Allison Bornstein’s approach to styling and wardrobe consultation reflect a focus on listening,
supportiveness, and empathy. “A former boss once told me she worried about me in this
industry because I’m too nice,” Bornstein, 35, says on a recent call from Los Angeles. With
nearly half a million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, a new book, Wear It
Well, and a packed schedule of FaceTime sessions with clients around the world who want to
integrate their wardrobe choices with their emotional wellbeing, Bornstein advocates for a
gentler path to unlocking personal style. “You can help people and have a critical eye while still
being kind,” Bornstein says.
Take closet cleanouts. Influenced by her grandfather, a psychoanalyst, Bornstein sees these
purges as opportunities for reflection, not penance and pants policing. “I’ve had clients in tears
because they think I’m going to force them to get rid of things,” she says. “People are
emotional about their connection to their clothes. Wardrobe edits doesn’t need to be that
harsh.” Instead, Bornstein turns toward ritual and urges introspection. “Light a candle,” she
writes in Wear It Well. “Let your shoulders soften.” Next comes breathwork and free flow
journaling, writing down and releasing yourself from the lifetime of stinging, shaming remarks
your inner critic (and your mother) sling in heavy rotation. Bornstein believes this act of calm
confrontation will set you free and allow intent and vision to sharpen around looks that instill
confidence.
The idea to develop a social-media-driven fashion advice business based on forging real connections to everyday people and their wardrobe concerns came to Bornstein after years of styling fashion editorials and celebrities. “It was always fun,” Bornstein says, “but I liked the idea of what the art director was wearing on set rather than what we were putting on the models.”
The idea to develop a social-media-driven fashion advice business based on forging real connections to everyday people and their wardrobe concerns came to Bornstein after years of styling fashion editorials and celebrities. “It was always fun,” Bornstein says, “but I liked the idea of what the art director was wearing on set rather than what we were putting on the models.”
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Vendor:
Black Leather Preowned Ava Ballet Flats (UK9)
Regular price £475.00Regular priceUnit price / per
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Vendor:
Black Leather Preowned Ava Ballet Flats (UK9)
Regular price £475.00Regular priceUnit price / per
“Magazines provide constant information about what to get and constant reminders to get more, but there’s less out there about after care, what to do with it, how to wear it, how to live with it, and when to let it go.”
With a background in magazines, both as a lifelong reader and former Teen Vogue intern,
Bornstein understands how to package information in a way that encourages action. Her “three
words” method helps clients and followers develop a headline for their own style, pinpointing
their guiding fashion principles so shopping and getting dressed can be experiences based on
deeply held values rather than underlying anxiety. “Choosing three words helps my clients feel
seen, and helps them see themselves,” Bornstein says. Wear It Well even offers a word wheel
to aid readers in understanding where their preferences may land from categories like sporty,
vintage, or soft, classic, bohemian, or daring.
“Magazines provide constant information about what to get and constant reminders to get more, but there’s less out there about after care,” Bornstein says, “what to do with it, how to wear it, how to live with it, and when to let it go.” Her appreciation for Reluxe stems from her admiration for founder Clare Richardson’s legendary eye for timeless pieces and for its reliability when it comes to finding something special that feels pulled from the rack, not from an algorithm. “The curation is excellent,” Bornstein says, “and it’s so fulfilling to have the opportunity to pass on a piece you love to somebody else who will love it, too.”
“Magazines provide constant information about what to get and constant reminders to get more, but there’s less out there about after care,” Bornstein says, “what to do with it, how to wear it, how to live with it, and when to let it go.” Her appreciation for Reluxe stems from her admiration for founder Clare Richardson’s legendary eye for timeless pieces and for its reliability when it comes to finding something special that feels pulled from the rack, not from an algorithm. “The curation is excellent,” Bornstein says, “and it’s so fulfilling to have the opportunity to pass on a piece you love to somebody else who will love it, too.”
“The Reluxe curation is excellent, and it’s so fulfilling to have the
opportunity to pass on a piece you love to somebody else who will love it, too.”
As the holiday and winter travel seasons approach, Bornstein doubles down on connecting
wardrobe to self-knowledge. “Keep your three words in mind when you’re going anywhere,”
Bornstein says. “You want to avoid having a suitcase full of clothes that look like a costume of
the place you’re going. I’ve done that more times than I’d like to admit. You don’t want to be
cosplaying ‘Woman in Mexico.’ You want to be yourself in Mexico.”
As year-end moves towards New Year’s resolutions, Bornstein offers one more future-facing tip characteristically rooted in the idea of standing in front of your closet and giving yourself ample grace. “It’s good to know your style and have your three words,” Bornstein says. “But it’s also good to evolve, to change, and to reach toward something when you’re getting dressed.”
As year-end moves towards New Year’s resolutions, Bornstein offers one more future-facing tip characteristically rooted in the idea of standing in front of your closet and giving yourself ample grace. “It’s good to know your style and have your three words,” Bornstein says. “But it’s also good to evolve, to change, and to reach toward something when you’re getting dressed.”
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Vendor:
18k White Gold Preowned Hoop Earrings
Regular price £450.00Regular priceUnit price / perSold -
Vendor:
Black Pinstripe Double-Breasted Vent Blazer
Regular price £310.00Regular priceUnit price / per
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Vendor:
Black Boxy Bouclé Knit
Regular price £245.00Regular priceUnit price / per
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Vendor:
18k White Gold Preowned Hoop Earrings
Regular price £450.00Regular priceUnit price / perSold -
Vendor:
Black Pinstripe Double-Breasted Vent Blazer
Regular price £310.00Regular priceUnit price / per
-
Vendor:
Black Boxy Bouclé Knit
Regular price £245.00Regular priceUnit price / per
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