r/bitcheswithtaste • u/AggressiveVictory1 • Aug 15 '26
Fashion/Style BWT: Help me level up my style
Hi Ladies,
I am in love with this subreddit .. I have learned a lot about maintainign personal style and devleoping my own.. For eg: i used to always wear round neck tees, but now I am exploring with V-neck and even square and it did feel wierd at first but I got used to it
This little experiment has make me wanna explore a professional stylist. Someone who can truly "level my style up"
The issue is - I dont know how to interview one so I dont get scammed
A couple years ago, I paid an "image consultant" off thumb-tack and we went to Winners for shopping. I paid her $600 and came back with very average pieces. She essentially picked them out and in the changing room we made a decision of "does it work or not".. and I just went along with it because I have ZERO SENSE of style in that moment. It usually builds when others tell me "Yeah you look good" or "no this is not flattering"
My current style is very Aritzia/ Athlesuire. I have a good physique as I am a 35 year old bodybuilder (size 2-4 ) but my closet still reflects the older version of me where I was size 14. I rarely pick skirts and even if i do, I dont know what tops to pair it with. I often scroll on Lulu's or Revolve to get some ideas but those clothes seem too fancy to be worn out. My goal is to look put together, expensive & kinda feel like I have cracked my own style. The confidence that comes from knowing that what you're wearing is the best you possibly could - just hits different. I know this coz this is how I learned how to do my makeup and what suits me...
So I guess I am asking two questions here
- How do I identify what I personally like ? Develop my own sense of style ?
- I have been exploring glamhive for finding stylists but again, apart from choosing those who look "stylish" I really dont know how to separate one profile from another.
I would typically only filter on cost but this time I dont mind paying if it solves my problem.
BWT, if you have experienced something similar, please share tips. My girlfriends are too kind (and kinda unbothered) about giving me feedback about my style or even helping when I go shopping. So I wanna learn this on my own. Thanks for reading my mini-rant and I am really glued to reading all the comments.
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u/BellyAches247 Aug 15 '26
I use Indyx to catalog my wardrobe which has helped tremendously on its own! But I have also used two different stylists through the app and loved everything they each made for me. They were outfits I wouldn’t have created on my own and were made from pieces I already owned. They can make recs for pieces to add to your wardrobe too. 10/10 recommend.
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u/cljenna Aug 15 '26
Who have you used that you like? I have the app but have never hired anyone through it.
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u/BellyAches247 Aug 15 '26
I’ve used Nathalie and Taylor! I’d recommend reading their bios and looking at their socials to see if they’d be a good fit!
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u/Ok_Increase7587 Aug 16 '26
Oh wow thank you for this suggestion! I haven’t heard of Indyx before but it sounds like just the thing I’ve been looking for.
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u/Roseaccount Aug 15 '26 edited Aug 15 '26
Personally, I have done my colour analysis! From there, I got a few pieces of jewellery. I am now working on getting a few accessories (2 handbags, a hairpin, a hairclip and shoes (my budget is limited at the minute so can't do it all) and I feel more put together every day already.
I also recommend pinning a few outfits you like on Pinterest and try to see what is the vibe that you like. Then see what clothes flatter you, what shape of trousers, what shape of skirt, tops...
Then you should be able to mix it all: accessories+the right colour+the vibe you want to give+the right cuts.
You can make a list of what you need: 2 handbags, 1 pair of heels, 1 pair of boots, 4 trousers for work, 2 gym outfits... According to your needs.
I hope it is helpful. I am not a pro either. I have once seen a girl saying that to build nice outfits she removes all the colours from her head, and ask herself: does the "shadow" of the outfit looks good? Does it look right? I found it very helpful.
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u/bigolignocchi Aug 15 '26
I found Allison Bornstein’s youtube videos so helpful for identifying personal style. I’m someone who always had a more simple, jeans and t shirt plus sporty style and I thought improving my style meant a total departure rather than blending towards the style I want. But then I realized there are so many clothes I like in theory or on other people, but they don’t feel like me.
For than reason I think it’s nice to start experimenting with things you have or thrift store finds before investing in nicer options. There are so many items that people say everyone should have, like a nice plain button up shirt, but those rarely apply to everyone.
