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Fashion Style for Women in the Workplace
How to Dress Simple but Stylish
Everyday Fashion Tips That Actually Work
Iconic Outfits Begin with Identity
The State of Style: Why Fashion Still Matters
How to Choose a Blazer That Works
Work and Style: Can They Coexist?
What Style Suits My Personality?
Final Thoughts: Confidence Begins with Clarity
In this episode of The Style for Life Podcast, Stephanie Rumble opens up a nuanced and honest conversation around professional appearance, clothing expectations, and personal values. Drawing from her two decades of experience as a fashion stylist and accountability coach, Stephanie walks listeners through the realities of helping others improve their appearance in sensitive workplace contexts. While this episode is framed around the question, how do you find your style, it explores the subject through the lens of workplace appropriateness, values, and identity.
What begins as a discussion about what to wear becomes a deeper insight into confidence, values, and communication. From personal style consultation experiences to the emotional complexity of dress codes, Stephanie offers real-life stories and actionable advice that blend professional styling advice with compassion.
Fashion Style for Women in the Workplace
This episode also features insights from international stylist Chelsea Brice, who joins Stephanie in the conversation. Chelsea brings a wealth of experience from both Melbourne and New Zealand, with her own styling services available at chelseabrice.com. Their shared dialogue highlights how personal style can reflect identity, values, and confidence across both personal and professional spheres. The concept of fashion style for women often comes with expectations — some empowering, others limiting. In professional settings, it becomes even more layered. Stephanie notes that many women are never formally taught how to dress, or come from backgrounds where clothing wasn’t prioritised.
"Style is something you can learn — it’s not just something you’re born with." ~ Chelsea Brice
She describes how discomfort in clothing often signals a mismatch between a woman’s wardrobe and her confidence. Clients tug at clothes, avoid layering, or follow trends without adapting them. The absence of comfort or structure often indicates a lack of alignment with one's personal style. Stephanie’s approach helps women connect with clothing that matches not only their body but their identity.
This episode makes it clear that style is a skill, not a personality trait. A few fundamentals can make a world of difference:
Clothes should fit your shape and support your role
Clothes should express who you are — not just cover your body
Uniformity or trend-following without self-awareness doesn’t foster confidence
Stephanie’s core advice: basic fashion styles are not about blending in — they’re about forming a toolkit that supports self-expression.
How to Dress Simple but Stylish
To do that well:
Start with structure: a good jacket or blazer frames the outfit
Use neutral or base colours to ground your look
Add one element that makes the outfit personal — a shoe, accessory or accent colour
This method supports a polished appearance without overthinking. Stephanie emphasises this especially in professional contexts, where simplicity can signal clarity and reliability. Her wardrobe audits often reveal that fewer, better pieces do more for confidence than overstuffed closets.
This is also where services like a personal style consultation shine. A stylist can quickly help define what looks feel most 'you' — cutting through the overwhelm and shopping mistakes.
Everyday Fashion Tips That Actually Work
One of Stephanie’s specialties is helping people who feel stuck in their wardrobe. Her everyday fashion tips come from real-world scenarios — such as clients needing to dress for a promotion or struggling to find appropriate workwear.
"It’s not about looking perfect — it’s about feeling like yourself in what you wear." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Tips that emerged from this episode include:
Respect the dress code, but don’t lose yourself in it
If something feels uncomfortable, there’s probably a better option
Confidence starts with understanding your wardrobe basics
She also shared signs that someone may be struggling with style:
Clothes that are too tight, baggy, or unintentionally revealing
Wearing uncomfortable items and constantly adjusting them
A lack of layering or missing essential accessories
These aren’t issues of vanity — they are signals of discomfort or lack of knowledge. Working with a personal stylist based in Christchurch, such as Stephanie, can help resolve these challenges practically, with kindness.
Iconic Outfits Begin with Identity
Many clients seek help because their clothing no longer matches who they are. They’ve changed roles, gained or lost weight, or simply entered a new phase of life. Stephanie uses personal style consultation to reconnect people with themselves.
Examples of iconic fashion pieces include:
A well-cut black or white blazer
Tailored womens jeans with no sag or tug
Simple knitwear or button-ups in confidence-boosting colours
These timeless pieces work in various settings — office, events, or everyday life. Stephanie’s advice: let your capsule wardrobe for women plan begin with clarity, not clutter.
If you’re looking to make lasting wardrobe changes, you may want to explore Stephanie’s broader styling services and see how they can support your long-term goals.
The State of Style: Why Fashion Still Matters
Fashion is more than personal—it’s economic. Recent statistics show just how significant apparel and style are to New Zealand’s online and offline retail markets:
Online shoppers spent $1.73 billion in Q4 2024, up 9% on the previous year’s holiday quarter (NZ Post Business IQ)
Retail sales climbed 0.8% in Q1 2025, largely driven by strong results in clothing, motor vehicles, and pharmaceuticals (MarketPulse)
New Zealand’s apparel market volume is projected to reach 312 million pieces by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.91% from 2025 to 2029 (New Zealand Apparel)
The e-commerce market in New Zealand grew by 12.3% to $7.5 billion NZD in 2023, with projections to reach $10.8 billion NZD by 2028 (Retail Asia)
These numbers reflect a broader cultural and economic truth: fashion isn’t just about how we look, it’s about how we live, spend, and express.
How to Choose a Blazer That Works
Blazers are mentioned multiple times as game-changing pieces. Learning how to choose a blazer makes a huge difference in creating confidence-boosting outfits.
