I’m a personal fashion stylist AMA

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I’m a personal fashion stylist. I see lots of threads on here about confidence, style, femininity, etc. AMA

I'll get in early and ask for some advice!

What would you recommend for someone who's

• short (5"2)
• uneven clothes sizes - 16 bottoms and 10/12 tops
• fairly recently had a baby so no sense of style and currently hating their body

Also, what do you like most about your job? Do you favour any particular brands over others?

Top 3 tips to look good?

I always wonder how you make a living. Do you get commission from the brands you recommend? Are you 'personal' in that people pay you to dress them? Do you work for a company or freelance?

What sort of demographic pays for your services? Assuming you’re not a JL stylist who anyone can book.
And what’s your top tip for a 59 yo, 5’8, brunette, size 10/12 who still has decent legs ans waist but isn’t booby?

What is the number one mistake you see women make when it comes to clothing? Also, are there any mid high st brands (for example H&M and M&S) that you really rate over higher end high st brands (for example Reiss, Cos etc).
Thank you.

I have massive boobs, so nothing looks good on me. I try to hoist them up but then I catch sight of myself out and about and they look like they're halfway down my body.

Things that fit across the chest hang down from there making me look baggy and fat.

Anything fitted or empire line draws attention to how far they stick out.

Just bought a lovely faux wrap dress and they are over exposed and hanging and massive. Couldn't possibly wear it out without something underneath.

I'm a size 14 (and halfway to my target weight which will put me at a 12/14) but a size 14 tee shirt while it fits across the chest will hang baggily loose from my boobs and is way too loose for my middle

How can I dress?

I have a ‘mum’ friend who is one but always too scared to ask her as I know she charges loads and expects a high spend! I’ve used JL before and love the clothes they’ve put me in even though I’d never have thought to buy them in the first place.

Accessories - and by accessories I mean jewellery.
Knowing how to dress for your body shape and not wearing what other people wear because it’s on ‘trend’.
Mess about with your clothes, roll them up, tuck them in, hang them out, get them altered but don’t just wear them as they come

Charging loads is all dependant on how much it will save you in the long run. If she’s good you shouldn’t need to keep using her as she should teach you what you need to know to go on your own. People see it as a high cost which can be deflating as so much work goes into each session before and after that is a hidden cost I suppose. She shouldn’t expect a high spend though as it should make no difference to her what you spend.

What are 30 somethings wearing on nights out these days?

In all honesty for you I would go and see a stylist and learn about your body shape. You are such an easy shape to dress but I know you probably don’t feel like it. For you finding a good alteration service is key.

Really casual. But again there’s no one rule. The days of sky high heels are gone so comfort is key. Jeans and a halter top, waistcoat is a great look with a small kitten heel. But it all depends on what you like, eg boho, glam, classic

What brands do you recommend for a 40 year old mum, size 10. I want to look cool and on trend but not too young! Price ranges - not designer price tag but also not Next/TK max prices. Somewhere in the middle. I am struggling so much to find brands that I like.

Where can good local stylists be found?

Personally no I don’t get commission - some ‘influencers’ do but they’re not true stylists. We get paid by the client. Yes people pay us to dress them, or organize their wardrobe, take them shopping etc

If you Google ‘personal stylist’ there should be a list near you. You can check out their Google reviews or Instagram account to get a feel for them. Any decent stylist should also have a website.

Oh gosh so so many! Depends if you’re fussy about brands but I find the best ones, again depending on budget are: mango, Uniqlo, M&S, mint velvet, whistles, Oliver bonas, reformation, Levi’s, maje, 4th & reckless, Anthropologie. So so many

I’m presuming you have regular bra fits, if not that’s step one.
then you need someone to try lots of different things on you so they can open you up to new suggestions and give you the confidence to see it from another perspective. You sound like you have a gorgeous figure but have got frustrated and lost on the way. Very very common!

I can’t say if I’m a John Lewis stylist or not I’m afraid. Too outing. But the demographic for a stylist can be anyone with a low budget who wants to stop wasting money in the long run, to women who have extra cash and just want a guiding hand. Ages range from teens to women in their 80’s!
too tip for you is good pair of jeans!

Umber one mistake is buying cheap and often, I’m not talking about H&M but the likes of Shein. You might as well burn your money.
I love that M&S is having a moment; it’s very well deserved.

Why?

Sorry I can’t see what you’re asking why to?

do you judge people who are unfashionable?

Good god no!! Never ever ever! Ever ever!!

Do you have a preferred style that influences what you offer your clients, so they tend to come out looking similar (I don't mean this in a negative way), or do you dress clients across all different styles depending on what they're drawn to?

Do you have an upper size limit for clients, as it's harder to find clothes to fit?