5 Chic Party Looks From A Personal Stylist

Street style inspires me – real women dressing intuitively is inspirational. There’s something magnetic about observing how women pull looks together in their everyday lives. I’ll happily sit outside a café people-watching for inspiration, spotting clever proportions or unexpected pairings. Travel, art exhibitions and film also fuel my visual references, and I love discovering new designers or unique pieces when abroad – they always find their way into my styling.

My style has evolved with age – I’ve embraced colour, femininity and more joy. I used to have a muted palette but, over time, I’ve discovered the lift that rich tones and playful touches can bring. I now weave more dresses, skirts and statement accessories into my looks. As a child I wasn’t allowed to wear trousers, so I rebelled for years by exclusively wearing them; now I enjoy a far more balanced wardrobe that mixes tailoring with softer, more romantic silhouettes.

Looking polished starts with staying true to your own style. When your outfit aligns with who you are, it shows. I always tell clients that they should wear the outfit, not the other way around – discomfort is obvious before you’ve even said a word. For me, looking polished is less about perfection and more about intention: clean lines, considered choices, fresh skin, great hair and a genuine smile go a long way.

I realised fashion was my path at 16 after a work placement. I spent a fortnight at the French Connection concession in House of Fraser shadowing the buyer, and I was instantly hooked. The pace, the creativity, the product decisions – it all felt thrilling. It opened my eyes to the industry and showed me there was a world where my love of fashion could become a career.

A tailored jacket is the one item every woman should own. A great blazer sharpens the silhouette, brings structure and immediately makes you look more pulled together. Whether thrown over denim, draped over eveningwear or paired with relaxed basics, it adds authority and confidence. It’s a timeless wardrobe staple that works across seasons and occasions – the ultimate styling piece for instant polish.

Leather trousers have become game-changers in my wardrobe. They inject instant edge and pair with everything from chunky knits to crisp shirting; I now own several pairs, from straight-leg to wide. Trainers took me a while to adopt with every outfit but, once I did, I never looked back – they bring a modern ease to dressing and make even the most tailored looks feel current. Together, they strike that perfect balance between cool and considered.

My approach to party-season dressing shifts depending on my mood. If I’m in the mood for heels, I’ll keep it elevated yet understated – leather trousers, a velvet blazer and statement earrings feel sophisticated without trying too hard. On other days, I might reach for a bold dress, often paired with boots. It’s all about balance: comfort, confidence and the right accessories can transform a look from simple to unforgettable.

Navy, olive and toffee tones are my fail-safe palette. Tonal dressing is my go-to when I’m short on time; it’s effortless yet considered. That said, I love mixing brights together and, when my base is more neutral, I’ll add texture or a pop of colour through accessories. A statement bag, colourful earrings or a contrasting scarf can completely lift an outfit and make it feel intentional.

I’m a true high-low shopper – it’s about knowing what works for you. I constantly mix high street with designer: Zara with ME+EM, H&M with Zadig & Voltaire. It’s about pieces that flatter and feel authentic to your personal style. Accessories and jewellery are where I play; I love finding unique items on my travels. I’m a total magpie for shiny, one-of-a-kind trinkets that bring personality and a little fun into an outfit.

Style has no age – dressing well is about knowing yourself. I never pigeon-hole brands by age. True style comes from understanding what suits you and wearing it confidently. That’s something I instil in every client: if a piece works for your body, energy and personality, it works.

For party season, I balance elegance with comfort. For long events, I often choose flats or a platform heel and always layer in case the night turns chilly. Statement jewellery or a scarf can elevate even the simplest outfit, adding colour, texture or sparkle. I see accessories as the seasoning of an outfit: they make everything sing without overpowering it.

Layering is all about texture, proportion and bringing light to the face. I start with the finest layer – usually a sheer wool vest – then build with knits in varying weights before adding a jacket or coat. Lighter tones near the face help illuminate the complexion when darker pieces are worn elsewhere, and contrasting textures add depth and visual interest. Layering isn’t just practical, it’s one of the easiest ways to make an outfit feel considered.

I don’t follow any style rules. Navy and black together is one of my favourite combinations. I discovered this pairing in my twenties on a buying trip to Paris and have never looked back. It feels modern, chic and effortless, and is one of those combinations that always looks considered without needing to overthink it. 

My styling sits between classic and contemporary. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all style. My aim with clients is always to highlight their energy and personality through what they wear, so each look feels bespoke and intentional. The ultimate goal is effortless cool – pulled together yet natural – the kind of look that feels like you’ve done nothing but actually everything.

Styling high-profile clients is incredibly rewarding. It’s a chance to shape confidence and create buzz. There’s something so satisfying about helping someone feel amazing and then seeing the reaction when they step into a room. When people notice and comment on how great a client looks, it’s a confirmation that styling goes beyond clothes – it’s about energy, presence and how someone carries themselves.

The velvet suit was my standout look from the shoot. It was chic, modern and felt special. The colour and cut were perfect, and it instantly made me feel polished and confident. I loved every outfit we shot but the velvet suit had that extra edge: luxurious yet wearable, eye-catching without trying too hard.

I’d love to raid Helena Christensen’s wardrobe. Her style is eclectic, effortless and full of personality. There’s something about her combinations, textures and use of colour that really resonate with me. That said, I’m very proud of my own wardrobe. Curated over decades, it tells the story of my style evolution and reflects how I’ve blended classic foundations with my love of statement pieces and accessories.

Style is about confidence, comfort and expression. It’s not about following trends or fitting into a box – it’s about feeling like the best version of yourself and expressing your personality through what you wear. When your clothes, accessories, colours and textures all feel aligned with who you are, you instantly look polished, approachable and effortlessly put together.

Follow Rebecca on Instagram and visit RebeccaCloustonStyle.com

Photography: Laura Granados
Location: The Capston