It can be difficult to find work-appropriate clothes that are professional but not stuffy and can seamlessly transition from a Zoom meeting to a happy hour — all while looking good, of course.
I tend to shop minimally and pick investment pieces that I love (and end up wearing for years), but it’s gotten harder to put together office-ready looks that don’t feel repetitive.
Similarly, as more and more companies mandate a return-to-office policy, workers are looking for ways to update their workwear wardrobes.
I was long overdue for a work wardrobe refresh, so when I learned that both Nordstrom and Saks offer free one-on-one styling appointments at certain store locations, I jumped at the chance to try them.
I booked appointments using each store’s online portal and was excited to see if the stylists could help me revamp my work-to-happy-hour look. Here’s how it went.
My Nordstrom styling appointment was up first
Before my appointment, my personal stylist, Kalyn, texted me directions to the changing room in the store’s contemporary section.
The room was stocked with an extensive selection of on-trend work tops, jeans, blazers, and dresses, which she said were meant to give “off-duty model” vibes.
The pieces were mostly neutral colors, although there were some pops of red, olive green, and light blue.
There were also quite a few menswear-inspired work pieces, including jackets, trousers, and shirt dresses.
By the mirror, there was a table with a selection of earrings and heels to try on with my outfits. After asking me for my initial thoughts on her selections, my Nordstrom stylist left to find more colorful pieces to add to the collection.
I got to work trying on the pieces, some of which were a little out of my comfort zone
Many of the pieces she pulled for me felt more “masculine” than the styles I’d typically wear, but I was impressed by what she’d picked, given that she didn’t initially have an idea of my style or coloring.
While in the fitting room, I played around with pairing pieces together myself. I styled a white power blazer with gray wide-leg pants that looked like they belonged in a C-suite.
I even tried teal-and-white-striped button-up co-ords and leather loafers that I’d never pick for myself. Even though I wasn’t a fan of how they looked on me, it was fun trying them on. It felt like I was playing dress-up.
Kalyn asked for feedback and came back with some additional picks
After asking for my initial thoughts on her selections, Kalyn returned with more pieces for me to try. It was clear that she’d taken note of my coloring and slightly less formal style. However, the clothes were a little less business casual than the options from the first round.
I loved a butter-yellow slip dress she’d picked, although I’d probably wear it to date night instead of to work.
I also liked a pair of white wide-leg pants that I wouldn’t have chosen for myself and a burnt-orange bodysuit that I could easily wear for both a day of meetings and happy hour.
I didn’t show my stylist anything I tried on, but throughout my appointment, she asked for feedback from outside the fitting room and periodically brought more things she’d curated while taking out pieces that I didn’t like.
Considering how high-end everything looked, I was surprised by how relatively affordable it was. Prices started at about $30 for an Open Edit tank top and went up to $248 for a Reformation dress.
My appointment at Saks felt a little more glamorous
On the day of my appointment, my Saks stylist, John, called me and asked some questions about the occasion I was shopping for and what brands I liked.
Although I wasn’t expecting a call, it was helpful to talk through what I was looking for and which styles I preferred. Getting to know a little about my stylist’s personality beforehand was also nice.
My appointment was at the department store’s Fifth Avenue Club — a luxe space with its own doorbell and a large suite with a couch and complimentary cakes, fruits, and nuts.
John gave me a rundown of what he’d chosen, grouping certain pieces to try on together. He asked me to show him every outfit after I’d tried it on, even if I didn’t like it.
I didn’t love some of the earlier picks on my body, but John took my feedback into account
Trying on some of the menswear-inspired pieces was initially a little disheartening, as I struggled to find blazers and collared styles that didn’t overwhelm my frame.
John critiqued each outfit, asking my thoughts and zeroing in on some of the things I did and didn’t like, such as overwhelming silhouettes and certain necklines. He also shared advice on how he’d tailor certain pieces to be more flattering to me.
Eventually, I even tried on two black blazers that looked good on me — a huge win for someone who’s never owned a flattering blazer.
In fact, two of my favorite pieces didn’t jump out at me on the hanger and probably weren’t things I would’ve chosen myself.
Most of the pieces I tried on were in the $300 to $500 range, but a few dresses were on sale for $150 to $200. Saks is high-end, but it had a sale that made some of the pieces more affordable.
However, I think if you’re shopping for timeless wardrobe staples, splurging on certain pieces is worth it.
Overall, the styling appointments were a worthy investment of my time
Although each appointment took about two hours, I think they were worth the time I spent in the stores.
I tried on pieces I would’ve been too intimidated to pick off the rack myself, and the stylists encouraged me to try on things outside my comfort zone.
I learned about styles and designs I’d like to try on again in the future and discovered that garments that wouldn’t catch my eye on the floor can end up being flattering favorites.
Normally, when something doesn’t look good when I’m shopping, I’m discouraged and unsure how to find an alternative that looks better on me. However, it was nice to have a stylist there to guide me.
Overall, I think the personal-styling appointments are great for those who want a wardrobe refresh but aren’t sure where to start. Both stylists were helpful and even gave me some ideas about styling some of the clothes I already own, and I didn’t feel pressured to make a purchase if I wasn’t sure about the pieces.
Although I didn’t buy any of the pieces I tried on, I’m keeping an eye on them to see if they go on sale or if I can find something similar that I really want to splurge on.
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