The Mindset of Being Well Dressed – Interview With Celeb Stylist Amy Brubaker

Between 2016 – 2018 I went from working in Georgia on the executive floor of a Fortune 10, to working on the West Coast at a Silicon Beach startup by the ocean, to starting my own biz and shifting between my desk and couch for a change of scenery in my work environment. 

Stepping into entrepreneurship put my career path on point. My closet though? It was a complete struggle.

No matter how many Pinterest boards I made to nail down my new sense of style as an entrepreneur I just couldn’t get it together. It was time for professional help and I hopped online to find the perfect person to take me from frump to fancy!

Enter Amy Brubaker, celebrity stylist and personal shopper. 

Taking the leap to work with a pro felt intimidating. But Amy’s  relatable yet polished approach made the process simple and easy. As she helped me clear my closet and reconnect with my everyday attire to my authentic personality, it was clear that our clothes are more than what we put on in the morning. They can be a key influence in shaping our mindset. I learned from Amy that we wear has the power to shift how we feel about ourselves day in and day out.  

Here’s what she had to say about the mindset of being well dressed in today’s modern times. 

[Ashley] What brought you into the world of style? How did you get your start in the industry?
[Amy] I got my Bachelors in Costume Design with a minor in Business. I interned at a Costume House. It’s a place where Costumers rent clothing for Movies, TV, commercials, etc. I found the process of dressing people on TV fascinating and knew right away that’s the direction I wanted to go. After years of working on Films and TV, I decided to branch out and start my own styling business and that was in 2014.

[Ashley] Research has shown that the way we dress can affect our performance. Have you found that to be true for your clients?
[Amy] Yes, absolutely! What we put on in the AM is often a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. I work with my clients to help them cultivate their own sense of style and create a closet that’s full of clothes that give them confidence and makes them feel good.

[Ashley] It’s said that fashion and style are more than a statement, they are a mindset. What is your mindset when it comes to being well dressed?
[Amy] Let me be clear and say that being ‘well dressed’ is different for everyone. For myself, I want my style to reflect that I am approachable and comfortable in my own skin. I pride myself in being able find style at any price point but I especially LOVE a good bargain and passing that on to my clients.

[Ashley] What are the biggest changes in mindset that you’ve seen in clients after they have worked with you?
[Amy] I would say that there are a few things most clients share with me after we work together. They usually tell me that spending time with me, learning how to shop smarter has saved them time and money in the long run, which we can all use more of. Most of my clients reach out because they don’t like going shopping or getting dressed. After working with me, they always have more confidence and joy when it comes to clothes.
When someone sends me a selfie of themselves in a new outfit and says they feel great, that makes my day!

[Ashley] Why do you think it’s important for entrepreneurs to incorporate personality into their wardrobe?
[Amy] Hmmmmm, well two words… social media! Many of today’s entrepreneurs are got going into offices, they are working from home or maybe a co-work space. They rely on their outward appearance to make a big impact on how they are perceived in the work force. Outward appearance is more important than it ever has been. I always tell my clients if your look is not authentic to you then you aren’t going to pull it off with confidence and grace.

[Ashley] What are your 3 tips for looking stylish with minimal effort or energy?
[Amy] My first time is to shop your own closet. Try and look at your closet with different eyes and mix things up. Don’t always wear the same combos. After that, you should be honest about the clothes in your closet and get rid of things that don’t fit or you haven’t worn in a year. It’s not about how many pieces of clothing you have it’s about feeling good in every single piece. Lastly, look to places like Pinterest or Fashion Bloggers for inspiration. Pick 3 or 4 key pieces to buy each season that make your look feel more current. They exist at every price point.