Expert Styling Secrets: How to Build a Wardrobe That Works for You

Expert Styling Secrets: How to Build a Wardrobe That Works for You

Meet Abby Young: Professional Stylist & Wardrobe Expert

Abby Young is a professional fashion stylist working with both personal and commercial clients. She helps individuals refine their style with personal shopping, closet edits, and custom color analysis. On the commercial side, Abby works with brands and businesses to style branding shoots and provide wardrobe consulting.

Abby’s services are available throughout California, Arizona, New York, Washington — and now, internationally. She’s known for her ability to tailor each session to her client’s unique personality, lifestyle, and body shape.

Key Elements to Styling That Most People Overlook

1. Build a Strong Foundation

According to Abby, a strong wardrobe starts with a solid foundation of versatile basics. Think of these as your go-to pieces that you can mix and match effortlessly. Here’s what Abby recommends as must-haves:

• A great pair of sneakers
• A go-to pair of heels
• A versatile pair of boots
• A classic black pair of pants
• Basic, well-fitting solid color T-shirts
• A dressy jacket
• A casual day-to-day jacket

Having these pieces makes getting dressed less stressful because you’ll always have something to work with.

2. Capsule Wardrobes vs. One-Off Pieces

Abby explains that about half of her clients prefer a capsule wardrobe — where every piece works interchangeably. Capsule wardrobes typically include between 30 to 80 versatile items that can be mixed and matched easily. This makes packing for trips or getting dressed in the morning quick and effortless.

Other clients prefer more one-off statement pieces that might not mix and match as easily, but reflect their personality. Both approaches work — the key is understanding what fits your lifestyle best.

3. Tailoring Is Everything

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming clothes should fit perfectly off the rack. Abby recommends tailoring your clothes to create a polished and custom look. Even small adjustments to the fit of a jacket or the hem of a dress can make a huge difference in how confident you feel.

4. Steaming Makes a Difference

Abby swears by steaming clothes. A $20 steamer from Amazon can instantly elevate your look by removing wrinkles and making your outfit look more put together. Pro tip: If you don’t have a steamer, a hot shower can work in a pinch — but nothing beats a real steamer.

5. Color Analysis and Silhouettes

Understanding your best colors and silhouette is game-changing. Abby breaks down five key body silhouettes based on the proportions of your shoulders, waist, and hips. Knowing your body type helps you choose clothes that highlight your strengths and create a balanced look.

She also points out that trends don’t work for everyone. Just because wide-leg jeans are trending doesn’t mean they’ll work with your body type — and that’s okay! Knowing what works for you is more important than following trends.

How Styling Builds Confidence

According to Abby, styling isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling good. Clothes have a psychological impact on how you feel and how others perceive you. The right outfit can make you feel more confident in a business setting or more comfortable in social situations.

Abby also helps clients choose colors based on the message they want to send. For example, blue conveys trust, while earth tones like brown and beige represent stability and support. Your wardrobe can literally help shape how others perceive you.

The Power of Color Analysis

Abby also does color analysis for her clients, helping them determine their dominant season (spring, summer, fall, or winter) and which colors enhance their natural skin tone. However, color analysis isn’t an exact science. A winter-dominant person might still be able to wear some fall colors depending on the shade and contrast.

Abby’s advice: If a color doesn’t work with your skin tone, wear it away from your face — like on a skirt or pants instead of a top. Or, pair it with a color that does work for you to balance it out.

High Contrast vs. Low Contrast

Abby also explains the difference between high and low contrast:

• High contrast – Pairing dark and light colors together (e.g., black and white) creates a bold, eye-catching look.
• Low contrast – Wearing similar shades together (e.g., beige and cream) creates a more relaxed and understated appearance.

Knowing your contrast type can help you select outfits that flatter your skin tone and eye color.

Final Thoughts

Building a functional, stylish wardrobe isn’t about having more clothes — it’s about having the right clothes. Start with a strong foundation, learn your best colors and silhouettes, and don’t be afraid to tailor your pieces to make them feel custom. With Abby’s expert advice, you’ll be turning heads and feeling confident in no time.

Links Mentioned

• Abby’s Freebie for You! (scroll to the bottom for the free guide)
• Steamer
• Abby Young Styling Website
• Follow Abby on Instagram
• Follow Abby on TikTok
• Abby Young Styling LinkedIn