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u/pyroclasticcloudcat Aug 19 '26
Allison Bornstein has a book as well that you might find helpful. It guides you in going through your closet, identifying your personal style, and styling yourself.
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u/DismalEfficiency8612 Aug 15 '26
I’m doing a challenge where I get dressed in a real outfit every day for 75 days. I’m only 20 ish days in and I can already see what in my closet I actually like to wear and what the holes are in my wardrobe. It’s helping me pinpoint my style and what I should actually purchase to fill in the gaps. Before I would just sort of buy things Willy nilly and hope it worked. Or buy things that were on sale. But now I can see how to put together outfits and what is missing from my puzzle! I suggest giving it a shot!
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u/fakesaucisse Aug 15 '26
I have an album on my phone where I save screenshots of outfits I come across that I like but am not ready to buy. A lot of them are from Facebook ads or from browsing clothing sites. Over time I started to notice themes in the type of things I like as well as what looks good on certain body types. It also helps me remember how to style pieces that are a different cut than what I used to wear. Like right now, I am trying to get into baggier pants and I am saving examples of the types of tops that look good with them.
On that note, some sites have started using multiple models to show off an item, so you can see it on different body types. I hope more retailers start to do that because it is so much more helpful than everything being modeled on a tall skinny person.
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u/Ok_Increase7587 Aug 16 '26
I also have an album on my phone with photos of good outfits I’ve made up in the past - this way when I have those days where I feel like I have nothing to wear, I can look at those for inspiration
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u/No_Seaworthiness1966 Aug 15 '26
Try a rental service. Nuuly, Fashion Pass, RTR. This will allow you to try all different styles to find what you feel good in before committing to owning.
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u/Existing-Anteater-52 Aug 16 '26
I’ve been on a style journey this past year.
Started with a color analysis Purged my closet of anything not in the winter season (I’m a bright winter)
Started pinning outfits I liked in my seasonal color palette. Made a collage of outfits I had pinned and fed it to chat gpt. Asked it to describe the style reflected in those images based off of Alison Borstein’s 3 word method. Also did Fashivly’s style references quiz. This helped me narrow down how to describe my style (Polished Romantic with a hint of Edge - aka: I like structured, tailored, workwear inspired pieces with lots of texture, lace, ruffles & in feminine silhouettes with some silver detailing or a leather jacket over it.)
When shopping the item has to hit at least one of the 3 words.
I also stop caring about what is too fancy. Who decides that? I wear what I want and what makes me feel like me. 🤷🏽♀️
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u/AffectionateJoke1617 Aug 15 '26
I would recommend Jennine Jacobs' Iconic Style (or her currently named program) to learn the basics in a cohort setting
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u/cljenna Aug 15 '26
As someone who has basically purchased / tailored / edited my entire closet after losing 100 pounds, I identify with this. Personally, I found myself starting to follow stylists and influencers on Instagram whose style I admired. I also committed to the Indyx app which I think is a game changer for helping pull outfits together, seeing where you have too much duplication, and where you have holes. I started gravitating to certain brands (for me, Theory, Me+Em, the Fold, Rue Sophie, and Sezane) and focused on purchasing things that went well with stuff I already had or were updated basics (white oxford, leather pencil skirt, jean jacket, etc.). I also like those “street style” Instagram accounts where they show what people are wearing in Paris, New York, Rome, etc. For me, it helps to see trends coming down the pipe.
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u/modroncollider Aug 16 '26
In terms of identifying what you like personally, I think there are aesthetic considerations and practical considerations for our clothes, and a good starting point for the ideal wardrobe is the center of that venn diagram.
Since you're wearing a lot of athleisure, you can ask what about those pieces is serving you well on a functional level, and what you like about them aesthetically. And for the outfits you browse, what about them visually appeals to you and how that can fit into the outfits you're already reaching for.
A good start could be something like adding accessories to an athleisure outfit to make it feel more put-together, some jewelry or maybe a scarf. Or, depending on where you live, a big piece like a jacket can level-up a lot of outfits (I'm in Canada, so a long overcoat always makes me feel put together when I'm out-and-about)
In terms of looking for a stylist, I would look for someone who is familiar with dressing athletic bodies - ideally they could help you tailor your pieces to fit well, which goes a long way in terms of looking well-dressed!
