The Style Stories Podcast

Finding Fashion Freedom: Day-to-Day Dressing for Confidence 

In this episode of Style Stories, Lisa Gillbe chats with Amy Simpson about the importance of dressing well for yourself, breaking free from ageism, and redefining confidence through fashion. They explore practical tips for elevating everyday style, challenging societal stereotypes, and embracing personal style at any age.

Key Topics - 5-10 bullets:

• The significance of dressing for self-empowerment rather than external approval
• Amy’s journey from professional dance to launching Nudie Spray, a solution for patch wearers
• Addressing ageism in fashion and media, and how societal standards impact women's self-image
• The importance of practice in building confidence to wear bold outfits
• How casual dress can lead to clutter blindness and a disconnect from personal style
• The power of small daily rituals like wearing earrings or a statement outfit to boost mood and productivity
• Challenging outdated stereotypes about women’s fashion, arms coverage, and societal expectations
• The concept of the "arrival fallacy"—waiting for perfect conditions to enjoy life and style
• The impact of social media and street style in normalizing diverse aging looks
• Tips for creating a wardrobe that reflects your current style and lifestyle without spending excess

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why dressing well matters for confidence and self-care
00:28 - Introducing Amy Simpson and her background in dance and pharmaceuticals
01:22 - Amy’s transformation and launching Nudie Spray for patch removal
04:32 - Amy’s professional dance career and iconic moments with Kylie Minogue
08:23 - Society's misplaced focus on women's arms and ageism in advertising
11:20 - The myth of arm coverage and body image at any age
12:26 - Why we shouldn’t aspire to Victoria Beckham arms
13:40 - The lack of representation of relatable women in fashion marketing
14:37 - Building a positive self-image and narrative around aging
16:00 - Challenging the "I don’t care" attitude and embracing self-acceptance
17:30 - The importance of small daily efforts like wearing earrings and dressing intentionally
19:33 - The influence of appearance on mood and self-trust
21:07 - Debunking the idea that caring about style is superficial or vain
22:30 - Practicing style as a form of self-therapy and confidence-building
25:43 - The impact of societal stereotypes on women’s style choices
29:09 - The rooted misogyny behind the devaluation of women’s fashion interests
34:50 - The "arrival fallacy" and why waiting for perfect moments to dress up is a trap
36:29 - Creating a special atmosphere daily with small luxurious touches
38:25 - Breaking free from the idea that only wealthy people can dress well
39:22 - Overcoming fears of standing out or being judged at social events
45:00 - Moving past the "dreadful vs. show home" outfit cycles
48:53 - Building confidence to be seen and represented at any age
50:16 - Reframing your relationship with style and self-image
52:11 - The power of bold textures, colors, and quality fabrics
54:50 - Embracing vintage and retro styles, and the influence of Parisian fashion
57:00 - The importance of setting fashion boundaries and investing wisely
58:57 - Resourcefulness in styling and the value of personal style over volume
60:02 - Practical steps to start dressing for today, not for an idealized future

Resources & Links:

• Nudie Spray – For patch removal and skin care
• Amy Simpson’s Instagram – Follow her style and journey
• Street Style Photography Accounts – For daily style inspiration
• Book: Style Evolution – On developing your personal style

Connect with Amy Simpson:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Key Frameworks:

• The three-word style vision
• The "Bold One" statement rule
• The concept of “practice” in building style confidence
• The "Arrival Fallacy" in happiness and style
• Building personal visual narratives to reflect current self

Notable Quotes:

• "Everyone else is so involved in their own life, they're not thinking about you."
• "If you build it, they will come—your style, your presence."
• "Put on earrings every day—transform your mood with a simple act of self-care."

Action Items:

• Practice wearing one statement piece daily
• Reassess your wardrobe: remove what no longer serves your style
• Dress intentionally each morning, even if working from home
• Reframe your mindset: wear clothes you love today, not "when"
• Start small: add brightness, texture, or a bold accessory to elevate your look

In this episode of Style Stories, Lisa Gillbe chats with Amy Simpson 

Connect with Amy Simpson:

Instagram; 

https://www.instagram.com/nudispray/

Website:

https://nudispray.com/

 

Connect with Lisa Gillbe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisegillbestylist/

Substack: https://lisagillbe.substack.com/

Key Frameworks:

• The three-word style vision
• The "Bold One" statement rule
• The concept of “practice” in building style confidence
• The "Arrival Fallacy" in happiness and style
• Building personal visual narratives to reflect current self

Notable Quotes:

• "Everyone else is so involved in their own life, they're not thinking about you."
• "If you build it, they will come—your style, your presence."
• "Put on earrings every day—transform your mood with a simple act of self-care."

