AGELESS STYLE

I style all ages from as young as 13 to women in their 70’s.

Very commonly clients tend to call on me when they hit a number ‘I’m 40 this year, she’s turning 16, it’s the big 50, I can’t believe I’m 60!’

We are on a continuous clothes journey as we age, but deep down our personalities don’t really change. I for one still feel 24, my style isn’t that different (I still have desires to wear bonkers vintage) but I’ve learnt to tweak and tailor as I move along the years.

When I meet a teenager, I draw out their style, help them to believe despite pressure, that they ‘can’ be that person they are urging to be. With a 50 year old, I teach them to not let go of the style they had…..just build on it.

For me, the focus of my styling is about educating each client to think less about age and more about the time and lifestyle they are living now. Teaching them to dress to suit their personality and shape (with styling tailoring tricks) without loosing the style that comes from within.

So this brings me onto Lesley.

Lesley’s style journey with me started 7 years ago. She stumbled across an editorial I had written for The Bath Magazine (featuring the opening of Anthropologie in Bath - yes it was that long ago!). She was in her late 60s, a newly retired nurse and looking for a fresh look on her style.

Back then, I was struck by Lesley’s glamour and blown away by her sophisticated lifestyle (I was late 30’s old juggling a business and 3 girls under 8, she was retired lady who lunched!)

Fast forward 7 years and covid connected us virtually. Lesley joined my private facebook Style Squad group and she has been instrumental in inspiring the members in the group. Yes, she is proud to say she is the oldest, but she is never giving up on looking good.

What we can learn from Lesley

Good grooming: During Lockdown she trimmed her own hair and never failed to style it each day.

Subtle makeup: She doesn’t over do it, but she always apply’s it.

Making time for herself: She’ll admit to having more time than many of us! but what is important is she gives herself time in the morning to focus on her. We can all learn from this. Giving yourself that extra 15 mins to apply makeup/hair will give you extra confidence and polished style.

What Lesley has learnt this year about her style

Covid life didn’t suit Lesley’s clothes. Like many retired people, life was sucked away from her. All her fabulously sophisticated styles seemed irrelevant and still do now. She became bored, and although tackled all my Style Squad challenges, found herself over shopping and buying pieces she saw on others - which she discovered were not really Lesley at all.

So after many Style Clinics and an abundance of online deliveries, Lesley sent a Style SOS for me to visit.

‘I need you to help me understand who am I as I’ve got lost a bit along the way’

‘I just want a polished casual capsule wardrobe’

What Lesley has learnt from her consultation

Lesley wanted less. There was a lot of bling in her wardrobe, which made her style feel a bit old fashioned and over done. We sifted out the bling and focussed on great quality classics. We pared down her style without loosing her true glam.

A comfortable capsule consisting of classic modern pieces. A wardrobe of outfits that suited her life now as wife, Grandma and mother. The razzamatazz may have left her life, but that didn’t mean her style should suffer.

Lesley is a true inspiration on how you can continue to refine your look whatever age. In total I produced 45 looks from her wardrobe.

Lesley chose the Refine my Style service - read more about how I can help here.

Secret Stylist tips to achieve a minimal, classic, ageless style.

Less is definitely more for a sleek simple style, keep accessories to a minimum.

Try a new style of trouser - Lesley wore only slim fit trousers and thought she was too short for wide length. These looser style trousers keep her on trend and comfortable.

Tonal looks are is more flattering, sophisticated and smart.

Update your look with new seasonal colours - Lesley looks amazing in autumn tones, but this time of year it tends to look a bit off. I encouraged her up the ante with some brighter shades to lift her complexion. We also discovered monochrome was a big hit.

Relaxed blazer rather than relaxed cardigan - the tailored jersey blazer is a smart structure with jeans, skirts and trousers and as cosy as a cardigan.

Be brave with layering - Try new modern layering. I made Lesley rock her new dress over her dated skinnny white trousers and OMG drum roll please……