Inside My Styling Process: How I Work with Clients from First Call to Closet Refresh
“What’s your process?” It’s a fair—and frequently asked—question on every new client call. After nearly nine years as a wardrobe stylist (a career I lovingly refer to as ‘the wild wild west’), I can confidently say my process has evolved into a well-oiled machine.
Just the other day, I was on a follow-up call with a new client. We had wrapped up the intro process and were chatting about how she felt and what the next steps might look like. For the first time, I asked, “How do you envision working with me from here?” Her response perfectly captured the way I naturally work with ongoing clients. I hung up from that call and gave myself a little pat on the back—because it confirmed something I’ve come to know: I’ve truly found my rhythm.
Last week, Rainbow, Stylebook’s editor, met me at The Hive during what I call my ‘monthly office hours’ for a behind-the-scenes look at how I work with clients. I’m pretty sure the first thing she noticed was my casual, candid banter with the incredible Hive team. The vibe when I’m in there? Pure fun, nonstop energy, and a whole lot of buzzing around. "Okay, I need a pair of straight leg jeans, a button down, a few solid t-shirts, and an overhaul on work tops and trousers."
The team knows the inventory like the back of their hand, which is crucial—especially when I have four clients coming through in a single day. We move fast, filling fitting rooms with intention and style. It’s a well-oiled (and very stylish) machine. Over time, the staff even starts to remember my clients, and it becomes this beautifully orchestrated pooling of fashion minds—everyone playing their part to bring a vision to life.
Getting Started with ALH Style
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves—you might be wondering, how does this all begin?
It starts simply: a conversation. You book a call to share why you’re seeking a wardrobe stylist and what you’re hoping to achieve. If there’s alignment—if you’re open to thoughtful guidance, willing to be stretched just enough, and craving a mix of professional expertise with a touch of personal connection—then we’re a match.
The Initial Visit
The initial consult is typically around three hours long and there is some prep work involved. Let's not forget the software I use as a style communication hub for all clients, which is essentially the modern version of the technology from that famous scene in the movie Clueless where Cher digitally mixes and matches all of her outfits. Imagine having access to that on your phone. Super cool!
The first part of our initial appointment involves taking measurements to understand your horizontal and vertical proportions. I know it’s not everyone’s favorite part, but knowing your measurements means you can shop online with more confidence and learn how to balance your proportions using the insights I provide. The most important thing to remember about my body type ‘rules’ is that they’re just a guide—for those moments when something feels off and you can’t quite figure out why. That’s where the rules come in. And believe me, I’m not a rule-follower by nature either, but even I find them helpful now and then!
The editing portion of the first appointment is a very organic process. I essentially go through every piece of your clothing and together we 1) decide if it's serving you 2) style it if the client needs help and 3) use it to inspire us in the creation of your personalized shopping list that I build throughout the appointment, which brings us to the most important part of my ongoing process with clients: guided intentional shopping and styling
Guided Intentional Shopping and Styling
Do you have a note on your phone filled with items you want or need? Or maybe it’s a browser window with a dozen open tabs and abandoned carts on your favorite shopping sites. Whatever your system looks like, now imagine this: a professional going through your entire wardrobe and creating a master list of what you actually need—tailored to your body type, personal style, and lifestyle. Then, picture her helping you check off that list and seamlessly style each new piece with what you already own. That’s me, in a nutshell.
My clients have a million things on their plates—the last thing they should worry about is what to wear. I’m here to simplify, educate, and empower the way they get dressed, so they can move through each day with confidence and ease. And when life throws a curveball? I’m always just a text away.
My process is thoughtful, flexible, and completely tailored to you. Whether you need a clear plan, creative inspiration, or just someone in your corner who gets it—I’m here to make style one less thing you have to figure out alone.
Follow me @ALH Style on Instagram or visit my web site.
SEE ALSO: 3 Fresh T-Shirt Styling Ideas to Instantly Upgrade Your Look