Action Items:

• Practice wearing one statement piece daily
• Reassess your wardrobe: remove what no longer serves your style
• Dress intentionally each morning, even if working from home
• Reframe your mindset: wear clothes you love today, not "when"
• Start small: add brightness, texture, or a bold accessory to elevate your look

Episode notes:

Weddings. Work presentations. Graduations. The big dinner you've been dreading dressing for since the invite landed. These are the moments when what you wear actually matters — and where most of us default to the same safe, forgettable choice out of pure fear of getting it wrong.

In this episode, Lisa throws out the old playbook. No more starting with "what's appropriate." Instead, she shows you how to start with the feeling you want to walk in with — confident, powerful, unmistakably you — and build the outfit from there.

Expect real, practical gold: how to choose colours that actually photograph and film well (because everything's on camera now), how to dress for the room without losing your personality in the process, and why the right unexpected shoe or accessory can turn a "fine" outfit into one people remember.

Lisa breaks it down event by event — wedding-guest dressing that doesn't default to boring, workwear that reads as polished and powerful, graduation outfits that are relaxed but still feel like an occasion, and how to properly dress up for a high-end dinner without it feeling like a costume.

If you've ever stood in front of your wardrobe panicking about a big event, this episode is the reset you need.

 

Work with Lisa - Need help with an event or just getting more clarity on your style? I have an online styling session here: https://www.lisagillbestyle.com/60min-styling-session

 

Follow Lisa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lisegillbestylist/?hl=en-gb

 

Sign-up to Lisa's Substack newsletter here: https://lisagillbe.substack.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Rubbish style advice, shame-based ideas, why you are in a style rut and how to reframe your style. PLUS, what to pack for your Summer holdiay this year. Practical and emotional style advice from Lisa Gillbe. 

In this episode of the Style Stories podcast, Lisa shares how to cut through the fashion noise, trust your instincts, and build a wardrobe that truly reflects your personal style. Plus, practical advice on packing smart for your summer holiday.

Key Topics:

• How conflicting fashion advice can cloud your personal style
• Using your existing wardrobe as a source of style clues
• The importance of trusting your gut when choosing outfits
• The impact of external opinions on feeling confident in your clothing
• Seasonal shopping and working with clients to refine their style
• Practical tips for packing efficiently for summer vacations
• The role of feelings and confidence over trends
• How wardrobe choices reveal what truly suits your personality

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: cutting through fashion noise
00:30 - How external fashion rules can distort personal style
01:00 - Using your wardrobe pieces as clues to your authentic style
01:29 - Inspiration from shopping with clients and trusting intuition
01:56 - The significance of feeling confident and comfortable
02:25 - Practical tips for summer holiday packing without overpacking

Resources & Links:

• Personal Styling Services by Lisa Gillbe 
• Sign up for more advice and actual outfit ideas - Lisa's Substack Newsletter - Super Styling with Lisa Gillbe 

Connect with Lisa Gillbe:

• Instagram
• Website

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Looking to stay fashionable while maintaining your unique style? In this episode, Lisa Gillbe shares practical insights on how to interpret trends, find your style vibe, and dress authentically without overcomplicating body shape rules.

In today's episode, I am answering listener Alison's question, "How to navigate current trends by body type or style vibe without losing sense of self?"

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Main Topics:

• Why style is about feeling, not just following trends
• Moving beyond rigid body shape rules to focus on silhouette and visual balance
• How to interpret current summer trends in a way that suits your vibe
• The importance of emotional and practical aspects of wardrobe planning
• Building a wardrobe that reflects your mood and lifestyle on any given day
• Avoiding trend fatigue by focusing on what makes you feel confident

• Lisa emphasizes that style is about your vibe and emotional connection to your clothes
• Practical tips on using Pinterest boards to clarify your personal style
• How to interpret trends like boho mini dresses, linen co-ords, and chunky boots through your personal lens
• The pitfalls of rigid body shape rules and why paying attention to your body lines and silhouette is more effective
• The role of horizontal lines in outfit flattering — where they fall matters
• How to dress for different feelings and occasions without losing sight of your authentic self

