Kasia Katner, a Professional Stylist for Thread, Shares Her Professional Advice on Fashion and Dressing For Professional Women
With technology becoming more and more accessible, there’s been an increase in new startups that offer different ways to make styling and online shopping easier. From personalized shoppers to monthly “trunks” of apparel being delivered to your door, the internet is now full of styling solutions for all ages, genders, tastes and needs. Although most solutions are too new to be given as a concrete recommendation, online stylist Kasia Katner shares her experience and thoughts on fashion and dressing professional women.
What inspired you to become a stylist?
I have always been passionate about people and clothes and am also interested in the strong correlation between what we wear and how we feel and are perceived. It’s the psychology behind clothes and how influential what we wear can be that fascinates me.
What is the greatest thing about your job?
I get to chat to so many interesting people. My clients come from very diverse backgrounds and every brief is different in terms of style and budget (from high street to luxury). Being able to help anyone who needs it gives me a huge professional and personal satisfaction.
What’s the most challenging?
Not enough hours in the day! Also, being diplomatic whilst giving honest advice; being tactful and respecting boundaries is essential, especially if there is a taste clash.
What’s the #1 piece of advice you give to women about dressing for work?
Even if you work in a very formal environment you can always add lots of personality to any outfit with statement jewelry or great shoes. A suit does not have to be boring; you just have to think creatively when it comes to your accessories.
What do your clients find most challenging when it comes to dressing for work or professional engagements?
I think that what some of my clients find most challenging is being restricted by a dress code. They want to find a way of showing their personality whilst still looking professional and work appropriate.
Are there any fashion trends coming this spring that our readers should incorporate into their office wardrobe?
Some of my favourite colour trends for next season are monochrome, white-on-white and pastels. I am also a fan of the new, more relaxed trouser shapes. But whilst I live and breathe fashion my approach to trends is very sensible; I would always advise to invest in a great capsule wardrobe and then treat yourself to smaller on-trend pieces and accessories.
What advice would you give to young professional women just starting out?
Always be true to yourself and your work ethic. This might sound simple but integrity is so important in any profession. No matter what you do and who you work for always aspire to be your own brand.
Kasia Katner, 28, is a top stylist at Thread.com, a London-based startup that combines personal stylists with online algorithms. Co-founder and CEO Kieran O’Neill says, “Our customers are generally 25 – 55 years old. They care about dressing well and looking good, but are often too busy to go shopping. Frequently they ask for help with smartening up their style, or if they change jobs and have a new dress code.” Thread is primarily targeted at professional men and is not yet offered in the US, but we’ll anxiously await their arrival across the pond.
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