does everyone secretly have a stylist?

where we err when we get dressed, according to my stylist friend

A few years ago, I discovered that a number of my best-dressed friends, many with great taste and a healthy amount of discretionary income, had the subtle use of a stylist. It wasn’t shameful by any means, but it also wasn’t regularly talked about, a secret weapon that slipped into conversation from time to time.

Given my line of work, I didn’t get it at first. Why outsource something that’s fun? But slowly I started to notice a pattern. A chic Jacquemus bomber I hadn’t seen in stores, plucked for a friend by her stylist. A stunning dress from a brand I never would have considered for a fancy Venice wedding, chosen from a stack of options provided by … her stylist.

And then I started to think about all the back and forth text chains I’ve participated in over the years, of mirror photos and waffling over choices (hmmm i’d need to see it on) and styling dilemmas, and all the hours I’ve spent wondering the flat or the heel? and wondered if I was the one being frivolous with my time.

1. A…