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to the Style Stories Podcast and today's focus on staying fashionable with authenticity
00:30 - The importance of style vibe and personal attraction to patterns, silhouettes, and textures
01:19 - Interpreting trends through your style mood rather than literal copies
01:48 - Practical tips for using Pinterest to discover your style feeling
02:18 - Encouragement to ask questions and engage via email or Instagram
03:00 - Navigating trends by embracing your personal vibe rather than rigid body rules
03:54 - Current summer 2026 trends: boho dresses, linen co-ords, vintage prints, and high-low styling
04:51 - The impact of accessory choices, including shoes like ballet flats and chunky boots
05:50 - The contemporary mix of floaty dresses, crochet, lace, and vintage prints
07:16 - Challenging traditional training: style is about feeling, not fitting into rules
08:12 - How silhouette and visual balance matter more than body shape labels
09:37 - Practical wardrobe strategies: capsule wardrobe, emotional styling, and daily mood
10:07 - Matching outfits to feelings like power, softness, or femininity
11:05 - The importance of flexibility and authenticity over rule-following in style choices
12:03 - Moving from rigid body shape rules to focusing on silhouette and visual balance
13:29 - How horizontal lines and outfit proportions can influence flattering looks
14:27 - Summary: look at lines and silhouette for authentic style decisions

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Resources & Links:

• Super Styling with Lisa Gillbe Newsletter
• Lisa Gillbe’s Instagram

Ask me a question for a feature on this podcast!

What are you struggling with when it comes to your wardrobe? DM me on Instagram or email Lisa@lisagillbestyle.com

 

 

Today's episode is an important one! I'm covering how to find your 3 style words AND the outfit formula you need to transform how you get dressed:

Grab your 3-Style Words Workbook here when you sign-up to my Substack newsletter: 

Discover how to unlock your authentic style and make wardrobe decisions with confidence. In this episode, Lisa Gilby shares practical tools like finding 3 words to describe your style (SO POWERFUL) and the 'fit, fire, flare' formula to help you dress intentionally and feel unstoppable every day.

Main Topics:

• The importance of clarity on personal style in wardrobe function
• How personal style evolves and how to identify your own
• The three word method: defining your style in three adjectives
• The significance of describing how you want to feel, not just look
• Examples of celebrity style descriptors for inspiration
• Using the three word method workbook for clarity
• A wardrobe framework: fit, fire, and flare — balancing comfort, confidence, and creativity
• Practical tips for adding personality and interest through textures, silhouettes, and accessories
• Embracing secondhand shopping and sustainable fashion
• How to identify wardrobe gaps aligned with your style words

• Three Word Method Workbook (Link to subscribe and access the workbook)
• Disco Kids T-shirt collection (Fun graphic tees to add personality)
• Oxfam Online Secondhand Shop (Great for vintage and sustainable fashion treasures)

Follow Lisa on Instagram

Lisegillbestylist

Connect with Lisa Gillbe:

• Super Styling with Lisa Gillbe Substack (Join the community and access resources)
• Style Power Facebook Group (Free community for style discussions)

 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why wardrobe clarity matters and common wardrobe issues 00:28 - The focus of the episode: clarifying personal style 00:57 - The two main wardrobe problems: lack of clarity and wrong clothing mix 1:27 - How volume in wardrobe creates confusion and indecision 1:53 - The evolution of personal style through life phases 2:21 - The importance of taking time to understand your current style 2:50 - Introducing the three word method to define your style 3:19 - How to choose three adjectives that reflect how you want to feel 4:16 - The origin of the three word method and its recent popularity 4:44 - Moving beyond outdated style labels to a multilayered style identity 5:14 - Personal example: discovering vintage as a style word 6:12 - Using celebrity style descriptions to understand style adjectives 6:42 - The significance of describing how you want to feel, not just look 7:11 - Dressing for your essence versus the occasion 7:39 - Example: Audrey Hepburn's style via three adjectives 8:09 - Comparing celebrities' style descriptors to find your vibe 8:39 - Modern celebrities' style words: Kim Kardashian, Zendaya, and more 9:37 - The importance of wardrobe fit and embodying your style 10:05 - Wardrobe gaps: do you have the right clothes to reflect your three words? 11:35 - Introducing the Super Styling newsletter and workbook resource 12:29 - How finding your three words simplifies shopping and wardrobe organization 12:58 - Encouragement to update and tweak your style words over time 13:27 - Using Pinterest and community support to refine your style 14:27 - Sharing ideas for future episodes and style topics 15:22 - The three F's formula: fit, fire, flare — a practical dress framework 15:53 - Balancing practicality with emotional confidence 16:52 - The confidence element: clothes that make you feel powerful 17:50 - The flare factor: adding creative, interesting touches 18:48 - Practical examples of flare: scarves, jewelry, playful details 20:08 - How to incorporate the three F’s with specific clothing choices 21:07 - The impact of accessories like scarves and shoes to elevate outfits 22:35 - Mixing textures and silhouettes for interest 24:01 - The importance of current shapes and styles to feel modern 25:57 - Incorporating thrifted and vintage pieces for unique wardrobe additions 27:25 - The role of interesting jackets and textured fabrics 28:22 - Staying updated with silhouettes like baggy or structured styles 29:17 - Using accessories like bags and shoes to add tension and personality 30:44 - Sustainable shopping and secondhand gems for individuality 31:14 - Final encouragement to subscribe and share style ideas

