- Feb 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Prep School Meets Street
Profession: Tech
Age: 34
Year: 2026
ABOUT THE CLIENT/ client back story
This client had an amazing wardrobe collection, a well-defined point of view, and a true love of fashion coupled with extensive brand knowledge. He reached out to us because, despite having a closet full of treasures, he struggled with making outfits from what he owned.
He believed he was on the right track (and he was right!) but he wanted to:
Learn how all the pieces he had collected fit together
Understand how and when to accessorize
Identify the gaps in his wardrobe
Plan ahead for the warmer seasons and learn how to look stylish when it is too hot to layer
His inspo board blended Prep School and Streetwear aesthetics, so when I was in his closet, I focused on curating looks that referenced these styles. The striped chunky knit cardigan paired perfectly with his oxford shirt and distressed Carhartts, and I added a note that if he wanted to push the prep school look further, he could purchase a hunter green tie - either textured with a square bottom or with subtle polka dots. He also owned these two crew neck pullover sweatshirts. I suggested adding a tie and wearing it on the inside of the white sweatshirt to amp the prep school look up another notch, and adding a white and blue striped collared shirt worn untucked under the green sweatshirt.
He also loved this vibrant fuchsia color and it was a perfect match for the cool tones in the camo and paint splattered pants.
This Burberry trench was almost in the donation pile because he wasn't finding many opportunities to wear it in Pittsburgh's climate. When I suggested styling it as part of an outfit - seeing it as a light layer for a warmer spring or fall day, similar to a cardigan as opposed to outerwear - he was sold! I topped the look off with his Vivienne Westwood iconic orb necklace, which he was really hoping we could work into some looks.
This client had a fantastic jacket collection. These outfit combinations were a really solid foundation, but a few additional details will put the looks over the top. In the first and fourth looks, I suggested purchasing an industrial style black leather belt - something with cool hardware - and a few waffle knit or other textured base layer shirts so he could get more wear out of the jackets. The second outfit really wants a block print bandana and heritage or rugby socks to complete the look. This client is teaching himself how to sew and was inspired by the cropped jacket with high waisted pleated pants silhouette. He cropped this third jacket himself and I put this combination together for now, until he purchases the highwaisted pants to update the silhouette.
Thinking ahead to summer, we discussed how important an intentional palette is when designing a look. Because in the summer we don't have the luxury of using layers to communicate our style aesthetic, it comes from two things - the garment itself and the palette. Playing with interesting or unexpected palettes can really convey a point of view. I also encouraged him to be very choosy about every garment he purchases when building out his summer wardrobe. Each piece should be a hit - involving textures, patterns, dyes, embroidery - garments that stand alone and have a strong voice.
Moving forward, this client is not only armed with a host of new looks he is excited to wear, but he has concrete direction on how to push his aesthetic a bit further. After receiving his follow-up assessment, he told me:
"I was a little nervous about the consult, but I'm SO GLAD I did it! It was worth every penny and more. It was a blast working with you and I'm very excited to try out the new looks we put together. Plus I feel more competent/confident in experimenting on my own with new combos and layers!"
