Fashion

5 important style lessons working with fashion stylists has taught me

14th June, 2022

I’ve worked with a few different stylists on shoots over the years and it’s always an experience in which I walk away having picked up a tip or two to adopt into my own wardrobe and how I style my looks. There’s just something about watching a professional at work that has taught me about everything from the best shapes that suit me to the one non-negotiable of a great outfit. Here, I’m sharing a few of the best lessons I’ve learnt…

Tailoring is everything

The one thing all stylists insist upon is having everything tailored to fit. It really does make a difference to your overall look. For example on magazine shoots, to ensure a garment fits, stylists will often use bulldog clips to nip it in and ensure it falls perfectly on the body. I’ve since adopted this into my own wardrobe by ensuring I get everything tailored whether it be to take something in or up.

Mix it up

Stylists never use a look that’s head to toe one brand. Also often they will mix high end designer pieces pieces with cheaper items to create a look that’s more unique and less like it walked off the pages of a particular label’s look book. I always mix brands and love discovering lesser known designers as I’m able to create an overall aesthetic that’s all my own.

Learn what colours and shapes suit you

Stylists will often do fittings prior to big shoots to do a test run of the different outfits they’ve put together. Having done these a few times I’ve paid attention to the types of colours and shapes that they will pull for me to wear. I’ve found that they will choose structured shapes and cuts for me as looser styles sometimes overwhelm my frame. This has encouraged me to experiment to really pinpoint what suits me. This has been great as I can now look at something and know whether the cut and style will work for me or not.

Working with stylist Jess Pecoraro (left) has given me so much insider knowledge

Accessories can change any look

One of the fun things about being on set for me is seeing all the amazing accessories laid out by the stylist for the shoot. There are often numerous options for shoes, belts, jewellery and bags as they’re the finishing touches that can really finish off a look. Seeing an outfit evolve on a shoot with the addition of an accessory has taught me that it’s the best and easiest way to take an ensemble to another level.

Don’t be afraid to push boundaries

I’ve often come away with an outfit combination I would never have thought to put together or a different way of wearing a particular garment from observing stylists at work. They’re really not afraid to flip fashion on its head and create looks that are interesting and totally unexpected. It has really ingrained in me that experimentation with what’s in your closet is really important for evolving your look.

What are some of the fashion rules you live by?

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2 Comments

  • Reply Sach Trikha 28th March, 2017 at 11:11 am

    Hi Kate,

    Which brand and style is the dress you’re wearing in the main photo of this article? Stunning!

    Thanks,
    Sach x

    • Reply Kate Waterhouse 3rd May, 2017 at 5:28 pm

      Hi Sach,
      The dress is by Rebecca Vallance.
      x

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