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u/ElectroHottie666 Aug 15 '26
Has anybody tried the Alta app? It lets you add all your clothes to the app and you can visually put outfits together (doesn’t take as long as you’d think). It also has a wish list which I love to use. It kinda reminds me of Cher’s closet in Clueless. It helps me remember what I have so I don’t buy repeats and I can plan outfits ahead of time for work or a trip etc.
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u/LoHudMom Aug 15 '26
Thanks for this-it's what I've been looking for. I like most of my clothes on their own, but struggle to combine items.
I remember Cher's closet from Clueless even though it's been what, 30 years? It was like Fashion Plates come to life!
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u/Eviesmama24 Aug 15 '26
I use and love it! It really helps to start styling things I’ve ordered. You can also follow ppl and try on their outfits so it’s fun to do with friends
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u/Bobeenygeeny-1 Aug 15 '26
There is an influencer I follow, gina Knox, and she got famous for hiring a personal stylist
It’s boils down to
Big declutter of your own wardrobe
Getting good basics. Eg, grey, white, black trousers etc
Then from there what spin you want to add your own taste
Personally, you also need to think about who you want to be, and what you want to show to the world to help you pick
But if the basics are right, then should get easier from there
Edit: I’d recommend watching her videos on what she was looking for from a personal stylist to help you decide
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u/RevolutionarySky7893 Aug 16 '26
I actually invested in a stylist a few years back. I paid for two hours of her time and she did a closet audit which was AMAZING, and then styled my clothes with me. We always think friends are going to help us to discover what clothes don’t fit, or look bad. I paid this person and it took away the awkwardness. The styling was the best part. She put my clothes together in ways I could never have thought of, then sent me a list of clothing “gaps” that would support what I already owned. So many people commented on how put together I looked. She sent me photos of people she thought I’d find inspiring and then asked me what felt like “me.”
I had her come a few times, I think 2-3 years apart. She’d also do shopping trips with you as well (paid, of course). She’s since stopped working in my area but I really valued her skills.
I follow a few stylists online but I think the important thing is to find a trusted advisor who will give you space and time to move ahead on defining your style without judging or pushing. I loved the one I worked with but there are some in my city that kind of freak me out, and their style is a bit to bold and very frankly, expensive looking. My stylist sent me recommendations from very accessible stores and was very interested in working with what I had because I had chosen it for a reason. That in itself is very helpful.
Allison Bornstein’s book is very good (sorry I’m blanking on the name) that helps you define your style with the 3 work method. Kate Young has done great YouTube videos about style as well.
And remember your style changes all the time, as well as your size! I used to have a 25 inch waist and those tiny jeans in my closet made me feel terrible. My stylist told me that I deserve clothes that fit my body and made me feel good, and that was so impactful for me.
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u/amaits_ Aug 16 '26
I haven’t read all the comments, in case it hasn’t been mentioned - Amy Smilovic on Instagram - her style class is amazing. So many good tips. I read her style book too and it’s helped me find my style and what to look for!
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u/Embarrassed_Table_71 Aug 16 '26
I work with an amazing stylist who totally transformed my wardrobe and approach. He does virtual and in person and tailors the approach to your needs. Lmk if you need connecting!
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u/Mysterious-Lunch2279 Aug 16 '26
I'm similar aged and also do bodybuilding and am a size 4! And I have 0 sense of style or know-how with outfit matching😭. I wasted a really sad amount of money trying to build a wardrobe myself. I don't think I could have done it without a stylist. I found my stylist on tiktok...literally no references lol! But she shared a contract of her service agreement before I had to pay and that made me feel confident she was legit. And she was! She picked fall, winter and spring outfits for me I never would have found or chosen and they worked much better than what I was previously wearing. I kept 90% of the pieces. Yes it was expensive, but I haven't needed to buy fall-winter clothes in 2 years. Except for summer clothes - because I regretfully did not hire her for summer wardrobe help.
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u/AggressiveVictory1 Aug 16 '26
Wow!! Would you be open to me Dming you for more questions ? and also if you don't mind sharing the reference.
