Most of Katie Miner’s clients come to her in a time of transition. Some have had babies and are adjusting to their new identity as mothers. Others have changed careers, gone through a divorce or just feel like they’ve lost touch with who they are. Though their stories are all different, they have one thing in common: a desire to find themselves again.
Miner, who won the personal stylist category in this year’s Best of NOCO contest, works closely with clients, particularly women, to figure out which materials, silhouettes, colors and accessories align with their personality and lifestyle. Her services range from seasonal wardrobe refreshes to VIP sessions, where she brings a rack of clothing to a client’s home for them to try on. But mostly she spends time with people in their closets.
Every piece Miner recommends is based on her two decades of experience styling clients with different goals and body types. It’s a deeply personal experience, she says, as many people feel vulnerable trying on clothing. When body image comes up, she helps them combat their insecurities with a little self-love and the knowledge that well-fitting clothes can change the way they perceive and present themselves.
“Every single client I’ve worked with, no matter what they look like, has something they don’t like about themselves,” she says. “I try to empower them.”
Why style matters
Getting dressed is an act of self-expression, Miner says, even if you don’t think about what you’re putting on. She believes the clothing you wear not only shows others who you are, but it shows you who you are too.
That’s why wearing clothes you don’t feel good in can have a negative impact on your mindset and productivity. Studies show that “getting ready,” even if you work from home, can make you feel more motivated to take on the day.
“It’s definitely a confidence boost,” Miner says. “It’s not just showing up for other people; it’s also an internal trigger to yourself.”
Helping people dress confidently comes down to choosing pieces they love, Miner says. Rather than relying on optical illusions and traditionally flattering silhouettes, she leans into their personality to select pieces that mesh with their unique style and the demands of their day-to-day life.
For some, that might mean choosing pieces that are flattering yet comfortable to wear on video calls at home. For others, it could mean investing in pieces they feel good wearing while traveling or working in an office. Either way, Miner says it’s about choosing quality pieces that are made to last and can be mixed and matched in fun ways.
“Especially after COVID, there is more leeway in expressing yourself creatively at work,” Miner says. “Tap into who you are, and dress from that place.”
Of course, not all of her clients are just dressing for work. Many are moms who are either new to motherhood or are so used to putting themselves last that they have fallen out of touch with their individual style. As a mom herself, Miner understands both situations.
“Becoming a mom is a total identity shift,” she says. “I help them figure out this new version of themselves and how to still keep a piece of who they are within that transformation.”
For those who don’t know where to begin, Miner recommends trying on things you wouldn’t normally choose—without the intent to buy anything. That can be a freeing experience because there isn’t pressure to commit.
“We all get stuck in our comfort zone and gravitate to the same things,” she says. “Widen your horizon to see what’s possible.”
Ruby Shrestha, The Sewing Room
Clothing alterations can help
Not all clothing that is your size will fit you perfectly, Miner says, since sizes vary from brand to brand. Instead of taking it personally, she suggests trying different brands or having a piece altered.
Ruby Shrestha, owner of The Sewing Room in Fort Collins and winner of the clothing alterations category in the Best of NOCO contest, has altered thousands of pieces of clothing in her 35-year career. Though she mainly alters wedding dresses (more than 300 per year), she’s worked on plenty of vintage and heirloom pieces as well as cherished garments the wearer isn’t ready to give up.
“Right now I’m working on a jacket for a guy who said the company doesn’t make it anymore, but he loved it,” she says. “I’m putting a lot of pads and coverings in it so he can use it for at least two more years.”
The sentimental value of a piece usually determines whether alterations are worth it, Shrestha says. Some people don’t care how much it costs to have a piece altered if they wore it for a special occasion or it belonged to a loved one.
When sizing is an issue, she finds creative ways to bring the piece back to life.
“If it’s a dress that doesn’t fit on the top, I can cut that part off and turn it into a skirt,” she says. “Or sometimes I can add a panel or gusset. I want to make it look like you didn’t have it altered.”
At the end of the day, Shrestha says it doesn’t matter how fancy or expensive your clothing is. What really matters is that you feel good wearing it.
“If it fits, it will look great on you and build a lot of confidence,” she says.
