When most people hear “fashion stylist,” they picture someone swanning around boutiques, pulling runway looks, and living in a permanent montage scene from a rom-com. Cute, but not reality.

If you’ve ever wondered what does a fashion stylist do or how much do fashion stylists charge in NYC, you’re not alone. The truth? A great stylist isn’t just about shopping — they’re your style strategist, editor, therapist, and personal shopper rolled into one. Especially here in New York (and nearby New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, and Connecticut), where your wardrobe has to work harder than your morning coffee.

The Real Job Responsibilities of a Fashion Stylist

If you’re imagining someone who just hands you a pile of pretty clothes, let’s recalibrate. Here’s what a New York fashion stylist actually does for their clients:

1. Style Discovery

Before a single hanger moves, a stylist digs into your lifestyle, taste, body changes, and style goals. This isn’t a “what’s your favorite color?” quiz — it’s a deep dive that helps us edit out the noise and focus on what actually works for you.

2. Closet Editing

Translation: removing everything that doesn’t serve you, fit you, or make you feel like your coolest, hottest, best self. This step alone can save you from daily “I have nothing to wear” panic.

3. Strategic Shopping

A good stylist knows exactly where to go — and where not to go. We’re sourcing pieces that hit your style sweet spot, fit your budget, and mix into your existing wardrobe so they’re not one-hit wonders.

4. Outfit Creation

It’s one thing to buy clothes. It’s another to make them work. Stylists build mix-and-match outfits for your real life, from Monday meetings to weekend brunches.

5. Ongoing Support

Think of it like a style subscription — minus the random boxes of clothes you never asked for. Stylists often offer seasonal refreshes, text check-ins, and style troubleshooting.

Why These Responsibilities Matter

Anyone can walk into a store and buy something. But without a strategy, you end up with:

• Random impulse buys that don’t match anything else

• “Event” outfits you wear once

• Clothes that technically fit but don’t feel like you

When you hire a stylist, you’re not just paying for shopping help — you’re paying for a curated, functional wardrobe that saves you time, mental energy, and yes, money in the long run.

How Much Do Fashion Stylists Charge in NYC?

Rates vary depending on experience, services offered, and whether you work in-person or virtually. In the New York area, you can expect:

• Hourly rates: $150–$500+ per hour

• Packages: $1,500–$6,000+ depending on scope

And while that may sound like a lot, remember: one stylist session can save you from years of panic shopping, wasted purchases, and clothes you never wear.

How to Choose the Right Stylist for You

• Look for a portfolio — not just pretty clothes, but styles that make sense for a variety of body types and lifestyles

• Ask about process — do they start with your closet, or head straight to the store?

• Check testimonials — do clients sound like they had a genuine transformation, not just a shopping spree?

• Make sure you click — this is someone you’ll text from a fitting room. You need to trust them.

Hiring a fashion stylist isn’t just for celebrities or influencers. It’s for any woman ready to make her wardrobe work for her instead of against her. And if you’re in NYC, NJ, Westchester, Long Island or Connecticut, you’ve got one right here.

Ready to see what a stylist could do for you? Learn more about The Wardrobe Edit or Unf*ck Your Closet, or get in touch to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Fashion Stylist in NYC

What does a fashion stylist do for clients?

A fashion stylist helps you define your personal style, edit your closet, shop strategically, and create outfits that work for your lifestyle. In NYC, this often includes in-person sessions, virtual consultations, and seasonal refreshes.

What are the main job responsibilities of a fashion stylist?

Beyond shopping, a stylist researches brands, sources clothing, organizes your wardrobe, plans outfits for specific occasions, and ensures every purchase works with what you already own.

How much do fashion stylists charge in New York?

Rates vary, but most experienced New York fashion stylists charge between $150–$500+ per hour, or $1,500–$6,000+ for packages. Pricing depends on the scope of services and level of personalization.

Is hiring a fashion stylist worth it?

Yes — a stylist can save you time, reduce shopping mistakes, and build a wardrobe you actually enjoy wearing. Many clients find the investment pays for itself by avoiding wasted purchases.

Do I need to be “fashionable” to work with a stylist?

Not at all. Many clients come to a stylist feeling like they’ve “lost” their style or don’t know where to start. The goal is to create a wardrobe that feels authentic and functional for you.

If you’ve ever Googled "how much does a fashion stylist cost" or sat on your bed surrounded by clothes muttering, “I have nothing to wear,” then babe, it might be time.

