I booked free personal-styling appointments at Nordstrom and Saks. I can’t believe how much I learned — and how much fun they were.

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.

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

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

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

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.