"I’ve seen transformations happen just from one great jacket." ~ Chelsea Brice
Key considerations Stephanie advises:
The blazer colour should complement your skin tone and wardrobe
Shoulders should fit precisely — not too tight, not dropping
The style (cropped, hip-length, oversized) should match your personality and proportions
Stephanie shares stories of clients whose whole professional presence changed with one great blazer. It signalled a new standard of self-presentation, often opening new opportunities. The blazer becomes part of their visual identity.
Finding the Perfect Jeans
Jeans are another sticking point for clients. Stephanie calls them the most requested item in styling sessions — and often the most elusive. The episode provides great insight into choosing the perfect jeans:
Fit is everything — too much stretch or saggy denim won’t serve you
Go for classic cuts that flatter your shape: straight-leg, slim or slightly wide
The right rise is crucial — most women do best in mid to high rise
Finding great womens jeans creates versatility. They can go from work to weekend with ease — especially when paired with one of those iconic blazers.
Work and Style: Can They Coexist?
The real heart of this episode is where Stephanie explores the delicate intersection of work and style. Her stories — from being hired to tactfully guide someone’s wardrobe shift, to receiving criticism herself — highlight how emotional and sensitive appearance can be.
Her tips for navigating workplace dress codes include:
Make sure your values align with your workplace’s expectations
Understand the dress policy and follow it professionally
Use accessories and colour to retain identity while staying within guidelines
Stephanie encourages organisations to adopt respectful, inclusive dress code policies. She also offers to run in-person education workshops that give teams and managers the tools to talk about appearance and dress codes in a constructive and professional way.
What Style Suits My Personality?
Answering what style suits my personality is not just about aesthetics — it’s about self-knowledge. Stephanie uses examples of how people tug at their stomachs or layer poorly when their outfits don’t match how they feel.
"If it’s making you self-conscious, it’s probably not the right thing to be wearing." ~ Stephanie Rumble
She encourages clients to think about:
What colours give them energy?
What textures make them feel calm or powerful?
Are they expressive or minimalist in nature?
These insights, combined with tools like a colour analysis in Auckland, give clarity to wardrobe choices. Once people learn their preferences and physical proportions, they start to dress with intention — and feel more at ease in their bodies.
Final Thoughts: Confidence Begins with Clarity
The main takeaway from this podcast is simple: answering how do you find your style starts by identifying how you want to feel — and dressing accordingly. Style isn’t about pleasing others or following trends. It’s about aligning your external image with your internal sense of self.
Stephanie Rumble’s compassionate, practical approach makes that process easier. Whether you're revisiting your work wardrobe, seeking capsule wardrobe for women inspiration, or simply looking for everyday fashion tips, her advice blends real-world function with emotional intelligence.
A few timeless principles:
Timeless pieces anchor you — invest in them
Respect workplace boundaries but retain self-expression
If you don’t know what to wear, seek a personal style consultation — it saves time and prevents overwhelm
In the end, style is not just about how you look — it’s about how you live and how you show up for yourself each day.
If you're looking to take a broader view of your personal or professional presence, Stephanie also offers tailored education and speaking programmes to empower groups, businesses and individuals through style, communication, and mindset.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my outfit is inappropriate for work?
If you're constantly tugging at your clothes, receiving side-eye from colleagues, or questioning whether something is "too much," it may be a sign that your outfit isn’t aligned with your workplace dress code. Observe what others in your office are wearing and refer to any formal dress policies provided. If in doubt, consult a stylist or HR for guidance.
What are some signs that someone doesn't know how to dress well?
Common signs include clothing that doesn't fit properly, a lack of layering or accessories, excessive following of trends without personalisation, and visible discomfort in clothing. Stephanie highlights these indicators as starting points to offer kind support or professional guidance.
What should I do if I need to talk to someone about their appearance at work?
Approach the conversation respectfully and privately. Use company dress policies as a reference point to avoid making the discussion feel personal. Stephanie recommends staying solutions-focused and offering resources, or even suggesting a professional styling session to help.
What if I disagree with my workplace dress code?
If your workplace dress code conflicts with your values or personal style, consider whether the environment aligns with who you are. Stephanie shares examples of clients who’ve declined jobs based on uniforms. If the conflict persists, having a respectful conversation with leadership or HR may be worthwhile.
How do I choose clothes that reflect my personality?
Start by asking how you want to feel — confident, relaxed, bold? Then choose textures, colours and fits that align with those feelings. Services like a personal style consultation can help clarify your preferences and build a wardrobe that authentically represents you.
Why are blazers considered essential wardrobe items?
Blazers provide instant structure and professionalism. Whether dressed up or worn casually, they anchor outfits and help communicate authority and confidence. Stephanie often recommends a few go-to blazers for both work and casual wear.
Why do jeans cause so many wardrobe problems?
Finding the right jeans can be difficult because of variables like fit, rise, stretch, and body proportions. Stephanie calls them one of the most requested items in styling sessions. Getting professional help to find your perfect pair can make a huge difference.
What is a capsule wardrobe and how can it help me?
A capsule wardrobe is a small, curated collection of clothes that mix and match easily. It saves time, reduces shopping overwhelm, and supports consistent style. Stephanie helps clients build capsule wardrobes tailored to their lifestyle and personality.
How do I gently suggest someone may benefit from professional styling?
Offer encouragement, not criticism. A helpful way is to share your own positive experience or recommend a stylist like Stephanie in a way that feels collaborative. Highlighting confidence or results can also frame the suggestion positively.
Are there styling services available in New Zealand?
Yes — Stephanie Rumble offers a range of styling, wardrobe, and colour consultation services via Bright Red, based in Christchurch. Whether you're shopping for a new role or revamping your closet, you can book a personal style consultation to get started.
