What does the term ‘personal stylist’ mean to you? Something reserved for high end department stores? The preserve of rich people? Help for people with no style? Well, I suppose in a lot of cases all those things are true. Topman has recently launched it’s own personal stylist service on the top floor of its flagship Oxford street branch in London, and it’s rewriting the personal stylist rules. I don’t consider myself to be rich, and I’ve never felt the need to seek professional advice for what I should be wearing but when I heard about Topman’s new stylist service I couldn’t help but be curious. I decided to test it out – I sent them a brief with 3 purposefully difficult demands.
Look 1: An outfit for a festival – one that is suitable for ALL weather conditions. There’s no point pretending festival season is all sunshine now is there?
Look 2: Something ‘on trend’ I was deliberately vague here because the term ‘on trend’ is open to interpretation.
Look 3: An interview suit for less than £100 – if ever there’s a time when a guy needs no nonsense help and value for money it’s when he’s looking for a job.
So… Let’s see what the results were.
Look 1: The Festival Outfit
I have to say I was particularly impressed with this one, the Aztec print shirt checks several boxes, chino shorts were very reasonably priced and very flattering (if I do say so myself) furthermore my stylist for the day, the beautiful Laura, had lined up several alternatives that more than filled the brief. Check out the lightweight raincoat below, perfect festival gear.
Look 2: The Trend Outfit
Of all my demands, this look was the one most likely to go wrong; but once again the outfit selections were spot on. Cropped coloured trousers, floral bow tie and summery denim shirt. I couldn’t wait to get it on as soon as I saw it.
Look 3: The Interview Outfit
The suit jacket and trousers were just under £100 – classic grey, smart – but not so trendy that it won’t last a few years. I’d happily recommend it to anyone looking to make an impression but without the spare cash to throw around.
Topman’s Personal Stylist service isn’t just for rich people, or people with no style, it’s for people who are busy, people who can’t face the heaving Saturday afternoon crowds in central London. I’m often frustrated that the stuff I really want from Topman comes into the store and gets bought up before I even have a chance to get down there. With the Personal Stylist, they can keep the stuff they think you’ll like for you; and you can shop when it’s convenient, with none of the hassle. Over time the friendly stylists get to know you and your sense of style so the more you use the service, the better it gets. The stylist lounge is a utopia, a peaceful and quiet place with plush sofas and its own bar. You can relax with a drink while your friends play XBox Kinect
leaving you to try on your new outfits. You’re not even obliged to buy anything – the service is free. Seriously – what are you waiting for?
leaving you to try on your new outfits. You’re not even obliged to buy anything – the service is free. Seriously – what are you waiting for?
If you want to try Topman’s personal stlist service you can email them or pop into to the store yourself.
All words by Warren Beckett
Follow me @RobotMonsieur
All clothes by Topman
Extra special thanks to Laura and Gemma .