I’m a personal fashion stylist AMA

[clickyteeclick]

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

I find kibble body shapes very complex and I have worked with fashion all my life so for the person who isn’t trained it’s far too complicated. But knowing your body shape is very important. I do colour analysis so seasons is key but again it’s knowing what it means because otherwise it’s just terminology

I Bet you didn’t look like her mother at all. Some people don’t think before they speak so I wouldn’t worry about her passing comment.
I would go for a good pair of jeans (I love a wide leg), a t-shirt, trainers and a good blazer with jewellery. Classic but with a twist x

Yes I use tailors ALL THE TIME and encourage my clients to do so. Petite ranges in store are often just shorter in leg length and don’t incorporate shorter body lengths, narrower shoulders etc. find a tailor local to you and give it a go. It will open up so much more for you in the way of trying new styles.

I know it’s so so frustrating. It depends on what areas you need adapting eg, easier access to trousers or bras etc. I haven’t used any specific brands as such but for my clients I’ve used a really good tailor I have and get everything altered.

So presumably I would have to buy first & alter after?

I’ve actually got short legs with a long body & Ive got really broad shoulders for my height which causes a few problems as tops can be tight across my shoulders in my size but too big in the size up & trousers are just too long…

maybe I need to win the lottery & get all my clothes handmade…

Yes you’d buy the clothes first and then take them to the tailors and they’ll fit them how you want. Try it with one thing and see how you get on

Stylist appointments booked. Telephone consult tomorrow, wardrobe overhaul next week, then shopping in person at Gunwharf Quays the week after. I’m really excited.
Now off to remove all the clothes that don’t fit me from my wardrobe though! I’m a size 14, hanging onto size 8/10 jeans 🙄

@HotTiredDog our grandchildren! The baby was trying to chew a cardboard box and the bossy three year old (in a teacher voice) said ‘we must never eat cardboard’ 😊

I have scoliosis, so I’ve yet to find a bra that doesn’t hurt my ribs. It means I wear soft crop tops or go without a bra most of the time!

I’ve enjoyed reading your thread. I’ve got a question about how you adjust your personal style as you get older. I like a quite a feminine style but feel I now look inappropriate in the some of the dresses I used to like - think geriatric milkmaid. Similarly boho just looks mad cat lady instead of cool. Do you have any advice for a retiree?

I had a client with scoliosis that needed a dress for a wedding. We found one in Hobbs in the end. John Lewis and bravissimo do excellent bra fits so you could speak to them and see what they advise if you haven’t already x

I love this!! Hope it goes well.
get rid of the jeans - they will all be replaceable and instead of jeans reminding you that you don’t fit them anymore you can get ones that do and that make you look and feel great!

How do you cope with a client who claims to hate everything about their clothes and how they look - but is completely resistant to trying anything that isn’t an exact version of what they already own / do?

(It’s a fairly regular feature of S&B posts.)

I’m pretty certain that what I’m looking for doesn’t exist. I’ve tried dozens of styles and brands, including Bravissimo and John Lewis. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

It’s extremely tricky! You have to a) not take it personal and b) some people just don’t like change despite knowing they need it and ultimately there’s only so much you can do in that instance. But I always go gently, push them out of their comfort zone only very slightly and make tiny tweaks, such as a well fitted bra, updated footwear and some new accessories.

Ps what is S&B posts?? 😂🤷🏼‍♀️

S&B means the style and beauty topic on mumsnet x

You can’t not be familiar with the MN Style & Beauty board, @clickyteeclick? 😂

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty

would you mind telling me the sort of items you’d recommend for me? Ive got two kids, youngest is 20 months, and I just feel so dated, haggard and rubbish looking. I’d like to be practical but stylish and my preference is for classic styles.

I’m size 6-8, 5 foot 5, but have shelf like hips and broad shoulders which I would like to minimise. I find I have to accentuate my waist to avoid looking like a bag lady. I’m in my late thirties. Thank you x

What a fabulous thread op - thank you for taking the time to answer so many questions.
Now for mine - i have put on lots of weight and now have boobs that need housing. I cannot find a comfortable under wired bra (I’ve used the boob or bust method, gone to Bravissimo, and tried a couple of independent shops but every bra feels uncomfortable after a short time of wearing it.
The most comfy bra I’ve worn is Molke. What would you recommend my next step would be? I can really see the difference in my whole wardrobe when i wear a ‘proper bra’, i just can’t wear them for long.

I am 5 2 and overweight. Although I am.active and I don't think I look too flabby, I'm still around a size 16 - 18. I really need to update my style and love so many looks such as the wider trousers but I find it hard to find things that don't make me look like a little barrel. Any tips?!

Mumsnet is all quite new to me! I had no idea this bit existed! X

Proportions are key for you, you might not feel like it but tucking in your tops will elongate your legs and put you on proportion. Roll your sleeves up too. It would be worth booking in either a stylist if you can to get some tips on your body shape (not size or weight related but proportions).

Thats Nice of you to say about the thread, thank you x
Have you tried Fantasie? Or Wacoal?

Thank you.i appreciate you taking the time to respond.