When I first launched my styling journey, my obsession was giving clients that “you-had-me-at-hello” experience. A decade in, I’m lucky to have nailed that goal, but I’ve also learned it’s just as important to lay down a few rock-solid boundaries. Here are the five things I’ll absolutely never do as your stylist, because integrity matters more than Insta-worthy posts.
1. Fake It ’Til You Make It? Hard Pass.
Let’s be honest: loving fashion and nailing your own look doesn’t cut it. A real stylist invests in training, like me studying with Australian Style Institute, and learns how to transform someone’s confidence, not just their wardrobe. Social media might make it look easy, but to me, style isn’t about reproducing a filter; it’s about unlocking your style. Genuine transformation = real skills, not just killer outfits
2. Dress You Like Me.
“Yes, of course I’d love to copy your wardrobe.” said no client ever. If I said yes to dressing everyone like my style, I’d quickly become irrelevant, or just plain annoying. My job is about you: your shape, your lifestyle, your goals. I’m brand-agnostic, directionally-obsessed. Seeing you carry off your authentic style with confidence? That’s the only outfit I care about.
3. Stretch Your Budget Just Because.
Style doesn’t need to cost as much as your house deposit. Whether your wardrobe budget is $300 or $3,000, I thoroughly research. I’m looking for pieces that flatter, function, and flex, yes, that’s your ROI. Some of my clients barely need to buy anything. Sometimes, you just need new eyes, not new shoes.
4. “But it looks fab on me…” — NOPE, Doesn’t Fly.
Here’s a fun fact: people distort what they see in the mirror by up to 40% in a negative way. A good sales assistant might flatter you, but I’d rather educate. If you don’t love the outfit, I won’t push. If it’s not a “F*ck yes,” it’s a “F*ck no.”
Because wasted money ends up with price tags in the back of wardrobes. And my clients? They simply refuse to settle.
5. Skip the Gratitude? Not on my watch.
Styling’s a team sport. Retail staff, fitters, shop managers, they all play a part. I say thank you in the details: store manager emails, returning items neatly grouped, or just hanging things properly. It’s not only polite, it builds relationships so next time, things run smoother. It may seem small, but trust me, it matters.
Bottom line: Being a stylist is not a vanity gig. It’s a privilege. And thanks to my Masters Certificate training, I’ve avoided these pitfalls, kept clients coming back, and even ended up mentoring other stylists to grow their own successful businesses.Curious about mistakes I’d also never make (like, say, giving advice without seeing the full outfit… or ghosting clients)? Book a 15 minute consultation today.