If you love this podcast - please hit the follow button adn leave a review - it really supports my work and helps the podcast get noticed. Thank you!

 

Click here to subscribe to the Substack Newsletter that runs alongside this podcast to get all Lisa's recommendations on what to wear. Super Styling with Lisa Gillbe

Are you looking to refine your personal style but unsure where to start? In this episode, Lisa Gillbe shares actionable strategies to understand and articulate your unique style, especially suited for summer wardrobes.

Key Topics:

• The importance of questioning why you do or don’t wear certain pieces, especially seasonal wardrobe items
• Decluttering your wardrobe to reveal your current style and preferences
• Creating a Pinterest board that represents your holistic self, beyond just fashion
• Using the three-word method to distill and describe your personal style with adjectives
• Tapping into your gut instincts to identify what makes you feel great or uncomfortable in clothing
• Recognizing recurring themes in your style journey and how to adapt them over time
• The significance of personality traits and personal preferences in shaping your wardrobe choices

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why questioning your wardrobe choices clarifies your personal style
00:28 - Decluttering as a tool for revealing your current style
00:56 - Using Pinterest to explore your aesthetic beyond fashion
01:22 - Incorporating home decor and lifestyle elements into style insights
01:49 - The three-word method for defining your personal style with adjectives
02:17 - How your personality influences your clothing choices
02:47 - Narrowing down choices by understanding what works for you
03:14 - The power of descriptive adjectives in setting style guardrails
03:43 - How personal style reflects who you are and your personality
04:10 - Tapping into your instincts to identify what you love or dislike in clothing
04:39 - The importance of buying pieces you love and understanding why they resonate
05:07 - Recognizing recurring themes and evolving your style over time
05:35 - Encouragement to subscribe for more insights and personal style guidance

Resources & Links:

• Substack: Style Power with Lisa Gillbe — Join for ongoing style tips and community

Connect with Lisa Gilby:

• Instagram
• Website

Feel empowered to question, reflect, and craft a personal style that truly speaks to who you are!.

Want to ask a question for Lisa to answer on this podcast? Email Lisa@lisagillbestyle.com

Podcast Shownotes

In this episode, I’m talking about why real style starts within, not from endless outside fixes. Inspiration from Instagram, friends, celebrities, and everywhere else can be brilliant — but until you understand your own inherent personal style, it all tends to feel confusing and disconnected.

After 16 years as a personal stylist and having looked inside hundreds of wardrobes, I’ve seen the same two reasons people struggle again and again. In this episode, I break down what they are, why they keep happening, and the practical steps you need to take to start dressing with more clarity and confidence.

I’m also sharing a little update from the New Day Originals pop-up boutique in Notting Hill, where I’ll be styling the new collection tomorrow and chatting about this very topic in real life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why looking outward for style inspiration only gets you so far.

• The difference between inspiration and true personal style.

• The two main reasons people struggle with their wardrobes.

• How to start uncovering your own style from the inside out.

• Why your wardrobe feels easier once you know what is actually you.

Mentioned in this episode:

• New Day Originals pop-up boutique, Notting Hill.

• Styling the new collection tomorrow.

• Personal style clarity, wardrobe confidence, and dressing from within.

Episode takeaway:

If your wardrobe feels confusing, the answer may not be to buy more, copy more, or follow more trends. The real shift happens when you stop looking for an outside fix and start getting honest about your own style identity.

