KNOWING HOW & WHEN TO WORK WITH A WARDROBE STYLIST DOESN’T HAVE TO BE TRICKY
We all know “that gal”. You know the one that ALWAYS looks so “pulled together” with a polished style of her own.
All her clothing is impeccably tailored, her footwear and accessories of good quality and well-maintained. (not a droopy hem in sight!)
And maybe most annoying of all … she always seems to have the “perfect outfit” for the occasion already hanging in her well-organized closet. Does she ever have an awkward fashion moment? Perhaps, but not often, I can assure you.
For some people, this comes naturally (these people usually enjoy the process), and for others, it can be absolutely overwhelming. This is where knowing how and when to work with a wardrobe stylist comes into play.
A wardrobe stylist will help you dress like a person who can flawlessly put themselves together. And your stylist will make it a painless and fun process all along the way.
JUST LIKE AT THE GYM, “NO PAIN, NO GAIN”
Is that to say that the entire process is painless? Unfortunately, for most of us, probably not.
Knowing how and when to work with a wardrobe stylist is not rocket science, I promise.
You have a little “self-introspection homework” to do first I’m afraid!
Try this exercise before seeking out a wardrobe stylist. You can define your “style challenges” by asking yourself these questions:
- What do YOU THINK your current style “is saying” about you?
- But, what do you ACTUALLY “WANT” your style to communicate to others? (are they currently 2 different things?)
- When others glance at you as you walk down the street, what do you imagine they’re thinking about you?
- In 20 words or less, answer this query, “WHO IS (fill in your name)?”
- Where am I in my life? What kinds of clothing do I need for this stage of my life?
- What were you wearing the last time you felt fabulous in an outfit? WHY did it make you “feel” that way? DIG DEEP!
I’m sure you’re feeling a little uncomfortable right now. It’s not easy to answer questions that require deep insight into your “wardrobe psyche”. It highly likely that a “questionnaire” of this type will be the first step with your new stylist.
No worries, it’ll be like talking to a therapist! Just relax and let it happen…
Having done some preliminary “homework” prior to choosing a wardrobe stylist will also help you get the “right fit”. There are tons of qualified stylists out there, but not everyone will be the perfect choice for you.
You’ll now have a better insight into who you are and an inkling of the “personal style” you want to work toward.
Knowing some of the basic kinds of clothes you’ll need to purchase is also an added benefit of such introspection.
Your wardrobe stylist will do the rest!
INTERVIEW WITH A STITCH FIX CLIENT – How & When to Work with a Wardrobe Stylist
Meet Beth! Beth is the daughter of some friends we’ve known since our college days at University of Florida. GO GATORS!
She was gracious enough to give us a “peek inside” her experience working with a wardrobe stylist. In particular, using the services of the online company, Stitch Fix.
BETH’S EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH HER STYLIST(S)
Over two years ago, Beth discovered how and when she wanted to work with a wardrobe stylist by selecting the personal styling services of Stitch Fix. She had never worked with a professional stylist before using Stitch Fix, except when choosing her wedding dress that is!
Stitch Fix doesn’t “promise” that you’ll always get the same stylist for each “fix”. So, over the last 2 year Beth has worked with between 6-10 different Stitch Fix stylists.
SPECIFIC ISSUES TO ADDRESS WITH YOUR STYLIST
When Beth initially signed up for Stitch Fix’s styling services, she gave them some specific issues that she wanted addressed.
Her stylists needed to consider the fact that she is long-waisted. Having shorter proportioned legs necessitates bottoms that are a specialty size, like Petites.
When Beth was asked about how her stylists do on “hitting the mark” with her special body needs, she said:
“The clothes they send always fit like a glove! Every once in a while I will get a pair of pants that are too long. I leave very harsh feedback and ask for a different stylist, because ill fitting clothes are what you get from any old store. Not a personal stylist.”
That’s a girl who knows what she wants!
IN GENERAL, HOW OFTEN DOES YOUR “FIX” CONTAIN “HITS”?
“I would say that Stitch Fix hits the mark 90% of the time. They always fit perfectly, but sometimes aren’t keepers. They aren’t my exact style and they don’t justify the price.”
