I’ve Been a Personal Stylist for 10 Years—Here’s Exactly How I Style My Clients
Photo Credit:@charlottevalentine
I’ve been a personal stylist for 10 years. I went to design school thinking I’d be sketching collections and sewing samples—but somewhere along the way, I realized I didn’t want to design clothes. I wanted to style them.
Since then, I’ve styled women all over the world and worked with clients from everyday moms and to Olympians (hi, Freddie Crittenden). And after hundreds of hours in closets, shopping sessions, and real-life outfit dilemmas, I’ve developed my own theory for putting outfits together—one that actually works.
I’ve read article after article on “how to build an outfit,” and not one of them gets to the point. They either throw you a moodboard or start talking about finding your style again (which, great—but that’s not the same as building a look from head to toe).
So this article is different. It’s straight to the point. It’s practical. It’s how I actually style clients.
And if you find this helpful, you’ll love my free download:
The 365 Outfit Prompts Guide—a full year of outfit ideas, loved by thousands of women around the world.
If you’re brand new to all of this, I also recommend starting with How to Build an Intentional Wardrobe—it’s the perfect foundation before diving into combinations and styling.
Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let’s start with the first step.
Start With the Occasion, Not the Outfit
You probably thought I was going to start with your “hero piece.” And don’t worry—we’ll get there next. But before you even look at your closet, there’s one thing you have to do first:
Think about where you’re going.
What’s the occasion?
What’s the weather?
Is there a dress code?
Who’s going to be there?
What’s the vibe?
And most importantly:
How do I want to be perceived by others—and how do I want to perceive myself?
This isn’t about dressing for anyone else. It’s about dressing with intention.
Once you know the context, the next step is figuring out how you want to feel.
Do you want to feel comfortable? And I mean actually comfortable—not “fashion blogger in painful shoes” comfortable.
Or do you want to feel put together—but still functional?
Maybe it’s not a jeans-and-tee vibe, but you also don’t want to be overdoing it.
Start here—because this clarity drives everything that comes next.
It’s what determines the energy of the outfit, your styling choices, and how you walk into the room (or onto Zoom) feeling like you.
Choose Your Hero Piece
Now that you’ve thought about the occasion, the vibe, and how you want to feel—it’s time to pick your hero piece.
It’s called the “hero” because it’s the focus. The anchor. The starting point. It’s what the rest of your outfit is going to revolve around.
And no—it doesn’t have to be the top. That’s the biggest misconception. Your hero piece can be:
A standout pair of jeans (maybe they’re wide-leg, split-hem, or just fit really well)
A printed blouse you’ve been dying to wear
A blazer that adds structure and instantly upgrades everything
A bold handbag
A colorful scarf
Even a pair of shoes—yes, sometimes the outfit starts with the shoes
This piece is going to carry the most visual weight. It doesn’t have to be loud or trendy, but it should have presence.
Ask yourself:
What am I excited to wear?
What feels like “the main character” in this look?
Is this something I want to be noticed for or feel confident in today?
Once you’ve chosen your hero, everything else has one job: to support it.
That’s how you avoid outfits that feel like “too much” or “not cohesive.” You’re building around one intentional piece—and letting it lead the way.
Add Your Supporting Piece
So you’ve got your hero piece—the thing you want to build your outfit around. Now it’s time to bring in your supporting piece.
Think of this like casting a movie: your hero is the lead role, but the supporting character helps the whole story come together. They don’t steal the spotlight—but the outfit wouldn’t feel right without them.
Let’s say your hero piece is a light blue handbag with a scarf tied around it—super styled, super intentional.
Your supporting piece could be:
A blouse that picks up on the blue tones
A trench coat that balances the softness with structure
Even a bold shoe that helps distribute the attention
Your supporting piece can also be a third piece (like a vest, blazer, or lightweight jacket), especially if your hero piece is something simpler, like a printed dress or standout trousers.
When you’re choosing your supporting piece, ask:
Does this help the outfit feel more finished?
Is it adding to the vibe without distracting from the hero?
Does it introduce texture, color, shape, or movement in a way that elevates the look?
The goal is harmony—not competition. If the hero piece is your “wow,” then the supporting piece is your “ahh, okay—I see what she did there.”
Start With Your Base Piece
Now that you’ve got your hero and supporting pieces in place, it’s time to build your base. This is your neutral foundation—the pieces that fill in the outfit without pulling attention away.
Think:
The tank, bodysuit, or basic tee under a blazer
The classic trousers or wide-leg jeans under a statement top
A midi skirt that anchors a bold knit
Even your go-to layering top that keeps things balanced and wearable
The base is usually simple in shape or color—but not boring. It serves one purpose: to let everything else shine. It adds structure, creates cohesion, and keeps the look grounded.
Here’s what to consider:
Stick to neutral colors that complement your hero/supporting pieces (black, white, grey, taupe, denim, etc.)
Choose clean lines or familiar silhouettes you feel good in
Don’t overthink it—the base isn’t meant to be the moment, it’s the glue
This is also the part of the outfit that’s usually the most comfortable. Think soft tees, sleek bodysuits, relaxed pants, or anything that you’ve already worn a hundred times. That’s a good thing—it means it works.
If your outfit doesn’t feel “right,” it’s almost always because the base is off—either in proportion, tone, or texture.
Get the base right, and suddenly everything feels intentional.
How To Make Your Outfit Look Elevated
Now that your core outfit is in place, it’s time to make it look styled. This is the step that turns a cute outfit into a full look.
This is where we add dimension—through layers, texture, or structure.
