Type in the coordinates of Topshop's luxe personal styling hubs, and we are certain Google maps would provide you with a shot of impeccably dressed girls lined up and ready for action. These are the fashion gatekeepers of our high street's jewel in the crown—if any one group of well-dressed women could know the ins and outs of this store's inner sanctum, or spot a great new outfit tweak from 50 paces, it's this one. That's precisely why we tracked down the country's most stylish personal stylists from Topshop and assembled them in London to find out their secrets… as well as capture their latest favourite outfits IRL while we were at it.
So without further ado, prepare to discover the coolest new-in Topshop pieces and the tips and tricks these experts have to offer. Keep reading to see how the popular PS girls ace their looks each day without fail…
Hannah Twist, Manchester Arndale
On Hannah Twist: Topshop Pleat Velvet Blazer (£49) available in Black and Boyfriend Jeans (£55); Topshop Boutique Skinny Vest (£20).
WHO WHAT WEAR UK: How do you get dressed in the morning?
HANNAH TWIST: I tend to plan my outfit the night before so it's smooth sailing when I wake up in the morning. I have a habit of having a specific piece—usually an accessory—in mind that I want to wear the next day.
WWW UK: What have you really learnt from being a personal stylist at Topshop?
HT: The main thing I’ve learnt is all about women’s different body shapes. What looks great on one person may not necessarily look so good on another, and it’s all about finding the right pieces to complement their figures. Another thing I’ve learnt is that accessories are key! If you ever think your outfit is a little too bland or want to transform your look from day to evening, then think about what accessories you can choose from. Why not add that leopard belt or a scarf for a pop of print? Try swapping those ankle boots for a sparkly heel to take your look through to the evening.
Alva McKenzie, Oxford Circus
On Alva Mackenzie: Topshop Marabou Feather Jacket (£150) and Hot Stuff Platform Boots (£69); And Finally Kurt Cobain Long Sleeve Tee (£30); Topshop Boutique High Waist Circle Flare Trousers (£90).
WHO WHAT WEAR UK: Do you get dressed differently depending on whether you're doing personal styling that day or not?
ALVA MACKENZIE: I do dress differently depending on what I'm doing, but my approach is the same. Often I will head to the supermarket with a casual intention, leggings and a jumper, but end up adding a beret and snake boots at the last minute.
WWW UK: What would you say is the strongest piece at Topshop right now?
AM: The platform boots. Whether they are in midnight blue velvet, silver or snake, I feel like Bianca Jagger circa Studio 54 on the Jubilee line!
WWW UK: What advice would you give to anyone struggling to find their personal style?
AM: Keep it personal. Focus on how your style makes you feel. Take inspiration for your style from what is around you other than fashion—emotions, people and culture!
Shereen Assopiah, Oxford Circus
On Shereen Assopiah: Topshop Mensy Oversized Striped Shirt (£34) and Margarita Platform Boots (£79); Topshop Boutique Leather Carrot Trousers (£225).
WHO WHAT WEAR UK: Do you get dressed differently depending on whether you're doing personal styling that day or not?
SHEREEN ASSOPIAH: Yes, I tend to dress up to represent the brand and make sure I am a fashion role model to others. Off days are usually very relaxed, tailored with a pair of trainers!
WWW UK: What advice would you give to anyone struggling to find their personal style?
SA: Once you’ve found a trend or era that works for your body shape and desired style, invest in a few key pieces that fit in with your pre-existing wardrobe. I believe it’s so important to keep in mind your lifestyle when shopping, because if you don’t have comfort factored into your closet you can never really feel good!
WWW UK: What would you say is the best trend in Topshop at the moment?
SA: Because we have always had such a strong denim department, and also taking into account our collaboration with denim masters like Marques'Almeida, I think our take on the denim movements these past few seasons has been exceptionally strong.
Carla Webster, Brighton
On Carla Webster: Topshop Moto Oversized Long Line Jacket (£55), Blouson Sleeve Funnel Jumper (£25) and Martha Glitter Sock Boots (£69).
WHO WHAT WEAR UK: How do you get dressed in the morning?
CARLA WEBSTER: I tend to re-style my favourite staple pieces, such as jackets, different jeans and classic ankle boots, then add something more trendy as a finishing touch. I have a real weakness of wearing a leather jacket with almost everything.
WWW UK: What would you say are the strongest buys in-store?
CW: Urban and rock-girl looks, for sure! The biker boot in particular has been a huge trend this season, especially paired with miniskirts and metallic slip dresses.
WWW UK: What advice would you give to anyone struggling to find their personal style?