DO YOU USE STITCH FIX MORE FOR WORK/CASUAL/DRESSY? WHAT % OF YOUR WARDROBE HAS BEEN CHOSEN BY A STYLIST?
“It’s about equal. I have some great tops, pants and dresses for work. I also have some awesome hoodies, sneakers and leggings from Stitch Fix.” “I probably have about 40% Stitch Fix clothes in my closet and am glad it’s getting so high! I want all my clothes to spark joy, make me feel good through the day, fit perfectly and last for years.“
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ROLE A STYLIST PLAYS IN BUILDING YOUR WARDROBE?
“Stitch Fix plays a major role in building my wardrobe. They are the main place I get clothes are this point and have also raised my standards for what clothes I buy at stores.”
“I used to go to Target and buy a ton of clothes that didn’t fit very well and weren’t exactly my style. I would barely wear them. Now I go to Target and don’t even look at the clothes because I know what clothes should fit like. And how I get better quality and style with Stitch Fix.”
DO YOU LIKE THE BRAND NAMES YOUR STYLIST CHOOSES FOR YOU? WHAT DO YOU LIKE/DISLIKE MOST ABOUT USING AN ONLINE STYLING SERVICE?
“I love the brand names that they choose. I’ve honestly never heard of them, but they seem great to me! My price range has gone up since I started using Stitch Fix. Now I pay for quality instead of quantity.”
“I think most people like the convenience to be honest. It is so fun to get a package full of cute clothes on your doorstep that you most likely love. You didn’t have to do any of the hard work digging through clothes at the store or traveling and spending all day on it.”
WHAT DOES YOUR HUSBAND THINK ABOUT YOU HAVING A PERSONAL STYLIST?
“I’m so glad you asked, because I completely forgot that he has been using Stitch Fix for 2 months now! He really likes it, but is even more picky than me. For both of his boxes, he has bought 1 or 2 things. He is happy with the style and the pricing.”
“We model the clothes for each other and it is super fun. We even use each other’s feedback when we leave our own feedback about the clothes in the app.”
Wow, how cool is that? Don’t think I’ll be getting H.H. to order a “fix” anytime soon!
IF AND WHEN YOU BECOME PREGNANT, DO YOU THINK YOU’LL USE STITCH FIX FOR MATERNITY CLOTHING?
“Definitely! I assume the clothes would still fit better than a store, and they will be super cute, trendy and good quality.”
BETH, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE GAL WHO ISN’T SURE IF USING A PERSONAL STYLING SERVICE LIKE STITCH FIX IS RIGHT FOR HER?
“The only reason someone shouldn’t use Stitch Fix (or a personal stylist) is if they are trying to save money. Otherwise, it is so fun and you will love it!”
Well, now that’s a ringing endorsement! I hope you’ve gotten some insight into what it’s like to work with a personal stylist and how it can change your closet’s life, FOREVER!
Spring is a fabulous time to look into your closet, and while you’re at it, into yourself too. You might just find that there is a “Wardrobe Diva” just dying to be acknowledged! Why not consider kicking her style “up a notch”?
NOW IT’S MY TURN! WHAT DID MY STYLIST SEND IN “FIX #2”?
“Since you’re looking for a few pieces ahead of your convention this May, I kept a focus on professional pieces with a fun, spring-forward twist in breathable styles that would be a good fit for warm NOLA. Since you mentioned you loved the play of color, I’ve kept an eye on a cohesive color palette that can be styled in several bold combinations.” – MASON, STITCH FIX STYLIST
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MY “FIX”
JACKPOT! I had tasked my Stitch Fix stylist, Mason, with an assignment geared toward my attending a travel bloggers convention in New Orleans. Since it will already be quite warm in May, I’ve started looking for lighter pieces to incorporate into my existing SPRING LONG WEEKEND TRAVEL CAPSULE(S).
I hadn’t specified any hues with my request, so Mason sent me colors she felt would be fashion forward and on-point. Keep in mind that I’m not receiving “an outfit in a box”. Each piece is meant to be paired with my existing wardrobe and used as building blocks for new purchases.
