I'm a Celebrity Stylist—Here's How I Built A Sustainable Workwear Wardrobe

Determining what to wear to work is never easy, but it can be even more of a challenge when your occupation isn’t the typical desk job. In a bid to shake up our own work wardrobes, we sought out the advice of some of the best dressed working women. Next up is Clare Richardson, celebrity stylist and founder of luxury preloved fashion boutique Reluxe. As Clare balances a busy schedule of A-list clients, editorial shoots and running a business, we asked her what workwear means to her and which key pieces she relies on for each of the (very) different roles her job demands.

You initially started out in styling and editorial, and have worked with some of the biggest names in luxury fashion and an impressive roster of celebrity clients. Did you always want to work in the fashion industry and what are your memories of starting out?

I studied at Central Saint Martins and had always wanted to be a journalist, but I was doing lots of amazing work experience and the styling came quite naturally. I loved the research element, and as a visual person, loved the idea of creating imagery that captured a moment in time.

How does what you wear to work differ from your off-duty and weekend wardrobe?

What I wear to work tends to be a bit smarter however, I always have a slight boyish element in whatever I wear. I wear my clothes and I'm on my feet all day, so they have to not wear me—everything has to be fundamentally comfortable first. That's why I love Phoebe Philo.

As an advocate for the slow fashion approach, setting up Reluxe and the recently opened Reluxe in Residence encourages customers to shop preloved designer pieces that are difficult to find anywhere else. When did the idea first come about and how did you get it off the ground?

I was always drawn to vintage or as we now call it, preloved. I enjoyed the hunt and idea of sourcing pieces that felt unique, or that no one else had. That then really turned into a passion for shopping more sustainably and thinking about the impact my purchases had on the world. I think being exposed to product through my brand consultancy as well as styling and seeing first-hand how we consume clothing is what really drew me to launching Reluxe Fashion. A place to truly celebrate the great pieces that my friends and community had collected over the years and give those pieces a second life.

How do you source pieces and what gets you most excited about sharing them with customers?

We source directly from our community, our network are some of the most stylish women around the world, many who I have been lucky enough to work and engage with over the years through my styling. And now two years in, we also have an incredible client network who are sharing their wardrobes with us.

What was your first pinch-me moment—a time you realised that something you’d worked on and pushed for had had an impact?

There are so many moments however, Jennifer Aniston wearing Reluxe Fashion in the WSJ was a highlight. She is so iconic, and it felt like a true representation of the community we were building. More recently, we partnered with denim brand Madewell in the USA on a preloved edit that launched online and across five of their physical locations. Seeing Reluxe Fashion on the shop floor on Fifth Avenue was incredible—for a brand and retailer to be embracing preloved alongside their edit is fundamental to us changing the landscape. Preloved, rental and repair are all becoming part of the broader conversation and that excites me.

Who are your style icons, and how have they influenced the way you dress?

I’m drawn to the style of women like Marianne Faithful, Joan Didion and Charlotte Gainsbourg. They are all daring with a rock n’ roll sensibility and yet each so timeless and refined in their approach to dressing.

How has your style evolved from when you first started out compared to now?

I’d say I was a little more experimental before, although that still carries through with my love for bohemian and free-spirited dressing. I think now I really try to maintain a sense of elegance while also embracing comfort, and not letting trends dictate too much.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Getting the kids ready for their day before I can start mine (which on a good day) means exercise before I head to the office to be with the team. Otherwise, I’m travelling or on set. But I rarely sit still!

What's your favourite go-to outfit, and how does it make you feel?

I tend to gravitate to big trousers, and a small t-shirt, always slightly boy-ish. For the winter, I layer with a classic knit paired with a great knee-high boot. Clothing for me is deeply personal, and it needs to make me feel both comfortable and confident.

What advice would you give to women thinking of setting up and starting their own business?

I’d say do it! There is so much power in taking a concept and idea to the world and finding ways to engage people with it. It’s a lot of hard work and it is important to surround yourself with great people that can help you along the way. I find strength in a number of other founders, and often find peers really are the best source of encouragement.

What top tips would you give those looking to make more sustainable changes to their wardrobes?

Really consider your purchases and think of each item as an investment, think about not only the now but how this product's life cycle could extend beyond your own wardrobe. Also don’t be afraid to bring pieces back, wear on repeat and repair - we all have those pieces in our wardrobe that deserve to be worn again.

What's on your vision board for 2025?

We have worked on some incredible projects with Reluxe this past year - from our Residence in Notting Hill through to partnerships with Gleneagles, Goop and Madewell which bought preloved into more physical spaces both in the UK and US. Next year, we are hoping to continue this exciting journey and hopefully find a more permanent home alongside our ecommerce site.

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