Gemma Hicks Personal Styling

How do you think these trends may inspire you? By analysing thirteen of my favourite fashion brands (Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Chanel, Dior, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Kenzo, Loui Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent) I have identified many trends and have narrowed it down to eight that appear in all brands and are sure to feature in many collections this season as it trickles down to fashion retailers.  Tailoring has been current for many seasons, but for 2025 the suit is being updated and re-imagined in more creative ways. A main element is the oversized blazer and oversized lapels. Adding patterns and colour to increase the appeal of wearing suits in the warmer, sunnier months away from the office and suited more towards occasion dressing. Wider and loose fit trousers elongate the legs, this paired with the emphasised shoulders further define the waistline and creates a striking silhouette.  The military and construction indust...

 I think about this question a lot, and it really can have a huge impact on your shopping experience (and consequently your ability to explore your style). Fashion and style is subjective; something you like, others may not- and that's ok! That's what keeps fashion changing and moving- its also what makes you, you! What suits your friend may not suit you and a style that your mum picks out for you may restrict your personality. You can't please everyone so just focus on pleasing yourself. It breaks my heart every time I witness someone bringing along the wrong person when they go on a  shopping trip.  The experience is uncomfortable and demoralising for the person shopping, having someone shutting down their outfit ideas, using terms like "well, I wouldn't wear that..." or "I don't think that's you..." or "where on earth would you wear that?"- or they may just start laughing and slating the outfit; "that does nothing for you...

Is this the best or worst time to go shopping for fashion? Well, a bit of both. Sale is a great time to get a bargain but is also the most challenging time to get good stock in your size too, with less availability within stores and online as retail clears away old stock to make room for new collections.  It is a very distracting time too, and is designed to be so. An important question I ask my clients is "do you love the garment, or do you love the price?" Even if a dress goes from £120 to £49, you are still spending £49! Is it the correct size? Does it work with your current wardrobe? Will you actually use it? If not, then you are throwing away the £49. Instead, put £49 aside and spend it on a dress that you actually love, will definitely use and are proud to wear- even if it costs slightly more. In the long run, you have made a worthy investment instead of throwing away money and regretting it later. The best way to shop in sale is to be more strategic- which is challengi...

 Hello and welcome to my first ever blog post! I wanted to create a little introduction to myself and what I do as a full time Personal Stylist. I currently work for a large department store based in Reading where I provide free styling appointments. These can be for wedding outfits, interview essentials or whole wardrobe overhauls! I also get to put on my own fashion shows and style talks, and have even collaborated with influencers and MUA's. I am very lucky to say that I love my job and have realised that Personal Styling is what I want to do. However, this wasn't always the case. I fell in love with fashion ever since watching the Devil Wears Prada as a teenager, where I decided I wanted to become editor-in-chief of British Vogue. Fuelled by this dream, I studied Fashion Communication, Promotion & Marketing at the University of Huddersfield, the course then changed it's name one year in and I was given the option to try Fashion Buying. I went on to get a distinction...