Style becomes so much easier when you stop asking, “What should I wear?” and start asking, “What already feels like me?”

Want more style tips? Sign up to Lisa's Substack here: https://lisagillbe.substack.com/

 

Do the 3-word workbook! Find your 3 words: https://canva.link/qwcrtx38igoxwor

 

Please hit the follow button and leave me a review ❤️

 

In this episode of The Style Stories Podcast, I’m joined by the wonderful Lady Terese Robinson — novelist, former PR and events professional, and wife of the late, great Sir Ken Robinson, whose TED Talk Do Schools Kill Creativity? became one of the most watched of all time.

Lady T has lived a richly varied life, from the UK to Los Angeles, and her style story is every bit as interesting as her career journey. We talk about how style evolves over time, why experimentation is an important part of finding your own look, and how she always returns to her core style personality: undone, sexy, classic and chic.

We also get into one of my favourite subjects — the idea that style is ageless. We challenge the outdated, fear-based rules the media still pushes about what women “should” or “shouldn’t” wear at certain ages, and make the case for dressing in a way that feels true to you, not dictated by somebody else’s opinion.

One of the most powerful parts of style is how it makes you feel. When you wear something that feels like you, you move differently, show up differently and feel more confident. In this conversation, Lady T and I talk about how to notice what works, why it works, and how paying attention to that can help you build a wardrobe that feels more and more natural over time.

This episode is a celebration of individuality, confidence and the freedom to dress without apology.

Episode description

Lady Terese Robinson joins me to talk about style, identity and confidence at any age. We discuss why experimentation matters, why style is ageless, and why the best outfits are the ones that make you feel most like yourself.

Find Lady T's books here: http://ladytherese.com/home

Follow Lisa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lisegillbestylist/?hl=en

Work with Lisa - styling services here: https://www.lisagillbestyle.com/wardrobe-refresh

 

 

 

Wardrobe Declutter: More Than Just Tidying—Unlock Your True Style

Decluttering your wardrobe isn't about chucking out old clothes to free up space. Done right, it's a powerful reset that reveals your personal style DNA. In this episode, I walk you through my proven Describe, Declutter, Define, Direct roadmap—leaving you with a streamlined closet and fresh insights into what you truly love wearing.

Why Spring Is Declutter Season

The shift to lighter days makes it the ideal time to shed winter layers and rediscover what sparks joy. You'll finish organised, inspired, and ready for warmer months—no more "I have nothing to wear" mornings.

Trends I'll Wear (and Skip) for Spring/Summer 2026

I break down the big ones: Romantic florals, vintage revival, dramatic volume, literary chic. Which fits your vibe? Stay modern without ditching your inherent style—I'll explain why some trends earn a spot in my wardrobe and others get ignored.

Bonus Perks

Subscribe to my Substack at lisagillbe.substack.com for weekly outfit ideas, shop finds I'm loving, and our soon-to-launch subscriber chat. Ask me your style questions and connect with like-minded women.

Another value-packed episode that will get you looking at your wardrobe with fresh eyes! Hit play and transform your wardrobe today.

Find out more about Lisa's styling services and get in touch here:

https://www.lisagillbestyle.com/wardrobe-refresh

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get ready for one of the most thought-provoking and empowering conversations yet! In this episode, Lisa Gillbe sits down with Jacynth Bassett, founder of The Bias Cut, to unpack the real story behind ageism in fashion — and what it means for our personal style, mindset, and self-image. 

Together, they dive deep into:

• How ageism subtly shapes what we wear (and why we should challenge it)

• The rise of pro-age movements and the power of social media in changing the narrative

• What brands are finally beginning to get right — and where they still miss the mark

• How YOU can embrace style at every stage of life without apology

Lisa brings her signature wit, warmth, and expertise to this rich, eye-opening discussion that will make you rethink everything you know about “dressing your age.”

✨ Don’t miss a moment — hit subscribe! Stay inspired with Lisa’s latest episodes, style insights, and behind-the-scenes updates over on Substack: lisagillbe.substack.com

💫 Follow Lisa daily for outfit ideas and real-life style talk on Instagram: @lisagillbestyle

If you love this episode, share it, subscribe, and leave a review — because conversations like these need to be heard. Style isn’t about age; it’s about attitude. 

Find 'Ageism is Never in Style' here: https://www.ageismisneverinstyle.com/