A Stylist’s Perspective

The Relationship Between You and Your Clothes

DETAILS
Author - Teagan Lattey
Topic - A Stylist’s Perspective: The Relationship Between You and Your Clothes
Date - 25th October 2024

Recently, I was at an event filled with talented women, and as I introduced myself as a fashion stylist, one of them asked me, "Can you tell me what looks good on me?" Of course, I’d love to help them find their best look! But the question felt like a request for instant insight, as if styling advice could be wrapped up in a quick answer. This got me thinking about the layers of styling that go beyond just putting an outfit together. Often, people see fashion styling as just choosing clothes, but it’s so much more—it’s a blend of psychology, self-perception, and even our relationship with clothing.

When people first meet a stylist, they’re naturally curious, often asking questions right off the bat. I absolutely love it! I’m a question person, too. This curiosity makes sense—styling is often seen as a mix of art and intuition, a craft that brings together colours, cuts, and aesthetics to make someone feel and look their best. But underneath it all, there’s a lot happening. Styling is about understanding people: how they feel about themselves, what they want to express, and how they relate to the world around them.

One of the biggest elements in styling is human behaviour—what drives people to choose what they wear, and how these choices reflect who they are or who they want to be. Our clothes are often the first thing people notice about us, but they’re also deeply tied to our identity and emotions. Think about how differently you feel in an outfit that truly reflects you versus one that doesn’t. The right look can give someone confidence, while the wrong one can make them feel out of place. As a stylist, my role is to tap into these insights and help clients build a wardrobe that mirrors their personality and goals, not just trends.

Another element of styling is the relationship we have with our clothes. This is something many of us don’t think about but subconsciously feel. For instance, we might hold onto a piece we haven’t worn in years simply because it holds sentimental value. Or we might avoid certain colours or styles because we’ve been told they don’t “work for us.” A stylist’s role is to help untangle these personal connections, so our clients can feel free to dress in a way that genuinely represents them without the baggage.

And then, there’s the practical side—styling for real life. Our lives are busy and filled with different roles. We may need a look that takes us from a boardroom meeting to dinner with friends, or an outfit that makes us feel comfortable yet polished. The goal is to create a wardrobe that feels effortless but tailored to each client’s lifestyle. Good styling should make life simpler, not more complicated, and that means building a wardrobe that functions as an extension of who you are in every setting.

So, is styling “just clothes”? On the surface, yes, it can look that way. But when you dig deeper, it’s clear that styling touches on human behaviour, self-expression, and even how we move through life. It’s about creating a sense of belonging in our own skin and the clothes we choose to wear. At the end of the day, it’s about giving people the tools to confidently say, “This is me.”