Unlock Your Style: Expert Tips from a Personal Stylist for Wardrobe Organization During Life Transitions
We recently sat down with Lana Rowder, a personal stylist and the owner of LookingGLASS, to learn more about her tips for curating your personal wardrobe. We learned so much! We loved her empathetic approach to styling and her helpful tips for staying true to your style, even as your body changes.
Keep reading for the full Q + A!
Big life changes often have a knock-on effect on our homes and wardrobes. What are your top three tips for maintaining a stylish and organized wardrobe as people navigate transitions like having a baby or switching careers?
Absolutely, life's transitions can really shake up our routines, including how we dress. My top three tips would be:
Prioritize versatility. Choose pieces that can serve multiple purposes and fit various occasions. This flexibility is key during transitions when you might need to adapt your wardrobe quickly.
Invest in a couple good pairs of pants. Oftentimes I hear women say, "I'll buy new jeans when..." and it can be "when I lose the baby weight" or "when I get back in shape" etc., but there's absolutely no reason we should be punishing ourselves for experiencing body changes. We go through lots of different changes over the course of our life that will change the number of jeans we wear. So I would encourage you to not wait for an arbitrary goal, and to buy pants that you feel good in today, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
Regularly edit your closet. If you can do this on a more regular basis, like once a month, you can do it for shorter amounts of time and it won't seem so overwhelming. That way when you go to create outfits, you can easily see what you're working with, and your mind isn't overwhelmed with all these other options of things that no longer work for you.
We love a good closet edit! Do you recommend specific wardrobe staples or timeless pieces that you believe should be essentials in everyone's closet?
I do believe in the power of staples! A well-fitted blazer, a versatile pair of jeans, a classic white tee, a little black dress, and a quality pair of sneakers are foundational. These pieces can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits for almost any occasion. I find that most people are really good about buying tees and blazers, but they don't have a high quality pair of tennis shoes or a pair of jeans that make them feel good. By investing and taking the time to add these to your wardrobe, getting dressed will be so much easier and enjoyable.
With fashion constantly evolving, how do you guide clients on navigating trends without overwhelming their closets?
Navigating trends is all about balance. I encourage clients to stay true to their personal style first and foremost. We focus on adding one or two trend pieces that resonate with them and can be easily integrated into their existing wardrobe. I like to pull in these trends in areas like accessories. This approach allows clients to stay current without feeling overwhelmed or losing their unique style identity. It's also more sustainable, as it prevents the cycle of constantly buying and discarding items.
Speaking of clients, we'd love a glimpse into what it's like to work with you. How does a personal stylist help clients in finding their unique style, especially if they don't know where to start?
Yes, so at Looking Glass we style two different ways. One approach is to style you with what you already have. You can upload photos and videos of clothes that you currently have in your closet, and then you're able to text and video chat with a stylist on demand, whenever you're getting dressed and need some help!
The other option we offer is our a la carte services, where we shop for you. These services start with a 15 minute phone consultation where you chat with your stylist and she gets your preferences and event details and sizes, then creates two head-to-toe looks for you to choose from for your upcoming event.
Working with lookingGLASS is all about helping YOU feel like the best version of yourself. We take into account the person as a whole - her lifestyle, preferences and budget. Every person feels best in different types of outfits. So we pride ourselves in taking the time to really understand the client before we ever pull looks or make suggestions.
When people are looking to hire a personal stylist, what qualities should they look for? How would you define an exceptional personal stylist?
The three things to look for when hiring a personal stylist are creativity, understanding, and communication skills. Plus, they have to be an exceptional listener.
A creative stylist can think outside the box to find unique pieces that elevate your style, even if they haven't worked in the fashion industry for decades.
They should ask questions about your lifestyle, your likes and dislikes, and what you're looking to achieve with your wardrobe. This understanding allows them to tailor their advice and selections to fit you perfectly, not just follow the latest trends blindly, and appreciate any body image concerns or budgetary constraints and work within those parameters.
They should be clear about their process, pricing, and what you can expect from their services. A stylist who communicates well can help you feel more comfortable and involved in the styling process, ensuring that the end results align with your expectations!
And lastly, above all, a good personal stylist is an exceptional listener. A stylist should be someone you trust, who encourages you to step out of your comfort zone while respecting your boundaries.
Thank you for sharing all this valuable knowledge with us! For readers who are looking to curate their wardrobe, how do you recommend they get started?
Start with a clear-out. Assess each item in your wardrobe and decide whether it fits, if you love it, and when you last wore it. This gives you a clear idea of what you have and what you might need.
Next, think about your lifestyle and what types of clothing support it. Take some time to really discover what you like and what you don't. Is there a top in your closet that you absolutely love wearing? Next time you put it on, try to take note - is it the color, the neckline or something else that makes it feel so good?
Finally, seek inspiration. Look at styles and outfits that draw your eye, and consider how they might fit into your life. Remember, curating a wardrobe is a process. Take some time to really understand your personal style and what makes YOU look and feel best. It can be a long journey, so don’t be afraid to seek help to guide you through it!
If you’re interested in learning more about LookingGLASS, visit their website and follow them on Instagram!