Hiring a stylist isn’t about being fancy or frivolous. It’s about getting your time, energy and sense of self back. For a lot of my clients, hiring me was less about style and more about finally being able to breathe when they opened their closet.

Below, I’ll walk you through exactly when to hire a fashion stylist—and what it actually costs to work with one in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and surrounding areas.

Signs You're Ready to Hire a Fashion Stylist

You don’t need to be rich or famous. You just need to be in a moment where your wardrobe is no longer working for your life. Here’s how to know:

1. Your closet is full but nothing feels like you

Maybe your body has changed. Maybe your life has. Maybe you're still hanging onto pieces that made sense three jobs, two kids, and one pandemic ago. Either way: you're not wearing most of what you own, and the stuff you do wear feels like a placeholder for the version of you you’re trying to get back to—or trying to grow into.

2. You’ve tried shopping your way out of the problem

You’ve panic-bought clothes before trips or big events. You’ve ordered the same dress in three sizes. You’ve tried capsule wardrobe checklists and Instagram outfit inspo. But none of it has actually helped you build a wardrobe that works.

3. You’ve changed and your clothes haven’t caught up

You might be a new parent. Recently promoted. Starting over. Or just tired of looking like you haven’t changed your style since 2016. You’ve evolved. Your wardrobe needs to catch up.

4. You’re wasting time and money trying to figure it out alone

Every hour spent doom-scrolling and online shopping (and returning) is time you could be spending living your actual life. A stylist saves you time and prevents you from spending on clothes that don’t get worn. Style is supposed to support your life, not distract from it.

What Does a Fashion Stylist Actually Do?

Every stylist is different, but at Wardrobe Editor, here’s what I do:

• Help you figure out what your personal style actually is (no Pinterest aesthetic quizzes required)

• Edit your existing wardrobe to keep what works and let go of what doesn’t

• Shop for pieces that fit your style, body and life

• Show you how to make outfits out of everything, so getting dressed takes 2 minutes, not 20

If it’s not obvious yet: this isn’t just about clothes. It’s about feeling more like yourself in your day-to-day life.

How Much Does a Fashion Stylist Cost?

One of the most common searches I see is: how much does a fashion stylist charge? The answer? It depends on the service—and on the stylist.

At Wardrobe Editor, here’s what you can expect:

• Full Wardrobe Edit Package: $3,900 — includes style discovery, closet edit, shopping and styling

• UnF*CK Your Closet - 1 Day Intensive: $2,950 — includes style discovery, closet edit and styling

This isn’t a one-hour consult and a Pinterest board. It’s an in-depth transformation of how you show up in your clothes—and your life. And for most clients, it ends up saving them money in the long run.

Why Now Is the Right Time

The #1 thing I hear from new clients? “I wish I had done this sooner.”

Style touches every part of your life. Whether you're heading into a new season, a new job, or just tired of not recognizing yourself in the mirror, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for.

Because the truth is, waiting until you "lose the weight" or "figure it out on your own" doesn’t solve the problem. It just delays your ability to feel at home in your life right now.

Still Not Sure?

Here are a few real reasons women in their 30s, 40s and 50s have hired me:

“I have a closet full of clothes and still feel like I’m wearing the same 4 outfits.”
“I hate shopping and I have no idea what looks good on me anymore.”
“My body changed after kids and I don’t even know where to start.”

Sound familiar? Then you're ready.

Let’s Make Your Style Work for Your Life

If you’re in NYC, New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island or Connecticut, I’d love to work with you.

Learn more about The Wardrobe Edit or Unf*ck Your Closet, or get in touch with me here.

FAQ:

Do I have to be rich to hire a stylist?
Nope. You just have to be ready to invest in a solution that actually works—and saves you money in the long run.

Can I do this virtually?
Yes! Virtual styling options are available for clients outside the NYC area.

What if I don’t know my style yet?
That’s literally my job. You don’t need to come in with answers—just the desire to figure it out.

I’m a BIG believer that it’s not what we say or believe – but what we actually DO that defines us. Our habits make us who we are. 

Having a wardrobe you love, that makes your life easier, does not happen overnight. It happens by repeatedly taking actions towards that goal.

Let’s talk about the habits that keep you stuck in a wardrobe that makes life harder—and the ones that help you build a wardrobe that makes life easier AND more fun.