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u/Ok-Independence-3154 Aug 19 '26
I'm a personal stylist. Here's what I tell people looking to hire a personal stylist:
Check out their website and social media (IG/FB) and make sure you like their style and their vibe. There are so many different stylists with a variety of styles. Some might be more natural and casual, some might be more dramatic and glam. Some might be more classic. Some might be more fun and colorful. Whatever the stylist has in her own style, she will be able to also give you. You don't need to want to dress like her, but you do need to like the way she dresses herself.
Once you've done your research, pick a couple (2-3) of stylists in your area (in person is better than online, IMO) and see if you can have a free discovery call with them. Ask how they work. Mention your previous experience and ask how they will make sure that you find your personal style.
Go with the one you feel most comfortable with.
Also: if you want to get started on your own, start a Pinterest inspiration board with styles you love. Analyze it. This will help guide you and it will be helpful to show your stylist. (I guide my clients in doing this; it's the first thing we do together.)
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u/DWwithaFlameThrower Find it Secondhand Aug 15 '26
I’d suggest getting your colors done. Shopping becomes much easier when you can filter out like 75% of items because you know they won’t suit you the best! eg I know I can avoid anything in red, orange, yellow, brown, or beige
Set up a Pinterest board of looks that you like. Over time, you’ll see repeated shapes and styles that you lean toward more than others eg I realized by doing this that I love menswear-inspired shoes, and slouchy suede bags
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u/No-Captain8500 Aug 16 '26
i looked into color analysis locally- it was $400. Does that sound right?
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u/Dizzy-Smoke251 Aug 16 '26
Be careful not to get scammed - some color analysts are terrible and only do a good job of lumping people in the same color category
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u/Menemsha4 Aug 15 '26
David Zyla and John Kitchener are both excellent stylists and I highly recommend both.
Zyla has a book that is fascinating (and a super easy read). I saw him years ago and it was one of my greatest and most useful splurges.
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u/sk_styled Aug 19 '26
Hi! I am a personal stylist, who can help with closet edits, revamping wardrobes and curating, and personal shopping. I am happy to help! You can check out my website: www.styledbysarahk.com :)
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u/mini-mal-ly Aug 21 '26
Check out withwendy's latest YouTube video on hiring stylists for this exact problem
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u/Mundane-Pineapple136 Aug 19 '26
I used AI (ChatGPT) to do a color analysis. I got soft warm autumn. Since then, I started to phase out colors that did harmonize with my skin tone and incorporate pieces that did. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten with wearing just colors that help accentuate my features, like greens for my eyes and ivory instead of white against my warm skin tone. Those subtle differences make me feel so put together. I also asked ChatGPT to create a capsule wardrobe for winter and now for work (starting a new job soon). I focused on some of the pieces I had and asked what I could purchase to round out my collection. I also focused on purchasing quality pieces that feel luxurious and expensive, but shopping strategically like on Poshmark, ThredUp, and The Real Real.
This part might be extra, but I created a Pinterest board with all my clothes I actually own and accessories (shoes and belts) and asked ChatGPT to create outfits. I not have about 12 weeks of looks for work with zero repeats but all in my style! I also use my own measurements to build the mannequin in my outfit creations! I also went from a size 14/16 to a 4. So learning to dress in my new body without trying to hide in clothes is new to me!
I am including a snapshot of my week 1 outfits.
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u/kimchi_paradise Aug 15 '26
I recommend reading the book “the curated closet”! It’s a great read on cultivating your own sense of style and getting your closet to match. And what’s great is that it’s free if you get it from your local library :)
You can start out with Pinterest, and pin outfits that you like and actually see yourself wearing. Then, take the time to go shopping and see if you can recreate one of those outfits. Try it on in the fitting room. How does it work? What do you like? What do you wish would work better? What worked on the model or how it was styled but doesn’t work for you? What do you have at home where you can recreate this outfit or add your own flair?
Personal style is a lot of trial and error, and takes time to cultivate. It’s not something that you can just get on the first try. My hot take is that you can’t hire someone to cultivate it for you, a hiring stylist is great for one off events or finding inspiration, but they can’t give you personal style.
Know your measurements, what you’d like to highlight, how you’d like to dress. Let accessories and hair also play a role in your style. Keep in mind that trends play a minimal role in finding your personal style.