How to Know If You’re Ready to Work with a Personal Stylist (and How to Find the Right One for You)
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY | LISTEN ON APPLE
What do you do when your closet is full . . . but you still feel like you have nothing to wear? Or when your clothes don’t quite match who you are—or who you’re becoming?
In Episode 57 of Wear Who You Are, style strategist and founder of BU Style, Natalie Tincher, takes us behind the scenes of what it really means to work with a personal stylist—and how to know when the time is right. Whether you’ve never worked with a stylist or you’ve been curious but unsure if it’s “worth it,” this episode pulls back the curtain.
Why People Hire a Stylist (And Why It’s Not Just About Fashion)
Forget the red carpets and celebrity closets for a second. Most people who hire personal stylists aren’t looking for flashy looks—they’re looking for clarity. As Natalie explains, personal style is less about appearances and more about creating a system that supports your everyday life and evolving identity.
People often turn to stylists during key transitions:
A new job or career change
A move from remote to in-person work
Body changes, parenting shifts, or post-pandemic life
Feeling stuck, bored, or simply overwhelmed by shopping and trends
“Real style isn’t just about a look—it’s a strategy,” Natalie says. “It’s about helping you show up more fully as yourself, with ease.”
You Don’t Have to Be “Stylish” to Work with a Stylist
This episode busts some major myths—starting with the idea that you need to be rich, trendy, or fashion-savvy to hire a stylist. In reality, most of Natalie’s clients come to her overwhelmed, fatigued, or just unsure of where to start. And that’s exactly what personal styling is for.
A few signs you might be ready for style support:
Your wardrobe feels out of sync with your lifestyle or values
You want to be more intentional (less clutter, better purchases)
You crave confidence or consistency in how you present yourself
You keep returning purchases or avoiding your closet altogether
Still not sure? Natalie also shares red flags for when you might not be ready, including:
Wanting instant transformation without input
Doing it for someone else, not yourself
Being in a high-stress season with zero capacity to engage
So . . . What Does a Personal Stylist Actually Do?
One of the most helpful parts of the episode is Natalie’s breakdown of the many titles floating around: fashion stylist, wardrobe stylist, personal shopper, image consultant, and personal stylist. Spoiler: they’re not all the same.
Natalie shares her own evolution—from training in image consulting to becoming a style strategist—clarifying that the best personal stylists don’t just help you shop. They:
Audit your closet and help you release what’s not serving you
Build a strategic shopping plan based on your needs, budget, and lifestyle
Teach you how to mix and match outfits so you can actually wear what you own
Help you define and refine your personal style—one that reflects you
“It’s not about putting pretty things on your body,” Natalie shares. “It’s about expressing yourself with clarity and confidence.”
How to Find the Right Personal Stylist for You
Once you’ve decided you’re ready, the next question is: how do you choose the right person? Natalie gives thoughtful, actionable advice for vetting stylists—including what questions to ask and what red flags to look for.
Key tips:
Look for a process, not just a portfolio. Do they have a method or just a moodboard?
Check alignment. Do they serve people with similar goals or life stages to yours?
Evaluate their tone. Do they make you feel safe and supported—or judged and sold to?
Understand their background. Styling isn’t a regulated industry—experience and training matter.
Clarify their pricing model. Are they transparent about costs and commissions?
Take the discovery call. Most stylists offer a free intro call—treat it like a two-way interview.
And don’t let social media following fool you. “It’s not about their reach,” Natalie reminds us, “It’s about whether their approach resonates.”
Find the Right Support: There Is Not Such Thing As "Perfect” Style
Above all, Natalie encourages listeners to think of working with a stylist not as a luxury, but as an investment in self-understanding and support.
If you’re ready to feel more confident, more put-together, and more you—this episode is the perfect guide to getting started.
Show Notes:
—Want ongoing stylist support at a lower price point? Check out BU Style Circle, our membership community designed for style-minded folks who want expert tools, shopping guides, and seasonal resources—without the cost of one-on-one services. It’s a welcoming, supportive space to explore your style with structure and intention. Join us!
Links:
Follow the podcast on social media, and submit questions for conversation by sending us a message here!
Check out the website for more info at www.bu.style
This Podcast is brought to you by Upstarter Podcast Network