You too can have results like this if you stop the bad habits and start the good ones:

A text from a longtime client after I helped her organize her wardrobe in a new home

Bad Style Habits

Panic shopping for events

You have a wedding, conference, or reunion coming up soon, so you panic-buy something just to get through it. Flash forward six months, and that item is hanging in your closet, unworn since the event. You’ll eventually get rid of it and feel bad for spending as much as you did only to wear it once and not even feel that good in it.

Shopping sales just for the deals

The dopamine hit of scoring a deal is real. But if you wouldn’t buy it for 20% more, you don’t really like it or need it. Buying something you won’t wear isn’t saving money, it’s wasting it. Not to mention time and closet space.

Chasing trends because you think you have to

I’ll never stop saying it – Trends are not the law!

If a trend feels like you, great! Go for it. Buying something just because TikTok told you so? Hard NO! You won’t feel like yourself in it, and I guarantee you won’t wear it more than twice.

Forcing yourself into “your size”

Sizing has become so inconsistent that a single closet can house items from XS through XL that all fit the same body. (Mine certainly does!) No one knows what the tag on your pants says, but it’s obvious if they’re too tight AND you’ll be miserable in them. If it fits and feels good, it’s your size. Period.

Good Style Habits 

Knowing what you like and sticking to it

Your style won’t magically find you; you have to put in the work to figure it out. Whether you do that with me or on your own, the result is the same: a wardrobe that doesn’t feel aimless and random but rather reflects who you are and how you want to express that to the world.

Focusing on the positive

Instead of building outfits to hide the parts of your body you don’t love, focus on building outfits to highlight the ones you do love. While the outfits might not be that different, the difference in how you feel when getting dressed will be game-changing. 

Saying BYE to fashion rules

Mix black and brown. Wear white in December. Embrace horizontal stripes. The Fashion Police isn’t real, and the outdated rules your mom raised you with have got to go. Wear what makes you feel good, rules be damned!

Editing your closet regularly

A big clean-out is GREAT but it’s not enough. Your closet needs regular maintenance. Clothes wear out. Your style evolves. Your body changes. Editing your closet at least once a year will keep it fresh and ensure everything in there is working for you, not against you.

Taking care of your clothes

Whether it’s from H&M or Hermès, every piece in your wardrobe deserves TLC. Follow the care instructions. Always machine wash cold. Air dry everything with stretch. Hand wash or dry clean when needed. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your clothes looking good and lasting longer.

If you're reading this and thinking, "Sh*t! I am guilty of these bad habits," don't spiral. You are definitely not alone—most people do at least some of these. But if you want to break the cycle of wardrobe dissatisfaction, the best time to start is now.

Ready to break up with your bad style habits? My 2025 waitlist is open, and I'm ready to help you build a wardrobe that makes you feel like your coolest, hottest, best self. Let's make next year your most stylish yet.

Look, I get it. You're juggling approximately 47 different responsibilities on any given day. Your calendar looks like a game of Tetris gone wrong. The last thing you want to think about is what to wear, right?

Here's the thing – the less time and mental energy you have, the MORE important it is to have your style figured out. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but stick with me here.

The TL;DR –

When you have a wardrobe that actually works for you, getting dressed takes up zero brain cells. You know that person who always looks put together but swears they "just threw something on"? That could be you. No, really.

Let me paint you a picture of what's probably happening right now:

You stand in front of your closet every morning, half-awake, scrolling through your phone looking for outfit inspiration while simultaneously trying to remember if you have any important meetings today. You try on three different outfits, hate them all, and end up wearing the same black pants and whatever top isn't in the laundry. Sound familiar?

That shit is exhausting. And it's taking up WAY more of your precious time and brain space than having a proper style strategy ever would.

Here's what could be happening instead:

You open your closet and grab one of many outfits you love because EVERYTHING IN THERE WORKS. You know it fits. You know it feels good. You know it looks good. Done. Time saved: 15 minutes. Brain cells saved: all of them.

"But Gab," you're thinking, "getting to that point sounds like a lot of work."

You're not wrong! But here's the difference:

- Current situation: Daily stress, constant decision fatigue, regular "I have nothing to wear" meltdowns, hours wasted scrolling, buying and returning random stuff.

- After doing the work: Get dressed in 5 minutes, feel like your coolest, hottest, best self all day, every day.

