STYLE STATEMENT: 5 REASONS WHY A PERSONAL SHOPPER CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

BY MARLENE EISNER

Let’s face it, if you’re like most men, shopping for clothes is not your favourite activity; it’s either a chore, a bore or a time-suck in an increasingly busy life. Not to mention all the items purchased that you don’t end up wearing. Or that don’t fit properly. Or that don’t look so great once you actually wear them out in public.

These days, even with social distancing, exuding confidence is integral to making or breaking the deal, and it all begins with looking your best. Read on for five solid reasons why a personal stylist can transform your image into one that will have everyone around you stand up and take notice.

It’s Convenient and Efficient

A personal shopper takes all the guesswork out of the fashion equation, quickly assessing your specific needs and goals. In many cases, they do all the legwork for you. Whether you choose an upscale men’s fashion retailer that offers this as a complimentary service or an independent professional who charges an hourly fee, the process is often similar. A good stylist has an eye for detail and takes the time to get to know you. He or she considers your budget, lifestyle and body type to understand which basic – and not-so-basic – items you’ll need in your closet. In some cases, they will help you declutter and get rid of what you don’t need or no longer wear. To help with social distancing, some stylists also offer virtual appointments and will send the clothes to your home. Keep (and pay) for what you like, send back what you don’t. It doesn’t get more convenient than that.

A One-Stop-Shop

You’re a get-it-done kind of guy and prefer to find everything in one place. No worries. Many high-end retailers, like Gotstyle, offer a personalized shopping experience. In this case, this multi-branded designer men’s and women’s clothing store on Trinity St. in the Distillery District carries more than 50 different brands/labels for every body type. Shop on your own time by booking a private appointment between Monday and Wednesday, and be pampered for an hour or so. There may even been some beer or scotch in the scenario, too.

If You Like Variety

Some personal stylists, like Anja Potkonjak, owner of web-based AlphaMale Styling, work with a full roster of retailers and high-end specialty boutiques to meet the needs of a wide range of tastes, budgets and body types. A man with an active business and social life can choose from a spectrum of clothing to fit every occasion. New university grads prepping for that first job interview still want to look well put together, but on a budget. Newly divorced? High-profile exec? Weekend warrior? A personal shopper can pull from a variety of sources and cherry-pick items to build a functional, stylish and personalized wardrobe. All you need to do is show up at the store(s), try on the chosen items, and purchase the things you like.

It Will Save You Money

A good personal shopper is not just about fashion; he or she will stop you from wasting money on ill-fitting and non-flattering clothing. They are experts in fit, comfort and style, with the goal of choosing classic items that will stand the test of time. It’s not about buying a shirt, or a pair of pants – it’s about creating multiple outfits that can be worn in a variety of combinations and at different occasions. It’s about having the perfect jeans, a great fitting suit that will turn heads, and the best basics you can afford: T-shirts that are not too tight but can make you look fit, the great white shirt, a more casual denim or chambray shirt that you can wear with a dark suit to make it more casual, a jersey blazer. “We help them buy less and buy better,” says Gotstyle’s founder and owner, Melissa Austria.

Foolproof

The fashion faux pas; we all make them, but you don’t have to. A good stylist will guide you on the many ways to mix and match your new clothes to make getting dressed in the morning a no-brainer. “Every outfit my client puts on, I take a picture of it so they remember how to pair it,” says Potkonjak. “I make collages and send it to them so for the first month or so, they have a chart to go by.”

There’s no doubt that looking good feels good. You only have one chance to make a good impression; make sure you do it with style.

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