CW: Dress for you, not for everyone else! Analyse your wardrobe, and then hunt for inspiration all around you, such as the internet, or in magazines and books. My personal favourite is Instagram—I screen shot my favourite style looks and then make them my own.
Yasmin Burrows, Oxford Circus
On Yasmin Burrows: Topshop Animal Suit Jacket (£65), Animal Print Cigarette Trousers (£35) and Renee Velvet Sandals (£46); And Finally Metallica Nibbled T-Shirt (£26).
WHO WHAT WEAR UK: How do you get dressed in the morning?
YASMIN BURROWS: I plan my outfits the night before once I’ve looked at my diary for the following day. If I know I have a busy day of appointments, I’ll be sure to be comfortable in the day in a pair of jeans and one of my go-to staple shirts. If I know I’ve got an event on at work or plans after, I’ll make sure my outfit is versatile and takes me from day to night with ease—with some heels in my bag!
WWW UK: What would you say is the strongest trend in Topshop at the moment?
YB: Velvet has a strong presence. Whether it’s a pleated midi skirt in baby pink or a bomber jacket in royal blue, there is something for all age groups.
WWW UK: What have you really learnt from being a personal stylist at Topshop?
YB: Being and feeling comfortable is what I want to achieve going into every appointment. With that comes confidence, which is my ultimate goal as a shopper. I want all my clients to leave personal shopping feeling inspired by our sessions.
Sophie Sinclair, Knightsbridge
On Sophie Sinclair: Topshop Boutique Directional Rib Dress (£70); Topshop Heart Patent Flare Heel Ankle Boots (£69).
WHO WHAT WEAR UK: How do you get dressed in the morning?
SOPHIE SINCLAIR: I would love to say that I am really organised and I lay my outfit out all planned out the night before. But really I am quite last minute with my decision. My outfit for that day will usually be based on my mood of the morning and anything that might be inspiring me that week.
WWW UK: What have you really learnt from being a personal stylist at Topshop?
SS: How important it is to be aware of how different age groups like to dress, especially the 12- to 18-year-old bracket. Many of them seem to have a very specific and on-trend way of dressing. It is good to be aware of these trends, as it makes your appointments so much more successful. I find older clients, although they have more of an idea of what suits them, are quite open to embracing a new or updated look.
WWW UK: What would you say is the strongest trend in-store?
SS: Leopard print and velvet are both very big at the moment and what is great about both—especially leopard print—is that they don’t ever seem to go out of fashion, or even if they do there is no reason why you should stop wearing a piece if you truly love it!
Charlotte Thomas, Birmingham
On Charlotte Thomas: Topshop Leopard Print Coat (£85), Oversized Jumper Dress (£36), Black Vinyl Miniskirt (£45) and Heart Patent Flare Heel Boots (£69).
WHO WHAT WEAR UK: What have you really learnt from being a personal stylist at Topshop?
CHARLOTTE THOMAS: Every appointment is completely different, and I've learnt how to really adapt my approach to styling for each client. It's knowing what products work best and the reasoning for it. I think having conviction in your outfit choices for them is essential.
WWW UK: What would you say is the strongest trend and/or piece/s in Topshop right?
CT: Velvet is everywhere in Topshop right now, and I can't get enough of it. It's a great trend to try and master as there are so many different pieces to play with, from layering a simple velvet cami top over your everyday basics to going all out with a matching velvet suit!
WWW UK: What advice would you give to anyone struggling to find their personal style?
CT: Keep your newest items separate in your wardrobe. See it as a capsule so that when you add to it you can see your own personal style evolving.
Kirsty Irvine, Glasgow
On Kirsty Irvine: Topshop Moto Oversized Clean Jacket (£45), Fisherman Rib V-Neck Jumper (£42), Belted Wrap Midi Skirt (£48), Flower Rhinestone Choker (£15) and Mustard Western Boots (£75).
WHO WHAT WEAR UK: How do you get dressed in the morning?
KIRSTY IRVINE: I usually put on the outfit I laid out the night before… Look out the window and then change. Scotland weather issues!
WWW UK: What have you really learnt from being a personal stylist at Topshop?
KI: That no matter who you are we all have insecurities and that through focusing on the features we do like we can build confidence and a wardrobe we love to wear. Also if we aren’t comfortable with a look, we show it in our faces.
WWW UK: What advice would you give to anyone struggling to find their personal style?
KI: Firstly, come visit me! Also don’t overcomplicate it. Start with a few key pieces you are drawn to that flatter your figure, and then build from there with pieces that complement each other so you can create lots of different looks and work your wardrobe harder.
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