It's like meal prep but for your clothes. Yeah, it takes some effort up front, but then you're set for weeks or months of easier mornings.

So how do we get there?

1. Stop buying random shit just because it's on sale or an influencer made it look good. That's just creating more chaos in your closet. (And in your brain.)

2. Figure out YOUR style. Not what's trending, not what your best friend wears, not what you wore 5 years ago. What makes YOU feel like a badass right now.

3. Build a wardrobe where everything works together. Everything fits. Everything feels good. No more "saving it for a special occasion" or "when I lose 10 pounds."

Sounding overwhelming? That's literally why I'm here. My whole job is to do the heavy lifting for you. We'll figure out your style together, and then I'll help you decide what to get rid of and what you’re missing. And most importantly, how to put it all together.

Think about it this way: You probably outsource your taxes, your house cleaning, maybe even your meal prep. Why? Because your time and mental energy are valuable resources that should be spent on things that matter to you.

Your style matters. How you show up in the world matters. But the actual process of getting dressed? That should be the easiest part of your day.

If you're ready to stop letting your lack of time and brain space limit your style, let's talk. Your future self (the one who gets complimented on her outfit while knowing she spent approximately 2 minutes getting dressed) will thank you.

Let's talk about bodies and how we feel about them. Body positivity is great and all but I think for most people (myself included) it feels like an impossible goal.

In my work I follow a more realistic practice – body acceptance. 

Body acceptance isn't about waking up one day and suddenly loving every inch of yourself. It's not about jumping from hating your body to worshiping it. 

On one end, you've got "I fucking hate my body," and on the other, "I'm a goddamn goddess." Most of us are somewhere in the middle, and that middle is a whole spectrum of its own.

The goal? It's not to catapult yourself to the "goddess" end (though if you get there, good for you). It's about inching away from the "hate" end. Even if you land at "meh, it's a body," that's HUGE progress.

Where You Might Be Now

Let's be real: How many of you are wearing oversized clothes that look like you're in hiding? 

*raises hand* 

I get it. I’ve done it. I had a phase of wearing exclusively oversized sack dresses. Everyone around me was telling me that I could do better and I knew that was true but I was scared to do it.

Wearing oversized clothes is easier. Hiding when you’re uncomfortable is easier than dealing with your feelings. 

But the truth is, it’s only making the problem worse. Our therapists (or therapists we follow on TikTok) have told us that avoidance is not a good coping strategy. We know better than to do this, and yet, here we are.

Doing this isn’t helping you get to where you want to be, it’s just delaying doing the hard stuff. But you’re a badass! You do much harder things all the time – you can do this.

The Unexpected First Step

Here's where it gets counterintuitive. The first step isn't trying to accept your new body. It's about learning to dress it. Yeah, you heard that right. Before you can accept it, you need to see it – really see it – in clothes that work.

Icon, legend, genius, Stacy London said "You cannot be the best version of yourself if you’re not willing to accept exactly where you are. If you’re not accepting of your physicality exactly as it is, you will always dress it incorrectly."

What Comes Next

Listen to Your Body

Your body will tell you how you feel about something immediately. When you put something on, notice what your body is telling you. Do you feel tingly? Do you feel warm? Did your stomach flip in a good way? Did your stomach flip in a bad way? Pay attention to those feelings and listen to them. They’re right.

Wear Clothes That Fit

I'm talking proper fit, not "I'll squeeze into this when I lose 10 pounds" fit. No buttons, zippers or seams digging into you. And on the other side, nothing that’s too big, don’t drown in fabric unless that’s an intentional lewk. And remember, sizes are fake! Wear whatever fits comfortably, regardless of what's on the tag.

Let Your Eye Adjust

Give yourself time to get used to seeing your body as it is now. Look at yourself in the mirror naked, often. (It’s not as scary as you think!) Follow influencers that are your size and shape so you can get used to seeing it in a positive light. Bonus points, that’s a great source of styling ideas. This is a great tool to do that.

The Takeaway

Start dressing the body you have now. Not the body you had in college, not the body you're planning to have after you go keto. THIS body. The one reading this right now.

Will you love it immediately? Probably not. But can you get to a place where you don't actively hate it? Abso-fucking-lutely.

And that, my dear, is progress. It's the first step on a journey that I know you’re strong enough to take. So let's start walking, shall we?

One of the things I hear the most from my clients and in my DMs is a longing for a time “when J. Crew was good.” 

