Self Image & Ageing Gracefully in Style
Q&A with Your Time Magazine & Spree with Me
For feature: ‘Ageing gracefully is all about living life your way’ Nov ‘25.
Carol Baker sought advice from Imogene Whittle (Lead Personal Stylist, Founder of Spree with Me Personal Stylists) for improving self-image over 55 and being the best version of ourselves we can be:
“If your wardrobe is simply bursting at the seams and you still have nothing to wear, try a personal stylist. Imogene Whittle, from Spree With Me in Brisbane, says a stylist can help fine-tune your signature style, to dress for your personality, lifestyle, shape and colouring.”
Above L to R: Celia, Karen, Imogene & Ann - all personal stylists on the Spree with Me Style Squad.
1. What are the benefits of enlisting the help of a stylist?
Enlisting the help of a personal stylist is a great way to get a renewed sense of confidence - in yourself, your style, and your outfit choices.
A good personal stylist can help you to understand your unique signature style and how to dress for your current personality, lifestyle, shape and colouring.
Our bodies and lifestyles continue to change through menopause, midlife and beyond. I’ve supported both men and women who often struggle to learn how to dress well for changes in age. Getting professional help can make all the difference.
Spree Style Queens exploring Australian fashion on James Street with Imogene.
A personal stylist will often start at your home and in your wardrobe, rediscovering pieces that work, letting go of what doesn’t, and helping you to identify the gaps.
We can fast-track how to update your style in a way that feels authentic, and changing any style ruts or shopping habits you may have fallen into. For example, falling into the habit of buying the same types of items time and time again is a common mistake to make.
“It’s a great option to help you making your wardrobe feel fresh, functional, and modern again, especially if you’ve fallen into a style rut of wearing or buying the same things. ”
Shopping with a personal stylist, you can be introduced to new looks, brands, designers and places to shop. It’s a great option to help you making your wardrobe feel fresh, functional, and modern again, especially if you’ve fallen into a style rut of wearing or buying the same things. You’ll also save time each day - from the planning, decision-making, and getting-ready moments. You’ll save money by avoiding purchase regret or impulse shopping.
Imogene Whittle at Brisbane Arcade
Q2. When we hit our mid-50s, are there any rules of thumb to help put together our outfits?
Style is a form of self expression; it’s about confidence over age. The key is feeling modern, while staying comfortable and authentic in your style, whatever that looks like for you.
Remember to keep experimenting and playing with your style; because… you don’t stop playing because you get older, you get older because you stop playing.
In terms of a rule of thumb that’s easy to start and can make a big impact I often share with clients over 50 is the rule of thirds: visually divide your outfits head to toe into thirds, not halves - it’s a simple rule that makes every look more flattering.
“Style is a form of self expression; it’s about confidence over age. The key is feeling modern, while staying comfortable and authentic in your style, whatever that looks like for you.”
Q3. What are some key ways to help you decide on your unique personal style?
Your style and personality are intertwined; it's quite impossible to look into one without looking at the other.
Effortlessly update your style in a way that’s modern, authentic to you and supports your lifestyle.
Ask yourself: How do I want to feel each day? How do I want to be seen and treated? Reflect on your answers and identify any favourite pieces you already own that are ‘so you’.
Choose a few style words that feel right and build your signature style around them. If you’d like help to build your style and your wardrobe, reach out to a personal stylist for support such as myself and the Spree with Me Style Squad.
Q4. If you have a wardrobe bursting at the seams, how can you cull the excess?
An easy place to start is - if it doesn’t fit you, take it out of your wardrobe. Visual clutter creates mental clutter every day that you get dressed.
Then consider your lifestyle: do your clothes represent how you actually spend your time? Many wardrobes are full, but are missing vital pieces to make it functional.
Get help to define your style, declutter your wardrobe, curate new outfits from what you already own, identify what’s missing and receive a ‘wishlist’ of recommended items.
Identify the gaps or excess in clothing between your lifestyle and the clothes you own. Perhaps you’re short on elevated daywear, or wardrobe essentials like a crisp white t-shirt, or nicely tailored trousers. Or you may realise you lack pieces for certain activities, such as social events or relaxed weekends.
Closing those gaps helps your wardrobe feel complete and supports how you live now.
And if you’d like help with any of that, personal stylists on the Spree with Me Style Squad or myself, can help you. Please connect and I can curate an experience that will best meet your needs.
About Spree with Me:
Spree with Me personal stylists makes personal styling more accessible than ever. Discover and update your signature style to look and feel confident, vibrant, and visible. Personal styling is no longer a luxury reserved for the rich or famous; it’s an empowering experience available to everyone.
Spree with Me offers personally curated style updates, wardrobe styling at your home, colour consultations, or fun days out celebrating with friends on a group shopping tour.
Each personal stylist on the Spree with Me Style Squad brings niche expertise in fashion styling, image consultation, colour analysis, and guided shopping experiences.
Our stylists are located in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth & Gold Coast.
Ageing gracefully is all about living life your way
Carrol Baker seeks out advice for improving self-image over 55 and being the best version of ourselves we can be.
Link to final article