fashion pro who does the legwork, pulling out a selection of gems that you didn’t have to wade through crowded racks to find, am I right? Well, in that case, you can make absolutely-free-yesI’m-serious appointments with stylists across the city at several retailers. Book an hour-and-a-half stylist session at Nordstrom to refresh your full workwear selection; call up J.Crew and snag an appointment with one of their personal stylists — or even talk to them over the phone; hit up a private suite at Holt Renfrew to get advice from their experienced team; book a one-on-one with a stylist at Topshop to get an insider’s take on their trendy collections. Whether you want to shop at a high-end fashion heavyweight retailer or a more accessibly priced option, there are now totally gratis services across the country.

The catch, in this case, is not really a catch but more of an obvious fact: These appointments are free because retailers are hoping you’ll fall in love with a lot of merchandise and shop à la “Pretty Woman.” But to make the most out of your session and to avoid making a misstep that feels like a “big mistake … huge,” it’s best to do some prep work before you arrive, says Jillian Vieira, who is a supremely talented fashion stylist with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working for years.

“First, remember that you’re not going in there to get a full makeover and won’t likely be shopping for a totally new wardrobe,” she says. “So it’s best to take inventory of what you already have in order to see what you truly need.” Do a little Marie-Kondo-style purge and then snap photos of your most beloved pieces so the stylist you work with can have an immediate visual of your wardrobe mainstays. Then, for extra credit, screenshot a few photos of celebrities who you have noticed wearing inspirational looks. “It’s a great jumping-off point for a stylist and it’s so much easier than trying to exactly describe what you’re looking for,” says Vieira. “It’s just like when you bring a picture to a hairdresser.” Sure, you’re not going to get that exact look (or I’d be Marion Cotillard’s doppelganger at this point, since she’s my forever hair reference), but the more examples you bring, the faster your fashion-pro can get up to speed on what you’re looking for.

Then, once your new stylist pal is bringing you clothes to try on, remember to keep an open mind — after all, that’s why you’re there. “It’s worth revisiting elements you might have decided in the past are not for you,” says Vieira. “Things can change! Just because you didn’t like yellow as a kid doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go in the changing room.”

A stylist will not only be a good resource to grill about the latest trends, but they will also point you in the direction of styles that will flatter your body. Even if a piece is cool, it might not work on you — that’s a hard truth most of us have learned first-hand. “You want someone who has a bit of a critical discerning eye, because that’s what you came to them for,” says Vieira. So no matter how good it might feel to hear that literally everything looks oh-so-fab on you, a stylist with a straighter take is what you should be shooting for.

Keep your spirit of adventure stoked and never say no to trying something on; and once you have it on, trust your gut. “Sometimes the change room can feel kind of like a portal: You could be anyone in there,” she explains. “But it’s important to think about whether you’ll wear a garment since it’s not just dress-up: You actually have to pay for it and take it home.”

If you’re unsure about a piece, take a few pictures under different lighting and then take your time to decide — show an honest friend or sleep on it. There is no pressure to buy everything you try on. I also feel nearly compelled to climb up onto the rooftop of your local mall and shout that there is no pressure to buy literally anything, even if you spent the full hour-and-a-half session trying on a whack of garments. “A stylist can help you refine your wardrobe, but ultimately, they won’t be the one wearing the clothes,” says Vieira. “I live and die by this: If you don’t love it in the change room, you’re not going to love it at home.”