 I talked about this on IG stories a couple weeks ago and heard back from SO MANY of you that I wanted to dive deeper into this phenomenon. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, stick around, there will be a payoff for you too, I promise.

The TL;DR – 

In the 2010s, J. Crew was the answer to dressing for work and play for millions of women. The clothes were well-made, well-priced and had classic but not boring designs. Nothing they sold could offend anyone. (For better or worse!) You could buy clothes for work, weekends, dates, travel and their bathing suits were top notch (that last part is still true). They made enough styles and colors that if you wore it head-to-toe, you wouldn't be matching the 4 other women in your office who did the same.

So, J. Crew going downhill in both quality and style, while maintaining prices, was a big shock if that was your go-to. I know. I've heard it from so many of you. It felt like you'd lost a life hack (to borrow a phrase from that time period). It was like an item on your to do list got unchecked.

But you know what? 

J. Crew wasn't actually solving your style problem. “J. Crew” (even during its best era!) is not a style. No one store can full encapsulate any one person's personal style. Real style is about making it personal.* It takes many stores, flea markets, vintage shops, “borrowed” items from your cool aunt, etc to make your style feel like YOU.

So instead of finding a new store to dress in head-to-toe, let's take this opportunity to learn what your style really is.

As an example, there's a client I was having this conversation with recently. We described her style as Classic, Preppy with a Twist. For her, this means classic silhouettes in bright colors with unexpected details and combinations. Naturally, she was a die-hard old J. Crew fan and that's why she's been feeling lost in her style lately. 

After we defined her style (in much more detail than what's above), we focused on shopping for her style rather than locking in a single retailer to be her new go-to. While we bought quite a few pieces from Tuckernuck and Boden, we also got basics at Everlane and some nicer pieces at Saks. We got handbags on resale sites and more casual weekend pieces at boutiques.

Is this more work than buying everything at one store? YES!

Does she get the most compliments of anyone in her office? YES!

Is she the best dressed in her friend group? YES!

Does having a style that helps her express her true self make her a better boss, mom, friend and wife? ALSO YES!

Defining a style that makes you look and feel like your best self isn't easy. 

I'm sorry J. Crew made you feel that it might be. But when you think back to all those ponte pants, rhinestone tees and ruffley silk shells, did they ALL feel like you? You know they didn't.

Besides, if defining your personal style was easy, you would have done it already. You're smart, capable and get shit done! 

So instead of continuing to languish in clothes that don't make you feel like you, let me help you with the style portion of your to do list. Just don't think I'm going to give you a list of stores to replace J.Crew – our work is going way deeper than that.

We'll partner to define your style by finding inspiration, talking through what makes you feel like yourself and I'll laser in on what that means for your style. There's a little bit of homework, but I swear it's FUN. More on my style discovery service here!

Once we understand your style, we'll be able to strategically shop for it instead of using shopping to figure out what you like. (That NEVER works!)

If you're reading this and there's a pile of clothes you tried on and didn't like nearby, you know you need my help. 

If you long for the days of walking into your local J. Crew once a season and buying everything in sight, you need my help.

There's nothing more powerful than wearing clothes that feel like you. You deserve to feel that way, every day.

If you're ready to get started with style discovery, book a free consultation here. 

*This is always the answer btw.

A client recently told me she thrived on rules asked for my style rules. While I made up a genius one for her on the spot (Crayola rule - if you're wearing something bright that would be in a classic Crayola box, pair it with a softer color like grey, navy, brown, olive, etc instead of black or white. There's less of a stark contrast that way so it won't be jarring to the eye), I told her that I don't believe in style rules. Trying to follow style rules is usually what gets people stuck in their style. Don't wear black with brown, no white after Labor Day, avoid horizontal stripes, etc…these all belong in the garbage. 

BUT ALSO!!!

I do want to share my style philosophies with you. These are concepts, not tangible rules. If you're following me on Instagram or TikTok, you've definitely heard some of these. 

STYLE IS AN EVER-EVOLVING PART OF YOUR LIFE

Like your career, your health habits, your relationships – your style will always be evolving as you and your life change. The good thing about this is that it gives you a lot of room to experiment, you're not committing to anything for life. Obviously the more effort/money you spend going in one direction, the larger impact it has but nothing is irreversible.

