Style coaches: your journey to a polished appearance
Have you ever wondered what a style coach is or what they can do for you? Don’t think you need one? Read on, as guest blogger Sandra Stafford unravels how they might just be our sartorial saviours …
If you happen to live in Cambridgeshire, or even if you fancy taking a trip out for a couple of days (March 23 and 24 to be specific), you’ll find a ‘Let’s Go Circular’ re-fashion and fizz event at The Grand Arcade in the centre of Cambridge. This is, as the name suggests, a great opportunity to browse a whole range of pre-loved clothing – and, of course, Trash Chic (among others) will be there. But if you head to the re-fashion and fizz boudoir, you will also be able to meet two tame style coaches – Lucy Barrett and Kath Goodwin – who will be offering personal styling sessions – a great introduction to what they do and how they do it.
Our tame style coaches
Judge or jewel?
I’ll be honest: I’ve never used the services of a professional style coach – although many female family members have felt compelled to offer their own casual advice. My mother, for example, would question me like a prosecuting barrister about my attire before throwing it up to the jury (cousins, aunts, grannies) to decide whether or not I was guilty of fashion crimes.
Professional coaches, however, are definitely less brutal than some peer groups. And that’s a big plus for seeking their help. They offer gentle guidance. They’re on your side, helping you to look and feel amazing, to shine. As Lucy explains, ‘I enable women to unleash their inner confidence by fully expressing who they are on the outside.’ What’s more, award-winning designer and style counsellor Kath also offers advice on how to utilise clothing through upcycling – something I know a lot of us ‘pre-loved’ shoppers are particularly keen on.
Two-way trust
So what is it about style coaches / counsellors that can earn your trust?
1. They listen – probably the most important element.
2. They are experienced not only within fashion but also in ‘reading’ people.
3. They guide respectfully, rather than lead or dictate.
And what do you need to do in return?
1. You need to be open. That sounds simple, but simple isn’t always easy – especially if your own sense of style has been previously knocked by the ‘advice’ of those with an agenda.
2. You should allow yourself to ‘play’. Have some fun. Try things that make you smile.
3. Ultimately, you should feel and look good. That’s the whole purpose of seeking out a style coach. Let them help you to learn about yourself and make decisions that work for you.
Finally, if you’re in Cambridge at the end of March, then pop in to the ‘boudoir’ and have a chat with Lucy and Kath. You’ll find more information about the event, and all its constituent parts, here.
Book a styling session with Kath.
Book a styling session with Lucy.
Sandra Stafford is an author, editor and long-time Trash Chic customer. To view TC’s range of preloved/vintage/retro clothing, return to the Shop and take a look at all the fabulous items on offer.
