Myth-Busting What it’s Like to Work With a Personal Stylist

I’ve been in the personal styling business for some time so I’ve heard all the myths about working with a personal stylist. 

It’s too expensive.

It’ll be embarrassing.

I don’t need a stylist.

Sound familiar?

These are all myths. I work with real-life women who are ready to invest in themselves so that they understand their personal style and feel amazing when they walk out the door, wherever they’re going. I’m busting all of the myths I’ve heard about working with personal stylists but if you’ve got one I didn’t cover, drop it in the comments below and I’ll share my thoughts.

It's Only for the Rich and Famous

My clients aren’t celebrities. They’re typically women in midlife who are in a slump when it comes to their personal style. They’re small business owners, teachers, therapists, doctors, retirees, to name a few. I work with everyday women, and their budgets for their clothing vary.

You’ll Make Me Wear Clothes I Don't Like

I don’t decide what clothes you’ll wear; you do. I help you determine what works best for you, your body type and your lifestyle, with a focus on your goals. Before we begin working together, we chat about the challenges you’re facing with your wardrobe and what goals you have. You also complete a profile that tells me all about you so that I can make selections personalized to you. If you have favorite stores that you like to shop, I’m happy to focus on them.

It's Only for Special Occasions

On the contrary, most of my clients come to me for help with everyday wear. So their investment impacts their day-to-day life, not a one-time event.

You Only Work with Certain Body Types

I work with all body types. I’ve styled hundreds of women of all shapes and sizes, those who wear straight size, plus size and petite size. Often women come to me when their body has changed and they don’t know how to dress it anymore.

It's a One-Time Fix

Our work together will most likely be an ongoing process, depending on your goals. And things change over time. What you like today and what works for your current lifestyle might look different in a year or five years. Think of your personal style as being fluid, and I’m here whenever you need help with it.

You’ll Judge My Current Wardrobe

Here’s what one of my clients said: “I didn't get embarrassed or made to feel bad about what I had in my closet.” Our time together won’t leave you feeling like you’re on an episode of What Not to Wear, being critiqued for every single item in your closet. In fact, many times my clients have amazing pieces hanging in their closets; they just don’t know how to wear them. This is a judgment-free zone.

It's Just About Clothes

Working with a personal stylist is about so much more than the clothes! Hiring a personal stylist is an investment in yourself. You do it because you're ready for change. And the change won’t just be the clothes you put on your body. In fact, sometimes there won’t necessarily be a change in your clothes but rather, you’ll learn how to wear the pieces you already own. You’ll learn to see yourself differently and to think about your style in new ways. This transformation that my clients feel is exactly why I love to do the work that I do.

You Only Follow Trends

I follow trends to be informed about the space I work in, but that doesn’t dictate your experience or the pieces I suggest. The service is personalized to you, so if you prefer trends, I’ll focus on that. But if you like timeless, classic looks, I’ll focus on that.

I'll Lose Control of My Style

On the contrary, your style will come to life! We’ll go through a style discovery process at the beginning of your service to define what your personal style is, ultimately making it easier for you to shop for and dress yourself confidently.

It's a Luxury, Not a Necessity

Working with a personal stylist is a practical investment in yourself. To quote the late Iris Apfel, “You only have one trip. You might as well enjoy it.” Rather than struggling because you don’t feel like you, consider investing in yourself. Think about the amount of money you spend on clothes that hang in your closet, never to be worn for whatever reason. A smarter investment would be in yourself.