IF IT’S NOT A HELL YES, IT’S A NO

If you buy clothes that you feel just ok about, your wardrobe is going to be just ok. Do not bring anything into your wardrobe that you don't absolutely LOVE. It takes more work to do it this way but it is SO worth it.

BASICS AREN’T UNIVERSAL

This is a hill I will die on. A white tee shirt does not work for everyone. Figure out what YOUR basics are and your wardrobe will be easy to use and make you feel like you.

• An example: Instead of a white tee, my personal layering staple is a black or black/white striped tank. I prefer layering with tanks instead of tees so the sleeves don't bunch and because I naturally run hot. My skin tone doesn't look good in white so I rarely wear white tops.

TRENDS ARE NOT THE LAW! 

You have absolutely 0 obligation to follow trends. Nothing will happen if you don't. However, the more trends you follow, the harder it will be to even understand what you like. Before buying an item that's on trend, ask yourself, do I really like this or have I just seen it everywhere? If the answer is yes, go for it! Wearing trending items is not inherently bad, just don't default to it above your own personal taste.

SIZES ARE FAKE!

The current state of global manufacturing has made sizing more inconsistent than ever. This is good news because you can no longer consistently be any one size, so hopefully this helps people let go of being a certain size (and the negative feelings that come up when something that size doesn't fit you). The bad news is that shopping is now harder. Whether you're in a store or shopping online, try on EVERYTHING in 2 sizes. If it's a tighter item take the size that works for you the most (notice how I'm not saying "your size" - I highly suggest distancing your identity from any particular size) and a size bigger. If it's a looser item, take the size that works for you the most and a size smaller.

EVERYTHING IN YOUR CLOSET SHOULD FIT YOUR BODY AS IT IS TODAY

While I'd love for everyone to get rid of every item that doesn't fit, I know that's not realistic. So if you're not ready , take that stuff out of your closet. Store it somewhere out of sight and out of mind. If you mix in the jeans that are two sizes too small with the rest of your clothes, you will see them every time you get dressed. They will make you feel bad every day, even if it's for a microsecond. There is no reason those jeans should have that much power over you. Your closet should be filled with solutions, not problems.

WEAR WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD, FUCK THE REST! 

By feel good, I mean physically, emotionally, aesthetically.

• Physically: if it's too small, too big, itchy, has buttons or zippers that poke you, do not wear it. Clothes should feel good on your body. Textile technology has come a LONG way, even in the last 10 years. There's no reason to be uncomfortable in your clothes anymore. (Shoe technology is still improving, I will allow some foot discomfort for special occasions but not for an every day shoe.)

• Emotionally: Clothing is closely tied to our emotions. If an article of clothing reminds you of a time in your life, a person, or anything else that makes you feel bad, DO NOT WEAR IT! I recently got rid of a perfectly good top that I liked and fit me nicely because I wore it during a hard time in my life and seeing it reminded me of that time. I will not miss it.

• Aesthetically: if you look in the mirror and don't like what you see, it's a NO! If every influencer and celebrity is wearing it but you don't like it, it's a NO!  Just like with food, taste is an instinct you feel immediately. Listen to yourself.

If you follow these, you will create a wardrobe that feels GOOD, feels like YOU and doesn't fuck with your body image. Sounds pretty rad, right?

Think about a time in your life when you worked hard to overcome something and came out better on the other side. 

Maybe it was a career change, a health issue or the end of a relationship. Throughout that journey, you had difficult and vulnerable conversations with people you love and maybe even professionals like a coach, doctor or therapist. It was hard and scary, but you did it and it was worth it. Now it’s hard to even remember what life was like before you made those big changes.

So you agree, the hard stuff is worth it, right?

Great! Because developing your personal style is hard too. (But unlike an injury or a breakup, it’s also very fun!)

Transforming your style is not just about walking into a store and buying one of everything. It requires you to reflect on your desires, fears and goals. It requires you to be vulnerable, with yourself, and if we work together, with me too.

I heard from a client recently that she cried the day before our first meeting because she was so nervous that I was going to judge her.

Hearing this broke my heart. 

Obviously, I don’t want anyone to cry because of me. I don’t want anyone to feel judged by me. That is truly one of my biggest fears in my business. It’s my goal to always create a safe environment for my clients to be completely honest and vulnerable, because that is how you build trust and create change.

So I’m telling you this because if you’re thinking about working with me, I don’t want you to be scared I’m going to judge you.

