10 Women Stylists to Watch
Have the COVID Blues? Shake it off. Change Clothes, and Go.
We have had almost two years to read hundreds of books and watch endless YouTube videos on "leveling up." Many of us have re-invented ourselves during the lockdown and have completed a full-blown internal makeover. We have now become an unrecognizable version of our former selves. We are new and improved. We have a new vibe. Should our outward appearance not match the new us? Of course, it should.
As we dust ourselves off (and hopefully burn those monochrome sweat-stained sweat-suit jogger sets), now may be an excellent time to consider how we will present the new version of ourselves to the rest of the world through our apparel.
This does not mean going out to buy a whole new wardrobe. It can mean slowly introducing new items to it. Some of us have no choice to buy new clothes because we have picked up a few quarantine pounds and need to size up. While shopping for that size up, we can also shop for designs and brands that we have never worn before and literally change clothes. We can gradually change the style of clothes we buy to match our new vibe.
Shopping does not need to be a task. We should be strategic, or else we can waste our hard-earned money.
Here is how to style and re-invent yourself strategically:
STEP 1: Assign yourself a style.
We can start by looking inside and understanding ourselves. What is your personality? Are you classic and reserved, artsy, sporty, casual, business-like, a logo-lover? Once we understand our personality, we can look to stylists and fashion designers who align with our style for inspiration. Masterclass assigns eight general categories to style (Sporty, Bohemian, Preppy, Grunge, Punk, Streetwear, Classic, and Casual). Do your research to understand your fit.
STEP 2: Be realistic about your budget.
The fashion goal should not be to look like a billboard full of expensive designer logos, but rather to express your personality and look "well put together" according to your version of "style." Expression of individuality is what makes style and fashion fun. Buy items that help express your unique personality and that are in your price range.
Fashion budgets will fall into three (3) categories:
(1) Luxury Fashion (Hermes, Chanel, Y.S.L., Gucci, Fendi, Bottega Veneta), (2) Midrange (BCBG, J Crew, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Ann Taylor, Michael Kors), and (3) Fast Fashion (Fashion Nova, Asos, Zara, H&M).
Fashion 101: Fashion follows cycles. Typically, the designers at Fashion Houses in Paris showcase their spring/summer (in September) and fall/winter (in February) collections each year bi-annually. There is an haute couture or resort collection issued in between (in July). The Fashion Weeks are, essentially, "conferences" of fashion shows that follow these schedules.
Mid-range brands watch the releases of the Luxury Fashion Houses and then either create their versions of the collections. In the case of "fast fashion," styles are quickly cut and pasted from the luxury designers using lower-quality materials and are mass-produced (hence the term "fast fashion"). Fast fashion is the least expensive option and is often the brunt of jokes in the high fashion world because there is shameless design plagiarism. However, if this is your budget, there should be no shame in wearing fast fashion! It is all how you present it.
While fast fashion basics are okay, we recommend saving, then buying essential accessories like shoes and handbags from Midrange to Luxury brands because they will last for years. In contrast, fast fashion may fall apart after a few wears. You end up spending more money in the long run.
STEP 3: Align your style to a brand and influencer to stay current.
Each brand caters to a specific consumer personality. For example, Hermes and Ann Taylor are "classic," Chanel and BCBG are "elegant," J Crew may be seen as "preppy," and Fendi may be seen as "casual." Bottega and Zara are more "artistic/edgy" may be viewed as "bohemian" and "street style."
Choosing a brand or designer that speaks your style and shopping on-brand streamline your fashion research. Pick a brand from each price range that suits your style, and voila! Each season, refresh. The brand evolves with you.
Stylists and influencers also do the work of researching trends and staying on top of developments in style. They attend the Fashion Weeks, fashion shows and report on what they see in their social media posts. They associate closely with the sales associates in the boutiques and are aware of what is coming next. By "following" them, they keep you up to date.
Here are 10 stylists to help us present the new version of ourselves to the world.
Note: *Please note that the stylists/influencers or their affiliates do not sponsor this article. Stylists, by messaging me, I will gladly remove you. This is simply the author's recommendation to the audience, based on personal impact and extreme admiration.*
10. HighLowLuxxe
In 3 words: Queen Next Door
In her own words: "I'm Jenee, and I like to call myself the ultimate high-low mixer; I aim to dispel the idea that great style and luxury experiences are out of reach." — Higlowluxxe.com
Why We Love Her Content: Jenee is very relateable and versatile. She is like the friend you could shop with at Target or Saks. She links you to deals on how to score your first Givenchy bag at a discount on Fashionphile. She is not afraid to share her style secrets. Follow her, and in no time, you will be as effortlessly stylish as her.
