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 for this thread. I am in need of a style overhaul after losing some weight and am after a new work look. I want to find a look that is more up-to-date but suitable for a senior member of staff in their fifties. Jeans and trainers are allowed but I still want to look stylish.

Where would you recommend I begin - and if I book a personal stylist, what do I need to know?

Just had my wardrobe overhaul by personal stylist - was a three hr appointment and covered all my clothes, shoes, coats and bags.
We made piles for charity/sell, don’t fit but keep in case, ready for the bin/damaged/stained, and bits to take to a tailor. I tried on nearly everything I owned and some outfits I would NEVER have thought of came together so perfectly!
Next week, shopping for a few staples for my wardrobe and i can’t wait. Best thing I’ve done in years. I’ve been given so many new ways to wear what I already have and I love it!

Oops, edited as I didn't realize this AMA wasn't ongoing.

Hooray. Sounds perfect. Well worth the investment isn’t it! X

Without question!

Is it bad to mix gold and silver jewelry?

I have to say that I'm not really a 'fashion' or clothes person, but I am finding this thread FASCINATING! Thank you so much for it!

I’m back with another question: I have several pairs of black trousers in different cuts and fabrics, and every autumn/winter I’m at a loss about what to wear them with!

I need to be casual or at most smart-casual, so want to avoid anything too formal. Black too near my face doesn’t really suit me - I look washed out. White tops with black bottoms I think looks a bit waitressy, and grey depresses me. I dislike black and red together.

Can I please have some suggestions of top styles that will “dress down” black trousers, and colours that work with black please?

@MadameSzyszkoBohusz I’m not the OP but I would say burn the black trousers. They have nothing to do with a contemporary casual, or even smart casual wardrobe. Black speaks of formal wear. And it’s very hard to look cool if you’re mixing black with anything other than neutral colours.

Instead look to autumnal colours for cords, or wool flannel trousers, or chinos if they’re smart enough. Tailored shorts are another option. There are endless options available right now, and tops in all sorts of colours that will go with them. (And none of which would go with black, unless you want to dress from the 1980s.)

@MadameSzyszkoBohusz , I wouldn't burn the black trousers, but I'd pair them with neutrals or pastels. Whatever suits you. Prints can work.
I'd avoid jewel colours other than what's trending.
You could get away with burgundy or plum.

@MadameSzyszkoBohuszI’ve also got black trouser staples from the days when workwear needed to be smarter and I could wear a black & white top with black trousers as a don’t-need-to-think-too-hard office outfit.

Could you wear your trousers with a t shirt and a jacket for an outfit that is a bit more modern? And although you said you didn’t suit black near your face, would you be able to wear a slightly lower necked black top with jewellery or a scarf?

Just finished my personal styling appointment in Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. Would recommend to anyone and everyone.

What are the different styles and do you have examples of either?

Learn anything interesting?

Great thread op.

Where’s a good place to get decent denim jeans?

Buy a size that fits the largest part well and then take the dress to a tailors to get it altered.

Can you help me? Please?

I was uncertain what to call my style, now I know its 100% ‘Geriatric Milkmaid’.

@Frugalgal , get a good bra - you'll probably need to get to a proper lingerie shop like Rigby & Peller, and the bra size will probably not be what you think you are. Then follow @Lionfisher 's advice.

"I’m a personal fashion stylist"

Response "why?"

That was my question too... is it particularly well paid? Do you get a sense of satisfaction from interacting with a highly privileged rich elite of self-obsessed people who are unable to do one of the most basic life skills possible - choosing clothes they like?

As someone else suggested for comfort Molke bras - but they can be tricky to get into.

Maybe you’ve misinterpreted what personal stylists do, @JamieCannister? Why would you imagine it’s only privileged rich elite self obsessed people who engage their services - and not, say, a graduate trainee who’s just been offered a permanent job; or a 45 year old SAHM who’s aiming to return to work after fifteen years out or employment; or a woman recuperating after illness and major surgery whose body and self image are now unfamiliar to her? Not to speak of the countless women who arrive on the S&B board breathless with excitement and confusion after losing huge amounts of weight on one of the drugs regimes. It may be something a person does once in their life, for the cost of a weekend away; it may be a Christmas or birthday gift, instead of a piece of jewellery.

I am actually entirely at ease with my ability to choose my own clothes - but I can’t imagine looking down on anyone who feels they need a bit of help.

I have to say I am surprised that anyone without stupid amounts of money would employ a personal stylist.

Then again maybe I have issues with clothes - I despise having others choose my clothes to the point that I donate any clothing gift I receive to charity irrespective of whether or not I like it as a matter of principle (not that I would ever pay enough attention to it to know whether I liked it before giving it away). My family and friends know this so getting gifted clothes is very rare.

Being told what to wear is what young children have to suffer and I am not longer a small child. I can't think of anything worse.

I despise having others choose my clothes to the point that I donate any clothing gift I receive to charity irrespective of whether or not I like it as a matter of principle (not that I would ever pay enough attention to it to know whether I liked it before giving it away).

I would say that's an overreaction that sounds more extreme than someone's decision to use a personal stylist, although I've never used one myself.

@JamieCannister , I'd say the same (apart from the money bit), but my friend is brilliant at picking clothes, and although I do think 'I'm not a child', she is right. My sister is good too, but she is crap at presents.

Money-wise,plenty of people spend a fortune on clothes they never wear, even if the individual items aren't expensive, so a personal stylist could save them money in the long run.