Not only is it not an impulse I have as a person, but also because I do this for a living…

I have seen bodies of all shapes and sizes. 

I have seen closets of all shapes, sizes and organization levels. 

I have seen clothing in such bad shape that it went directly to the garbage. 

And all of that is OK! 

In terms of your goals and desires, those definitely won’t be judged either. Everyone’s tastes, lives, hopes and dreams are different. We will define your personal style based on yours. There are no wrong answers. 

I’m on your team to make your personal style dreams come true. 

This is so fucking cheesy, but it is also completely true!!!

My job is to guide you on your style evolution, to get you from where you are now, to where you want to be next. 

While I promise never to judge you, what I ask for in return is vulnerability.

The queen of vulnerability herself, Brené Brown, once said, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”

Finding your personal style is going to require that you look inward. We’ll talk through your feelings about your body, clothes you love, clothes you hate, your style icons, how you want to feel in your clothes and so much more, in order to define a dream style just for you.

In addition to the inner work of figuring out what you want your style to reflect, you’re also going to have to literally, physically, try on new things. 

Some of them won’t work and that’s part of the process. You won’t burst into flames, I promise. I have had so many moments in dressing rooms where a client puts something on and they burst out laughing, because it’s a HUGE MISS. 

I’ve had just as many moments in dressing rooms where clients gasp, or even cry, because it’s PERFECT. 

Being vulnerable means trying new things. Trying new things leads to finding the right things. You have to kiss a lot of frogs (wrong clothes for you) to find your prince (right clothes for you).

If you’re ready to make mama Brené proud, I’d love to partner with you to do it.

Do you identify with being a certain size? 

If so, you might say things like, “I’m consistently a size 6.”  

Maybe you even take pride in achieving or remaining at a certain size. 

“I’ve been a size 8 since college”

“I’m back in my pre-pandemic size 4 jeans.” 

If you feel like a certain size is part of your identity, you also know how devastating it feels when you try something on in that size and it’s too small. 

It sounds something like, “I’m not a size 12 person, I’m a size 10 person!”

By going outside the bounds of your perceived identity, you feel like you have failed. 

You are absolutely not alone for feeling this way. Most people have this feeling at some point in their lives. 

I know that on more than one occasion, I’ve decided not to buy something because it didn’t fit in “my size.” 

And you know what? That is a BIG MISTAKE. Not only are you missing out on wearing things you love but you’re also reinforcing the value of sizes and thinness by leaning into this mentality. 

(Not to mention the styling potential of buying certain items too big on purpose, but we can save that for another day.)

But it’s not too late to unlearn this for good.

The Mindset Shift: Sizes Don’t Matter

Being upset that you are bigger than the size you deem acceptable is a very common experience. However, this reinforces the idea that being smaller is better and being bigger is worse. 

It’s not your fault. You were raised, and still live, in toxic diet culture that talks about, and places value on, people’s bodies like this:

And she was PREGNANT during this time period. Le sigh.

And let’s not forget our parents who raised us with their toxic understanding of diet culture, which was cultivated by ads like these:

For generations, media of every type has raised us to believe that thinner is better. Thin means beauty, thin means willpower, thin is morally superior. 

It’s not your fault you have these feelings inside of you but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about them. 

Here is one thing you can do today that will have a HUGE impact.

Change your media diet. 

Think critically about the tv, film and creators that you watch/follow. Is it mostly thin people? If so, seek out media that celebrates bodies of different shapes and sizes. This will change your definition of beauty. 

A few recommendations:

• Rupaul’s Drag Race 

• Shrill

• Orange is the New Black

• Lauren-Nicole

• Jessica Torres

• Sarah Simpson

• Katie Sturino

• Marielle Elizabeth TerHart

Broadening your view of what can be beautiful will impact how you see beauty in others and more importantly, yourself. 

The Practical Shift: Sizes are FAKE

I’ll never stop talking about this. 

SIZES! ARE! FAKE!

The way clothes are made has changed significantly in the last few decades. Manufacturing has become a global business that is changing constantly due to local and international regulations, economic factors, labor factors, environmental factors, supply chain constraints and more. As a result, clothes are made in more places than ever, leading to extremely inconsistent sizing.

So where does that leave us? With clothes and accessories that fit the same body in a wide range of sizes.