Budget: All Budgets
Vibe: Streetwear Chic
Representing: Midatlantic
9. StyleHard
In 3 words: The Fashion Mom
In her own words: "Join my adventures in cheap thrills mixed with some luxury splurges. Great finds, fab beauty products, effortless style, and cool hunting are what I'm about!"— Stylehard.com
Why We Love Her Content: Meytal is funny without trying. She is like the best friend or cool mom who would lovingly ask, "You're not going to wear that outside, are you?" and then give you a better alternative. Follow her, and in no time, you will shed your fashion faux-pas, be up to speed and look great.
Budget: All Budgets
Vibe: Style Mix
Representing: Canada
In 3 Words: H.A.M.
In Her Own Words: "You will find beauty tips, style advice as well as relatable family content on this blog." Scoutthecity.com
Why We Love Her Content: Scout reveals the trenches of the fashion industry. She is boots on the ground, behind the scenes fashion. Her children are in many of her social media posts which is an excellent reminder that women do not need to lose their sense of style or self after giving birth. Follow her, and you will understand the fashion industry as a fashion insider.
Budget: Mid Range to Luxury
Vibe: City Bohemian
Representing: New York
7. Aimee Song
In 3 words: Art in Motion
In Her Own Words: Per Song of Style (S.O.S.) "A fashion and interior design Blogger / YouTuber featuring videos focused on fashion, design inspiration, D.I.Y. and more." — S.O.S. YouTube
Why We Love Her Content: Aimee laid the foundation for what is known today as an "influencer" with her New York Times best-selling book "Capture Your Style." Aimee demonstrates how fashion is a form of art. Aimee is the girl to watch to see what will be on the streets next season. Follow her, and you will be ahead of the curve.
Budget: Mid Range to Luxury
Vibe: Elegant, Classic
Representing: NY/LA — Cosmo
In 3 words: The Hot Girl
In her own words: “As a lover of designer fashion, I make videos for women who want to feel confident and fabulous through fun, light-hearted advice on luxury fashion.” — Cassie Thorpe - YouTube
Why We Love Her Content: Cassie is flashy and fun. And why not? When you have it, you should flaunt it. She reminds us of the English version of Basketball Wives. Follow her, and you will shame the creme de la creme of athletes' trophy wives with your high fashion.
Budget: Luxury
Vibe: Casual Luxe, Streetwear
Representing: London
In 3 words: Can't Touch This
In her own words: “Kristen Bradley is a fashion and lifestyle blogger with a penchant for pairing high fashion with affordable brands.” -TheChicMaven.com
Why We Love Her Content: Kristen embodies elegance, a real-life, young "Aunt Viv" portrayed on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. However, her "About Me" clips clue that she is did not arrive at success through marrying well. She is a hard-working entrepreneur who earned every logo she flashes. Follow her and be best dressed at brunch or business deals.
Budget: Mid Range to Luxury
Vibe: Elegant, Preppy
4. Amie Rogers
In 3 words: Hand Bag Queen
Why We Love Her Content: Amie is to handbags as Seinfeld is to cars. She owns every luxury handbag brand one could ever think of. Just like cars (which can be a significant investment or expense), a Chanel or Hermes bag can set you back $6–10 thousand dollars +, and you need to know what it is you are getting into before you make that big purchase. Amie speaks in-depth on handbags' quality, durability, size, and specs to help inform you. Follow her to understand the Return on Investment (R.O.I.) before you secure the bag.
Budget: Luxury
Vibe: Elegant, Classic
Representing: U.K.
In 3 Words: Best Fashion Friend
In Her Own Words: “Luxury, Supercars & Personal Development” — Sophie YouTube
Why We Love Her Content: Sophie is like the big sister whose closet you would love to raid. She is excellent at "storytime" and gives no holds barred accounts of her purchases; the plusses, the minuses, and everything in between that is interesting to hear. Follow her for great general purchasing advice.
Budget: Mid Range to Luxury
Vibe: Elegant and Casual
2. Tenicka B
In 3 words: Black Girl Magic
In Her Own Words: "Storytelling through style, travel, and beauty." — Tenicka YouTube
Why We Love Her Content: Melanin and body positivity is just coming into "vogue" in the fashion mainstream. But Tenicka has been showcasing these concepts years before they were "trending." By following her, you will learn to play with colors and fabrics to suit your unique body and complexion.
Budget: All Budgets
Vibe: Streetwear Chic
Representing: New York
1. Anna Bey
In 3 words: Dear Elegant Ladies
In her own words: "Teaching ladies modern elegance in both their personal presence and lifestyle." — Anna Bey Instagram
Why We Love Her Content: All hail the Queen "Bey" of self-improvement for women. While her focus is not "fashion," she does a deep dive into helping others to identify and develop their personal "style." By taking her courses and following her, you will learn to present your best self, eventually leading to affluence.
Budget: All Budgets (to start)
Vibe: Elegant, Classic
So, now we have a starting strategy for our makeovers; Make a list. Take notes from the professionals. Check things off. Go.
GOOD LUCK INTRODUCING THE WORLD TO THE NEW YOU!
