Introducing House of Colour

As you can probably guess from their name, colour is at the heart of House of Colour’s approach to styling. Let’s face it: we could all do with a dose of colour in dreary winter months, but how many of us really understand the shades that work best for us – eyes, hair, skin tone and all.

We talked to Susan White, the House of Colour stylist for Westminster, about how she helps her clients look and feel like the best version of themselves.

For anyone who loves fashion, becoming a wardrobe stylist must seem like career heaven. What’s the most fun part of your job?

I’m very lucky! I made a drastic career change a few years ago, and I haven’t looked back since. I get the most amount of pleasure from helping people reach their potential. Teaching people about what works best for them style-wise, and in many cases helping them to increase their self-confidence, is a real privilege.

What is the most challenging?

I find it hard when someone can’t look at their own reflection, as they are upset about how they look, but it’s my job to make them feel comfortable so that they don’t feel self-conscious. As we progress through the day, discussing and trying different options, they relax and are much happier to look at themselves in the mirror.

How do you approach working with a new client and what questions do you ask them?

I find that a chat over a cup of tea is always a good start, as it breaks the ice and I can find out more about them if we haven’t met before. Ahead of a style session, I ask people to really think about what they’d like to achieve from our time together, and how they want or need to be perceived both inside and outside of work. I also ask them to bring a small selection of clothes and accessories along to their consultation so we can discuss what does and doesn’t work for them and why.

How do you stay informed about new designers and brands?

I probably spend too much time on Instagram, keeping up to date with new trends and emerging talent. I also read The Times and The Telegraph on 'fashion Wednesday', as well as the supplements at the weekend. Hello! Fashion Monthly is a good, affordable read, and I'm always disappointed if I miss out on my weekly copy of Stylist magazine!

What's your wardrobe MVP?

My small (but growing), much-loved collection of Elliot Rhodes interchangeable belt straps and buckles. The mix and match system makes it easy to achieve a variety of looks with a carefully chosen selection. Never underestimate the power of accessories to turn even the plainest of outfits into something special!

What’s your footwear MVP?

I’m a sucker for a heel! I don’t feel myself in anything too heavy or clumpy, although comfort and practicality often win out if I’m out and about in town. I just make sure that my choices suit my style as much as possible and that I feel good in what I’ve chosen to wear.

How important are shoes for the way you style an outfit and the impact it can have on a client?

Very! Having a range of good quality, interesting accessories in colours that fit with your palette, and are in styles that suit your personality, makes it easy to create a unique capsule wardrobe.  Shoes have a really important part to play in that.  It’s all about knowing what gives you your best look, which is so intrinsically linked to who we are as individuals; what suits one person, may not work so well for someone else.

How do you help someone who struggles with wide-fitting shoes or a larger shoe size?

It can be hard to find good quality pieces when you have a specific style struggle. People can become disheartened and end up settling for something that just doesn’t work for them. My clients trust me and my recommendations to help them solve their problems. So, an important part of my role as a personal stylist is holding a bank of trusted companies that I can recommend to my clients.

Sante + Wade is exactly the type of brand I like to have up my sleeve; run by a team of strong, stylish women who set up their company because they weren’t prepared to settle for boring, ill-fitting footwear. After all, why should someone go without, just because they have wide or large feet?

What’s the style tip you always come back to when dressing clients?

Know who you are and what suits you and you can’t go wrong.

If you’d like to book a personal styling session with Susan, you can reach her at  https://www.houseofcolour.co.uk/susanwhite