A Sign That You Are Ready to Work With a Stylist
Image by Katie Armbrecht Photography
“I don’t know what my style is… how can I possibly work with a stylist if I can’t even describe it?” I hear this all the time on discovery calls, often with a hint of hesitation or even a bit of fear behind it. You’d be surprised how often this question comes up, and how many women feel the same way. I’ve come to the conclusion that many hold themselves back from reaching out to a stylist because they think they need to already know and articulate their style for the process to work. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to know your “style words” to begin. We live in a world where style often feels tied to labels: classic, boho, minimalist, maximalist. With so much emphasis on categories, it’s no wonder women believe they need the right words before they even start. What matters more is being willing to get curious about yourself. And what does getting curious look like? It’s less about putting a label on your style, and more about noticing how you want to feel, what inspires you, and how your clothes reflect the life you’ve lived.
I never stress when a prospective client doesn’t know their style, or even have the slightest idea of what they like. That’s actually part of the fun! What matters more is whether you know yourself, or at least have the willingness to get to know yourself. I often meet women who come to me looking for a quick fix. They’ll say things like, “I just need a few outfits that make me look put-together for work,” or “I want to look cool and effortless, but I don’t have the time to figure it out.” And honestly, there’s no shame in that. Who doesn’t want to look good with less effort! But here’s the truth: true style doesn’t come from a shopping haul or the latest trend report. It’s not about copying what looks good on someone else. It’s about uncovering what feels aligned with you.
Every woman has a unique story, and personal style should be a reflection of that story, not a copy of someone else’s. Maybe it’s the confidence you’ve gained in a new role at work, the perspective you’ve discovered in motherhood, or the creativity you express through your hobbies. These moments shape what feels right to wear now. To uncover that, you have to be willing to pause and sit with yourself. What experiences have shaped who you are today? What values matter most to you? How do you want your clothes to support the way you show up in the world?
When I work with clients, this is where we begin. Before we even meet, I’ll ask them to complete reflection forms and questionnaires. It’s not about having all the “right” answers, in fact, most don’t. What matters is that it gets them thinking more deeply, beyond the surface level of trends and aesthetics. I’ll often hear women realize, mid-way through filling it out, that they’ve never considered how they actually want to feel in their clothes or how their style connects to the life they’re living now.
That’s where style transforms. When clients focus on getting to know themselves, they stop chasing what others are doing and leaning into their own instincts. It’s during this mindset shift that getting dressed feels easier and shopping feels less confusing. You begin to second guess yourself less and trust what feels right. And that’s when style becomes less about keeping up and more about feeling aligned.
That’s where style transforms. When clients focus on getting to know themselves, they stop chasing what others are doing and start leaning into their own instincts. It’s during this mindset shift that getting dressed feels lighter, shopping feels more intentional, and confidence begins to replace second-guessing. Style stops being about keeping up, and starts being about showing up as yourself.
If you have been wanting to work with a stylist or have style goals, but something has been holding you back, think about what has held you up. Have you had trouble finding the words that describe your style? Do you think you need to have it all figured out before you jump in? If this has been your thought process, know this, your only sign is the willingness to explore who you are. The rest we will uncover together. Just remember, style isn’t about having it all figured out. It is about creating a wardrobe that reflects your story, your values, and how you want to show up in the world.
Xx
Hannah
