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March 22, 2025 5 min read

Wardrobe Essentials and Styling Secrets with Abby Young

When it comes to personal and commercial styling, few people have the range and expertise of Abby Young. Abby isn’t just the most stylish and colorful person in the room—she’s a highly sought-after wardrobe stylist with a talent for helping clients feel confident and polished. In episode 18 of the Beauty Lab Podcast, Velia and Monina sit down with Abby to uncover her expert tips on building a strong wardrobe foundation, understanding capsule wardrobes, and why color analysis and tailoring are game-changers when it comes to personal style.

Whether you're revamping your wardrobe, packing for a trip, or simply trying to refine your style, Abby's insights will help you feel more put together and confident in your clothing choices.

Meet Abby Young: Professional Stylist with a Global Reach

Abby Young isn’t your average stylist. She works with both men and women in personal and commercial settings, offering services that include:
✔️ Closet edits
✔️ Personal shopping
✔️ Color analysis
✔️ Virtual and in-home styling
✔️ Commercial branding and lookbook styling

Her client base extends beyond the Bay Area and California—she now serves clients in Arizona, New York, Washington, and even internationally. Abby’s expertise goes beyond putting together outfits—she helps clients build a wardrobe that reflects their lifestyle, personality, and professional goals.

Why a Strong Wardrobe Foundation Matters

Abby emphasizes the importance of building a wardrobe foundation. Without the right basics, even the most stylish statement pieces won’t work as well. According to Abby, these are the must-have staples everyone should have in their closet:

  • A pair of versatile sneakers

  • Go-to heels and boots

  • A black pair of pants

  • Solid-color T-shirts

  • A dressy jacket

  • An everyday jacket

These pieces serve as the foundation for countless outfit combinations. Having reliable basics makes it easier to put together polished outfits without stress.

"It’s important to have those key foundations in your wardrobe. When you have those go-to pieces, you can quickly put together a stylish look without overthinking it." – Abby Young

Capsule Wardrobes: The Key to Effortless Style

Capsule wardrobes have become a popular solution for streamlining fashion choices and reducing decision fatigue. Abby explains that about 50% of her clients prefer capsule wardrobes because they make getting dressed easier.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe includes 30 to 80 pieces that all work together interchangeably. The goal is to be able to mix and match outfits effortlessly. For example, a pair of black pants should pair with multiple tops, jackets, and shoes, creating a wide range of combinations without needing dozens of pieces.

This strategy is especially helpful when packing for travel or refreshing your look for a new season. By investing in versatile, high-quality pieces, you can simplify your wardrobe while maintaining variety in your outfits.

"A capsule wardrobe is perfect for packing. You’ll know everything works together, and you won’t overpack." – Abby Young

Biggest Styling Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even the most fashion-savvy individuals make styling mistakes. Abby shared some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Neglecting Tailoring

"Most clothes aren’t going to fit perfectly off the rack. Tailoring makes a huge difference in how polished and put-together you look."

Clothing brands design pieces based on general body measurements—not your unique shape. Taking the time to have a tailor adjust the fit of a jacket, pants, or dress can elevate the look and make it feel custom-made.

2. Holding Onto Old Clothes

Many people struggle with letting go of clothes that no longer serve them. Whether it’s out of nostalgia or the hope that they’ll fit again one day, hanging onto old clothes can clutter your closet and limit your options.

"If you haven’t worn it in two years, it’s time to let it go." – Abby Young

3. Skipping Steaming or Ironing

Wrinkled clothes can instantly make an otherwise stylish outfit look sloppy. Investing in a good steamer or taking a few minutes to iron your clothes can make a big difference.

The Psychology of Clothing and Confidence

What you wear impacts not just how others see you—but how you see yourself. Abby explains that clothing holds a lot of psychological power.

"Wearing clothes that fit you well and reflect your personal style changes the way you carry yourself. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you naturally project more confidence."

This is especially important for business owners, professionals, and anyone who regularly interacts with clients or customers. Your clothing choices create an immediate impression and help you communicate authority and trustworthiness.

Color Analysis and Why It Matters

Color analysis is one of Abby’s specialties. It’s based on identifying the tones and shades that complement your skin tone, eye color, and hair color.

How Color Analysis Works

Abby explained that older versions of color analysis would assign you to one season—like winter or summer. Today, color analysis is more flexible. Even if you have dominant cool or warm undertones, you may be able to wear shades from multiple seasons depending on how you style them.

"Even if a color isn’t your best, you can wear it in a pattern or pair it with a jacket in a more flattering shade." – Abby Young

Knowing your best colors helps you avoid wasting money on clothes that don’t suit you—and makes it easier to pull together outfits that enhance your natural features.

Styling for Your Body Shape

Abby stressed the importance of knowing your body shape and how to dress for it. There are five primary body silhouettes based on shoulder, waist, and hip proportions:

  • Hourglass

  • Pear

  • Apple

  • Rectangle

  • Inverted Triangle

Once you know your silhouette, you can choose styles that balance your proportions and enhance your natural shape.

How to Work with Abby Young

If you’re ready to refine your personal style, Abby offers a range of services:

  • Closet edits – Clean out and reorganize your closet with a professional touch

  • Personal shopping – Let Abby curate a wardrobe that fits your lifestyle and preferences

  • Virtual and in-home styling – Get expert advice from the comfort of your home

  • Branding and commercial styling – Elevate your business’s visual identity with professional styling

Conclusion

Abby Young’s styling advice goes beyond choosing clothes—it’s about understanding yourself and using fashion to enhance your confidence. Whether you’re simplifying your wardrobe with a capsule collection, learning about color analysis, or getting your clothes tailored, Abby’s insights will help you feel more polished and put-together every day.

Links Mentioned

Visitabbyyoungstyling.com to learn more about Abby’s services, download her free style guide, and take her upcoming style quiz.