WELL CHOSEN TO FLATTER MY FIGURE
MY JOHN Lewis personal stylist, Victoria, was warm and chatty. She was great on figureflattery: she firstly confirmed I’m an ‘hourglass’, and explained it’s important to discuss the customer’s body shape in virtual appointments, using the fruit system, eg. ‘apple’, ‘pear’ and — a new one on me — the ‘strawberry’.
A curvy woman herself, she was full of tips including why three-quarter-length sleeves are flattering for me (they’re level with my waist when my arms are straight, so draw attention to my middle).
Victoria offered free styling advice on my existing wardrobe, suggesting in her initial email that I might like to have some clothes ready to discuss during the call.
She’ll even help you declutter — something many customers want help with. She contacts her ‘regulars’ to let them know about pieces she spots for them.
I’d thought talking via screen might feel impersonal, but I found the opposite.
At the end of the appointment, Victoria sent me links to products I’d liked, via email, for me to purchase. They were sent out within a couple of days.
The formal option was a keeper: a fab flowing black-and-white dress with an asymmetric hem from Mother of Pearl’s John Lewis collaboration.
The casual options were more mixed. I sent back a too- tight cashmere knit and unflattering trousers. But this outfit — patterned Whistles skirt, cool cropped jacket and leopard flats — was just right. 8/10
John Lewis virtual styling, free, johnlewis.com/our-services/ personal-styling