Case Study Four
Trust at First Screen: Styling the Remote Advisor
The Brief
This was a well-prepared client, who came armed with a succinct brief he’d worked with AI to refine (fitting for a former COO of a software company) – “modern executive casual — tailored but relaxed, sophisticated and approachable, with more texture, stronger layering, contemporary proportions, and subtle personality. Stylish, but effortlessly so”. I had to grudgingly admit that the bot had nailed it. Based on my research on the client’s new company and role, this would have been my recommendation too – a wardrobe that conveys the hard skills of a software COO through tailoring and structural elements, but also makes room for his high EQ and approachability to come across.
CLIENT INDUSTRY: Strategic Management Consulting
COMPANY BRAND PILLARS: Experience, Perspective, Precision, Impact
CLIENT TITLE: Founder/Strategic Advisor
CLIENT REMIT: Advising business owners and executives to strengthen leadership, sharpen strategy, improve operations, and drive effective execution.
DRESS SIZE: M
HEIGHT: 5'9"
The Vision
Safe in the knowledge that the computer wasn’t lurking in the client’s closet (yet), I dove in. Many of the elements were already there, so the work was mostly about showing him how to creatively combine pieces to achieve the desired impact – unique but never contrived. In his new role, he will counsel C-suite leaders as they tackle complex issues, but he will do so largely remotely. Winning someone’s trust is its own challenge; doing so without ever meeting them in person adds an additional layer of complexity. As his stylist I wanted to ensure that his image signaled that he was qualified to meet it – credible, polished, a former C-suite executive himself, but not so formal and inaccessible as to be intimidating on first impression.
The Results
Starting from a strong foundation, we added textures and layers, with softer non-blazer jacket options to bring some variety to the wardrobe, as well as accessories with a little personality (woven belts, leather loafers) for in-person meetings or events. The look we both loved the most was the green sweater with the taupe pants, because it struck exactly the right balance between polished, personable and effortless.
To protect the client’s privacy, the selected wardrobe choices are shown on an AI-generated model.
The Feedback
I went into my engagement with Aureya knowing that I wanted to up my style game, particularly as I start a new professional chapter, but I wasn’t entirely sure what that meant or how to articulate it. Also, having never used a stylist, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.
After one reasonably in-depth conversation, Aparna came back with a lookbook that really nailed what I was looking for. It was polished and professional without feeling overly buttoned-up, and was significantly more interesting and sophisticated than what I would have put together on my own. I walked away from our review genuinely excited to begin purchasing my new clothes.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the process of working with Aparna. She listened closely to what I was trying to accomplish, asked a ton of good questions, and clearly put a lot of thought into not just what looked good, but what would actually work for me and my life. And when we reviewed everything together, she had a solid reason for every choice she made. It never felt like she was trying to turn me into someone else or impose her point of view on me. It felt like she understood what I was going for and then made it significantly better. Plus, she’s just a lot of fun to work with and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
— JD