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

Thank you. I’m forever up and down with the weight up a stone down a stone. I lost 5 stone a few years ago and put one back on during lockdown and have struggled since. Only just accepted it and started to get rid of the thin clothes. Hitting the big 60 and rheumatoid arthritis don’t help 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣

That’s good to hear! I have come across several people who are into fashion (as a hobby) who seem to view it as a virtue and make disparaging remarks about people who put less effort into their appearance. I think it’s really odd and never hear people who are good at cooking, or gardening, or various other pursuits, carry on like that about people who don’t share their hobby. Anyway that’s nice that someone who is actually employed in the fashion world doesn’t carry on like that.

No I don’t dress anyone a) like me (unless they’ve stated they like my style) or b) like another client. Of course there will be things I recommend to the same clients that are just really good pieces but each person is different, has a different lifestyle etc.
I have plenty of clients at the upper end of the size range. My biggest being a size 30, but unfortunately often we’re forced to go online due to size availability in stores.

If I wanted to be a bit more trendy what would I go for? I love some of these but can’t face being a m and s mum yet! I know they have some lovely stuff though.

Honestly anyone that does that doesn’t know true style. Fashions come and go. You can see someone walking down the street in a ripped t shirt and jeans or an oversized wildly coloured smock dress and think they look fabulous because they just have that style they us unique to them. I know exactly what you mean though and I see it in lots of comments on Instagram etc.

Are there a few items you would recommend every woman should have in their wardrobe? A pair of jeans for example?

and what items should we spend more on vs. Items can spend less on?

P.s love this thread! Thanks 🤩

What kinds of jewelry pieces do you recommend wearing.

Youve just encouraged me to WhatsApp a local personal stylist. Have asked her to potentially go through my wardrobe and maybe take me shopping. I’ve said my budget is more primark, but I have a lot of clothes so hopefully she can help me with what I’ve already got

so, thank you x

Where can I find tops that don't look like I'm trying to hide a pregnancy? I'm so over that. I'm short - 5"2 and seems to have a shorter torso as so many tops out there do not suit me. I've also lost a little weight and actually want to show off my body shape.

Definitely invest in denim. It doesn’t have to be £100’s of pounds but the technology in denim is worth paying for. So avoid supermarkets and Primark and go for mid to upper end level.

Ahhh yey 🥰🥰🥰

Find out whether you’re a gold or silver girl and get some statement earrings and necklaces you can layer x

Ooh fingers crossed. Let me know how you get on x

It’s hard to give exact ideas as you say so many tops don’t suit you…which will not be true of course! It all depends on the rest of your shape. But if you’re short, fussy details such as puff shoulders, oversized blazers or polo necks will shorten you even more so go for wider necks, scoops and v’s to open up the space and create an illusion of a longer torso.

The other day someone thought I was my older friend’s mother! Apparently my cardie and handbag contributed to this…

I want to look polished & classic & not frumpy? What would you advise?

Can I ask how old you are? What’s your lifestyle?

I shop mostly from charity shops, for both financial and environmental reasons. Any tips on styling a charity shop wardrobe? As in, I have a lot of pieces that I love but they aren’t necessarily “on trend” - any tips for putting together outfits from a varied selection of eras and styles?

I just turned 40, used to work in an office. Now largely work from home, with 1/2 days in office. Go out in evening a couple times a week. I potter about/meet friends at the weekend.

It doesn’t help that I’m short with an apple shape.

I’m 5ft so on the shorter side of most ‘petite’ ranges.
As a personal fashion stylist do you have access to tailors that can shorten trousers/skirt?

I remember getting suits in Stefanel, off the peg, a little too long in the sleeves & legs due to my height & found myself on the dressmakers podium, having length alterations done as part of the price! Went back the next day & it was all ready for me.
I would love that here in the UK - not tailored, just fitting length-wise. I see all these amazing clothes in places like John Lewis but there’s no way I could by anything as they’d be too long!

Can you recommend any adaptive brands of clothing? Most fashion really isn’t designed for disabled people and we still want to look nice!

excellent thread..how do you find your style? I see this all the time on Instagram and it confuses me. I'm a mid 30s mum and my body has changed and I'm not as slim as I use to ve.sorry if this is a stupid question.

Good question, @Nevereatcardboard.
And I have @ -ed you because I want to know how your ace name came about, please!

What do you think of things like seasons or kibbe body types? And if you follow any of them how strict are you about it?

A charity shop wardrobe should be no different to shopping from a standard clothes shop. Only buy it if you love it, often we get tempted to buy it because it’s cheap or a bargain or it’s fine because it’s for charity. But it’s not any of those things if you’re not going to wear it.
You need to figure out what your style is eg, classic, boho, feminine etc and then shop the charity range with more of a focus