That could mean:
Throwing on a cropped jacket over a fitted dress
Adding a structured blazer to wide-leg jeans and a tank
Layering a textured knit over a silky slip dress
Wrapping a scarf around your neck or even tying it onto your bag
Wearing a vest or button-down shirt open as a light layer
Stylist Tips to Spot When It’s Off
| Feels Off? | Try This Instead… |
|---|---|
| Outfit feels “blah” | Add texture: leather, knit, or denim |
| Something feels too bulky | Tuck or define the waist |
| Too many statement pieces | Remove one and simplify |
| Shoes feel disconnected | Match tone or style to one other piece |
| You’re still unsure | Snap a quick photo—it never lies |
Think of this as the “editorial layer”—the part that shows intention. It’s less about function and more about feel.
Here’s what to consider:
If your base is soft or slinky, add something structured
If your look feels flat, introduce a new fabric (leather, knit, satin, denim)
Keep silhouettes in check—don’t lose your shape under too many layers
If you’re wearing volume, add weight or balance somewhere else (a chunky loafer, a defined waist)
And layering doesn’t always mean clothing. A clutch with mixed textures, stacked gold rings, or a structured belt can create the same effect.
If you’re standing in the mirror and thinking, “It’s fine, but it’s missing something…”—this is the step to revisit.
How To Choose The Right Accessory
The outfit’s almost done—but it won’t feel done until you accessorize.
Think of accessories as your outfit’s punctuation. The final detail that makes everything feel complete—or the one thing that throws the whole vibe off.
Here’s how I break it down with clients:
Start with your shoes
Shoes set the tone. Are you going casual? Structured? Sleek? Trendy?
A sneaker keeps things effortless
A pointed flat adds polish
A strappy heel or boot gives edge or drama
Whatever you choose, make sure the weight of the shoe matches the outfit. (A super delicate flat with heavy trousers? Not the move.)
Next: Choose Your Bag
You don’t need to match your shoes anymore (this isn’t 2006), but you do want your bag to belong.
Does the color fight with the rest of the look?
Is the vibe too casual or too formal?
Could you elevate the outfit with a different shape or texture?
If the outfit feels “off,” it’s often the bag.
Then: Jewelry or Statement Accessories
This is your chance to bring personality in without redoing the whole outfit.
Gold hoops and a few rings? Timeless.
A layered necklace over a plain tee? Instantly more styled.
Hair clips, sunglasses, or even a bold lip color? Counts as an accessory.
The key is balance.
If your outfit is already doing a lot (print, color, layers), keep your accessories clean.
If your outfit is minimal, that’s when you can play with your extras.
When you’re getting dressed and something feels like it’s missing—but you don’t know what?
It’s probably this step
How To Know What Goes With What?
This is where most people freeze. The outfit’s halfway there, and then the self-doubt creeps in:
Do these colors actually match?
Can I wear this shape with that one?
Is this cute… or chaotic?
Here’s the truth: Styling is a skill. Not a personality trait.
And like any skill, you can learn it.
Let’s break it down:
Proportion Pairings
| If you’re wearing… | Balance it with… |
|---|---|
| Oversized top | Fitted or structured bottom |
| Wide-leg pants | Tucked-in top or cropped silhouette |
| Fitted dress | Looser layer (trench, cardigan, etc.) |
| Chunky sweater | Sleek pant or mini skirt |
| Cropped jacket | High-rise bottoms |
Start With the “Visual Weight” Rule
If one part of your outfit feels heavy—your shoes, your jacket, a thick knit—you need to balance that weight somewhere else.
Heavy boots? Add a structured shoulder or defined pant leg
Chunky sweater? Keep the bottom sleek or defined
Wide-leg pants? Go fitted up top or cinch the waist
If everything is flowy or everything is stiff, it looks off.
Play with opposites: soft + structured, fitted + relaxed, texture + smooth.
How to Know If Colors Go Together
Let’s keep it stupid simple:
1. Neutrals Always Work Together:
Black, white, grey, cream, tan, navy—they’re your cheat code. Any two or three of those = safe and chic.
2. Pick One “Pop” Color + Keep Everything Else Neutral:
Love green? Cool. Let it pop against black and cream.
Want to wear pink? Let it shine next to taupe and denim.
Color Combinations That Always Work
| Color Combo | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Black + White | Clean, timeless, high contrast |
| Camel + Cream | Chic, soft, expensive-feeling |
| Gray + Blue Denim | Cool-toned & effortless |
| Olive + Black | Edgy but earthy |
| Navy + White | Fresh and polished |
| + all neutrals | Makes the color pop intentionally |
3. If You Don’t Trust It, Pull It Back:
If you’re wearing a color combo and you think it might clash—it probably does.
Switch one piece out for a neutral and try again.
4. Match Undertones:
If the colors all feel “off,” check your undertones:
Warm undertones (browns, olives, rusts) usually pair well with other warm shades
Cool undertones (blues, greys, icy tones) prefer each other
Mixing them can work—but only if one is dominant
Still Not Sure? Use This Formula:
One foundational color (usually a neutral)
One color that ties the look together (like a top or shoe)
One texture or contrast piece (blazer, bag, shoe, etc.)\
If you loved this article and still need help with building a color palette that actually works for your style and not just your skin tone then grab this free wardrobe color palette template.
The 365 Outfit Prompts Guide—a full year of outfit ideas, loved by thousands of women around the world.
If you’re brand new to all of this, I also recommend starting with How to Build an Intentional Wardrobe—it’s the perfect foundation before diving into combinations and styling.
Follow us on Instagram for more style tips @autumlovedaily