I recently did a full closet inventory for a client, put it all in a spreadsheet and sorted it by type and size. Shoes ranged from 9.5 - 11.5. Pants ranged from 31 - 34. Sweaters were 40% Medium, 60% Large. This was AFTER the closet edit. These were all items that fit the client’s current body, comfortably.

Another example, in this photo, each of these items fit me well:

Jacket is XS, belt is Small, top is Medium, pants are Large. I cover a spectrum of 4 sizes, with one fairly evenly-proportioned body.

So what does that mean for you? Even if your body doesn’t change, your size will. While this makes shopping harder, I hope it enables you to release any attachment to being a certain size, because you literally can’t be anymore. Nothing you do to your body will change the inconsistencies in the fashion industry, so you may as well use that to your advantage.

So shop for what fits, try on four sizes if you need to. If you don’t like the size on the tag, just cut it off. It doesn’t mean anything and pretty soon, you will forget what it was anyway. 

All you will know is that you have a garment you love that fits your body. 

And THAT is what matters.

Say it with me now, SIZES! ARE! FAKE!

Not caring about sizes is not something that happens overnight but just like any other mindset shift, you can do it if you focus on it. If you’re struggling to get there, cut the tags off everything you own. What you can’t see, can’t hurt you. 

Once you’ve shifted your mindset on sizing, your life will be easier, richer and full of clothes you love, that love you back (because they fit and feel good)!

There isn’t a quick fix for achieving a personal style that will make you feel like your best, truest, most badass self. It’s a process that takes time, effort and reflection. I have a lot more thoughts on this.

BUT here’s one thing you can do that will make a BIG ASS difference. And you can do it TODAY, with no outside help. 

It’s not a coincidence that my most popular posts on both Instagram and Tiktok were about this one thing.

Your closet should only contain clothes that fit your body as it is today.

One more time…

Your closet should only contain clothes that fit your body as it is today.

I know it sounds simple, but I also know you haven’t done it.

IT TRIGGERS YOU

Every time you go through your closet to pick an outfit, you make split-second judgements on each item you see. It probably sounds something like “not today, meh, doesn’t fit, maybe, not in the mood, doesn’t fit” and so on. You give each item a verdict and the verdict of “doesn’t fit” is probably making you feel bad in some way – guilt, disappointment, self-criticism, etc. 

So for every item you come across that doesn’t fit, you’re having a bad feeling. Yes, it’s a microsecond but there are likely DOZENS of them. That shit adds up! And that’s how you’re starting your day? 

Instead, imagine how it would feel to only look at clothes that give you good feelings. Or at worst, neutral ones. Isn’t that a better way to start the day?

IT’S INEFFICIENT

Think of your closet as a toolbox. It’s filled with different tools for different jobs and each items serves a(t least one!) purpose. You’d never keep a broken nail in a toolbox, so why keep clothes that don’t fit in your closet?

Having items that can’t do the job makes it harder to create a solution with the tools that do work. They take up space both literally in the closet and mentally by distracting you from what works.

Every day when you look through your closet, you evaluate every item you look at for its viability in that day’s outfit. You likely don’t even remember what fits and what doesn’t some days, so you have to take the time to ask yourself “does this fit?” for at least a few items. You may even try it on to confirm.

Think of all the time you’ve wasted on the items that don’t fit, that have been in your closet for years. Those daily minutes have probably added up to hours, if not days, of wasted time.

If you only have clothes that fit your body as it is today, your closet is full of solutions, and devoid of distractions.

I generally suggest getting rid of clothes that don’t fit. It is very unlikely that if these clothes fit again, you’ll actually want them. Most people hold onto clothes that no longer fit as a way to channel a previous version of themselves. Some people do it to punish themselves for gaining weight. I’m not your therapist, but I can assure you that neither of these things will do you any good.

That said, I know it’s not always easy for people to get rid of things. If you're not ready to burn it all down (aka donate/recycle responsibly), store them somewhere else. Put them in a spare room, under your bed, in a suitcase, somewhere out of sight and therefore out of mind. If you live in a tiny apartment (I can relate) and your closet is the only place your clothes can go – give them the worst real estate you have. Shove them in that back corner that you can’t really reach anyway. You can even put garment bags over them to make it super clear that they are not part of your everyday wardrobe. 

Whatever you decide, these items cannot be scattered throughout your regular wardrobe anymore.

You can do this. You SHOULD do this. When you do, I PROMISE YOU getting dressed will be more enjoyable, easier and faster. Let me know how it goes.