The Celebrity Stylist’s Secret Weapon (And the Importance of Appearances)

Last year, I had the pleasure of working for an extended period as a wardrobe assistant on Netflix’s late night show, Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney. Over the course of our four months, I assisted a team of celebrity stylists, and I began to notice a pattern. Every two weeks, the stylists would all show up with freshly manicured nails. Usually in a neutral color, with softened edges. 

I didn’t think anything of it, until one of the stylists mentioned that she included the costs of her manicures as a work expense. 

She explained that, as a stylist, she spent a lot of time around people and had found that a clean, neutral appearance helped clients feel more comfortable. Everything from her nails to the perfume was curated around her client’s experience. Manicured nails made clients more comfortable with being touched. Neutral perfumes meant less chance of the scent transferring to her client's clothing. As a stylist, her professional appearance is a part of her brand. Proof that dressing for the job you want doesn’t stop when you get that job. 

Do you alter your appearance for your job? I’d love to hear some examples of ways your fashion augments your function!