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Polly Goodyear on First Impressions

client communication

personal styling

Polly Goodyear shares the first questions she asks her personal styling clients.

Words by 

Megan Hill

Published on 

September 29, 2022

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After developing a love for shopping at age 12, it was only natural for Polly Goodyear to build a career as a personal stylist and gift concierge.

Polly works to create wardrobes for every style, body, and budget—so that getting dressed is always simple, flattering and fun.

Keep it simple

Polly's client communication often begins via email, and then migrates to text as they get to know one another better. "Most of my clients send selfies via text if they are looking for my input. Alternatively, we simply meet in person."

Crucial first steps

An intake questionnaire and client photos are critical first steps in Polly's process. She also learns a lot about her client during the initial closet edit.

If her process goes to plan, Polly knows her client will love everything she suggests when it comes to new purchases and styling of existing pieces.

Finding the time

Sometimes, finding time in her client's schedule is Polly's biggest challenge—finding a block of 3-4 hours for a client to focus solely on themselves and their closet is easier said than done! "Whilst I don’t need my client to be up to her elbows in her own stuff, I do need her to try a lot on and give me a lot of information about her self-image, how things fit, what works for her lifestyle and what her goals are."|

Client deep dive

What questions make up the initial questionnaire that acts as such a crucial step in Polly's process? We challenged Polly to recreate client intake questionnaire—if she had just ~5 questions to work with...

Who... do you want to embody when you get dressed? Who is your style icon?

What... do you feel are your biggest challenges when it comes to getting dressed?

Which... areas of your body do you like to conceal or flaunt?

When... do you feel great about your style and look? What makes you feel great wearing that?

Why... do you shy away from wearing X? What could make you feel more comfortable trying those items?

Find a bank of styling advice on Polly's Instagram, or learn more about her services on her website.

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