These days, hiring a personal stylist isn’t just for celebrities! There are styling options for all budgets - whether you’re looking for style inspiration, some fresh new pieces, a full closet redo, or just increased style knowledge. You may be left wondering though…

“How do I find a personal stylist or wardrobe consultant, and what makes a good one?”

Let’s start with the basics.

What does a personal stylist do?

A good personal stylist will help you define and discover your personal style, successfully dress for your body shape, put together polished outfits for multiple occasions, and help you shop smart and save you time. Often, potential clients reach out to me when they have a specific goal (they’re up for a promotion or just started a business) or experience a major physical or life change (weight loss, milestone birthday, new mom). A great personal stylist has the expertise, skills, and experience to improve your image. They can help you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing, refine your wardrobe, pick the most flattering shapes, colors, and proportions for your body type, and help you meet your style goals. As a personal stylist in Nashville and a virtual personal stylist, I have been lucky to work with clients of so many different body types, occupations, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. My experience has taught me how to listen to clients and not impose my own personal style onto them. I truly believe the best stylists are intuitive and know how to bring out what is unique about YOU!

How do I find the right personal stylist for me?

When choosing a personal stylist, you’ll want to identify your goals and expectations. Are you looking for a long-term relationship with a stylist? A wardrobe makeover? Just a few new items of clothing for your closet? The outcome you are looking for will determine the amount of time and financial commitment you can expect. 

Typically, there are three options for styling services: subscription boxes, store/retail stylists, and private personal stylists. All have benefits but just like everything else in life, you get what you pay for! A meal kit will save you time and comes at a low cost but it won’t teach you how to meal plan or increase your nutritional knowledge. A restaurant will make food for you but it doesn’t teach you how to cook. However, a private chef, while pricey, would not only cook for you but also teach you the why and how along the way. Similarly, a private personal stylist (like me!) will be the highest financial investment but will also produce “done for you” results while increasing your style knowledge and teaching you how to recreate the results yourself. A private personal stylist comes at a higher price because they do not sell clothing, they sell services and always customize them to fit YOUR lifestyle, body, budget, and personal taste. 

Choose a stylist whose mission and philosophies speak to you. Trusting your stylist and enjoying their company will make the process a joy and will help your stylist understand your needs and desires. I specialize in creating mix and match wardrobes for creatives and entrepreneurs that are perfectly tailored to their tastes and lifestyle. There are stylists who specifically focus on sustainability, luxury items, etc. I can’t stress this enough - find the right stylist for YOU!

Should I work with a personal stylist?

Personal stylists are wardrobe and fashion consultants. They have in-depth knowledge of brands, body types, fabrics, and more. You may want the help of a professional to achieve certain image goals, redefine or refine your image, help you work with the clothing you already own or build a simpler, mix-and-match wardrobe. They can give you advice on purchasing clothes to work with what’s already in your closet, how to update your wardrobe, or how to add timeless and classic pieces on which to build. If you’re ready to stop guessing if your clothes are flattering, save time and money on purchases you don’t end up wearing, and be able to get dressed and feel stunning without thinking about it, then working with a personal stylist is the right move for you!

At Calvert & Styling, we are passionate about delivering the best possible styling experience with transparent pricing and a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to get you started. We help passionate people level up in life by helping them become the best-dressed version of themselves!