Online personal stylists that don't cost fortune tested to see if they work

Behind every coiffured, manicured, designer-clad star is a stylist whose talents can earn them £4,000 a day.

And once upon a time, we mere mortals could only dream of having our own fashion mastermind.

But all that is changing as an American trend for online personal stylists arrives over here.

Pop a few details about your size along with your style preferences and cyber ­shoppers will do the rest.

Even Marks & Spencer has got in on the act, providing free stylists for customers.

Only a handful of firms offer the service but one fashion expert says it could explode.

Patricia Davidson, ­author of seven books on online shopping, said: “They are great services for people who don’t have much fashion ­confidence or have young children or a busy job and little time for shopping.

“Many major stores have in-store personal stylists who could move to online and I’d expect to see more of this in the future.”

With many personal ­stylists choosing looks from UK shops, it could help the flagging high street.

But can someone who has never clapped eyes on you really make you look a million dollars? Or is it just all hype? Here, I try out four big names in cyber styling.

The big brand fashionistas

Stitch Fix – stitchfix.co.uk

How it works: This US import is relatively new here. Answer 40 questions online about your sizing, look and preferred style.

An algorithm comes up with a wardrobe then a real-life stylist adds a personal touch. A box contains five items. Send back what you don’t like. A £10 charge is redeemable on purchases.

What they sent: Warehouse jeans £46, Warehouse modal T-shirt £22, Oasis snake shirt dress £55, Mango cigarette trousers £35.99, Oasis kimono £45. Total £163.19.

What worked: Snake print dress is bang on trend. Warehouse T-shirt is practical and comfy. I’d never tried a kimono, fearing they were more dressing gown than style statement. Now I’m a convert.

What failed: The jeans were a bit 80s and too baggy for me. The cigarette trousers were a size too big but a smaller size would have been perfect.

Style: 9/10. Value : 8/10.

Verdict: Stitch Fix works with top UK brands including Whistles, Oasis and Warehouse so you know what type of clothes you’re getting. Their choices forced me to have a rethink about my usual staid style.

The High Street invention

Try Tuesday – trytuesday.com

How it works: This is Marks & Spencer’s venture into the world of cyber styling, used by around 340,000 people. Technology collects users’ information to pair them with a real life stylist who builds a monthly edit. The looks are emailed to the customer who can buy and have them sent to their local store. It’s free and there is no subscription.

What they sent: Kitten heels £35, drop earring £12.50, high waist skinny jeans £45, checked double breasted blazer £99, leather bum bag £39.50, leopard pumps £45, leather jacket £249, cotton shirt maxi dress £45, chain necklace £17.50, lace insert top £29.50. Total £617.

What worked: The jeans look good with the feminine lace neck blouse and a masculine jacket toughened it up. The shoes were great but I felt the jewellery was too much.

What failed: I adored the cotton dress on the hanger felt like I was wearing a maternity dress. I wasn’t sold on the heavy stitch design on the leather biker jacket either.

Styling: 7/10. Value : 7/10.

Verdict: I’ll never look like M&S ambassador Holly Willoughby, but Try Tuesday opened my eyes to what the store offers. Some items were pricey but were good quality.

The European option

Lookiero – lookiero.co.uk

How it works: Spanish-based online business – launched in the UK last year – works out your look through an online questionnaire and personal stylist. Monthly, bi-monthly or on demand delivery and return is free. There is a £10 fee for each order to cover styling costs.

What they sent: French connection jeans £75, IKKS T-shirt £54.90, Freequent jacket £22.49, Lindex pink shirt £22.49, Vila black dress £32. Total £206.86

What worked: You’ll get brands you may never have heard – fantastic if you want something unique. I loved the dark blue jeans and IKKS t-shirt with the houndstooth jacket, although the jacket crumpled too easily for me.

What failed: The black dress was a bit too old-fashioned despite the nice scalloped neckline. The pink shirt was more suited to a circus act than a working mum. And delivery can take over a week.

Style: 7/10. Value: 7/10.

Verdict: A great option if you love European style or are looking for something special that no one else will be wearing.

The independent

Estilistas – estilistas.co.uk

How it works: At least 4,000 people subscribe to a free monthly newsletter. They fill in a questionnaire before co-owner Noelia Santana calls to talk through likes and dislikes. A style box costs £99 – plus anything you keep. Online styling costs £18 an hour. Return what you don’t want.

What they sent: Zara black tuxedo jacket £59.99, Zara knit top £17.99, Zara skinny jeans £29.99, H&M scarf £6.99, H&M belt £4.99, Reserved dress £19.99. Total £139.94

What worked: Everything! I adored the floral dress, which I can dress up with heels or down with a cardigan, belt and boots. Because I lacked basics Noelia sent a soft white top and black tuxedo which echoed my style heroine Robin Wright

What failed: The couple don’t have the finances of big firms who can offer the box for a minimal price or free.

Styling: 9/10. Value: 8/10.

Verdict: Stunning and swish selection of clothes to wear all year. Missed top mark only because three items were from the same shop.

Grace’s verdict

If, like me, you are more Worzel Gummidge than fashion queen it’s definitely worth giving an online stylists services a go.

My best pal Emily manages to be effortlessly swish while I trundle alongside looking like a burst cushion. But now help is at hand.

Go for Lookiero if you are in search of something different. Stitch Fix is perfect for those who love a trend and I’d recommend Estilistas if you have a bit of extra cash and are looking for an even more tailored service.

Try Tuesday is fantastic for inspiration. It is the only part-cyber-part-human service that is free so there’s nothing to lose and lots to gain.