Stylists and style coaches work with the client in person, often in their home, with their wardrobe. What about current time of social distancing?
Style is as important today when we work from home. Because it is not about what others see, but what you feel. So my client and I tried a distance coaching, via video connect. Here's how we did it:
Setting & timing: Ensure you have a good stable connection via internet, and a way to interact without holding your device. Get clear on a mini-goal to achieve in the session. Aim to be done in an hour. Anything much longer than that gets really tiring.
Goal: Get clear on a mini-goal to achieve. Don´t attempt to do too many things. Our goal was decode a few outfits that client had in the wardrobe but that didn't seem to work, and to look at a box of new clothes my client purchased on-line, to decide what to keep. In it, my goal was to help my client begin seeing trends in what works for them with those few examples, so they can continue the work themselves.
How to make it work in simple 5 steps:
My client had the 'outfits in question' ready, so we could get going immediately.
Ensure to build a little rapport, reconnect to each other before you get started. A little chat goes a long way here!
Now, I chose to begin with an outfit that surely works. It creates a good mood! Ask the client to put it on and talk about why it works. Allow the client to do most of the talking, then summarize key insights. Make suggestions to how even further improve, if you see that.
Then go over to the more uncertain outfits. Allow the client to describe the color, the pattern, the fabric. Have them put it on, and look together at how it works or not. Make suggestions and allow your client to make decisions.
Ensure to leave 10 min at the end to summarize what you saw and learnt, allow your client to reflect on it. And ask them what they will do with the learning. End with an action that your client owns.
Challenges & Opportunities: My biggest challenge was not being able to see the actual color or quality of fabric. I'd usually quickly see if the color is 'off' for the client, or the fabric quality or how it flows is just not working. I also usually see what the client may have as accessories to help off-set or enhance features of the outfit. But, like any challenge, this one has a positive side: Ask the client to describe all those things to you! What it does? The client connects to your way of analysing outfits much faster, as you explain why you are asking, they are able to take that insight into their learning. And doing most of the talking- client truly discovers themselves how their style works.
Recommendation? Yes, certainly give it a try! It opens a whole new set of opportunities in our today's world, and for the clients of the future that for whatever reason will not feel comfortable to invite you to their homes.
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