I put together a few outfits that incorporate my “fix” pieces into my existing wardrobe. This is exactly how you’ll work with your own stylist too. As Beth said in her final advice to others, it’s a really fun process working with a stylist who is keyed into your personal style.
A CLOSER LOOK AT A FEW OF THE PIECES MASON CHOSE
- CALVIN KLEIN Carolinne Mixed Material Non Iron Shirt
I’m not sure what I don’t love about this blouse! It’s got cotton fabric front, collar, and cuffs with front side seaming. Then the back and sleeves are a knit jersey, with button fold-back cuffs. It is awesome! I can’t wait to wear it without having to iron it first.
- TAHARI Olenna Classic Structured Blazer
Beside loving the “blush” pink color, this blazer fits like a glove. I also love jackets that have a pretty lining so that I can roll up the sleeves when I want an outfit with a little “attitude”.
- MARKET & SPRUCE Hernsten Embroidery Detail Top
I’ve been steadfast in my resistance to the “flouncy” tops that have been flooding the stores these last few months. I really didn’t think I’d like myself in that style, so wasn’t too thrilled when I saw this top.
But, just like the Tamra Cowl Neck Sweater in last month’s “fix”, you have to try it on to really know.
Lo and behold, I found that not only did I like the top’s pretty cut-out embroidery detailed sleeves, I liked it on me too. As you can see in the two pics with this top, it has lots of potential for “changing up” the look with various accessories.
BUILDING A WARDROBE COLOR CAPSULE – Spring & Summer Blush/Pink Color Capsule
Last Spring I started building a Spring and Summer Blush/Pink Wardrobe Capsule. As is my habit when working on a particular Wardrobe Color Capsule, I keep my eyes peeled for individual pieces wherever I go.
So, I’ve since acquired several fabulous blush/pink accessories that go with the Tahari Blush Blazer perfectly. And that’s exactly why I yelled “Jackpot!” when I opened the box and saw the blazer.
This picture doesn’t even include the gorgeous pale-pink car coat I “picked-up” for my PINK/GREY/BLACK Fall & 
Winter Accessories Capsule! How do you think I’ve done so far?
You can read more on how to put together a Spring Getaway long weekend travel capsule in this post: How To Pack A Long Weekend Travel Capsule for A Romantic Spring Getaway
SO, WHAT DID I DECIDE TO KEEP FROM MY 2ND “FIX”?
If you want to know the honest truth, I wanted to keep everything except the Moda Luxe Clutch. I probably don’t need another purse at the moment.
But as BETH pointed out when I asked her about the percentage of clothes she KEEPS from her fixes:
“if you’re considering buying 3 items, you might as well buy all 5 and get the discount”.
Listen to the teacher! When I ran the numbers, here’s what they looked like:
BUY 4, RETURN PURSE = $348.00 OR BUY ALL 5, RETURN NONE = $274.00 with the 25% discount on the total box contents (kind of a “slam dunk”, don’t ya think?)
So, the answer to the questions is, I KEPT EVERYTHING! My “fix feedback” to Mason will be, overall, “IT WAS A HIT”!
SO FAR, I’M LOVING THIS “PERSONAL STYLIST” THING!
Confession time – I love shopping in department and discount stores. I don’t hate rummaging through the racks for the “perfect” fitted yellow top. Spending an afternoon seeing what my favorite accessories designer, Patricia Nash, has added to her Spring collection, is not a chore.
In other words, I love to shop for clothes. So why would I want to have a personal stylist? It has nothing to do with the love of, or hating to shop.
I’m talking about discovering, nurturing and fully fleshing-out your own very personal style.
Knowing how and when to work with a wardrobe stylist can change your life, one outfit at a time.
And a personal stylist will help you through this process, making it far less painful once you start tearing apart your current closet’s contents. But that my lovelies, is a lesson for another day!
CHECK OUT “PART 1” OF THE “STITCH FIT” SERIES OF ARTICLES HERE: Why You Should Get Help From A Stylist + My “Stitch Fix” Journey, Pt. 1 .
You’ve gotta know the “WHY”, before you’ll know how and when to work with a wardrobe stylist for yourself.
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