Sartoria Lab - a personal styling service for men

When I started my search for sartorial style style in middle age, I had no idea that I could turn to anyone for help and advice. I then came across Sarah Gilfillan whose Sartoria Lab provides men with a personal styling, shopping and wardrobe management service.

Intrigued, I asked Sarah to tell me more (I threw in a few sneaky questions in the hope of getting some free advice; see below). I'm very grateful to Sarah for taking the time to answer my questions.

For information about Sartoria Lab see the website HERE.

Q – Sarah, please tell us something about Sartoria Lab, how and why you started it and what you offer.

I started Sartoria Lab about 3 years ago as I wanted to offer a Personal Styling/Shopping service exclusively for men. There was hardly anything aimed at men, and to my mind it made sense as a lot of guys don't have the time or inclination for clothes shopping and have no idea where to go. It was a natural progression for me from my background in men's fashion styling to personal styling for individual guys. 

Q – What challenges do you feel that men face as they get older when making decisions about style and how to dress? Are there any styles men should avoid as the grey hairs appear?

Not wanting to look too young and as if they're trying too hard, but not descending into "beige-ness" and looking like their dad either! Also the challenges of dressing a body that may not quite be as lithe as it once was. 

With regard to things to avoid, I think that when your face starts to get a little more worn in, your clothes shouldn't be! So I'd advise against ripping, and anything too deconstructed, or falsely distressed, eg: jeans. It looks better if the styles are cleaner and simpler and you can use colours and textures to help give interest, plus a brilliant fit really helps. 

Q – How do you work with clients to help them achieve an image they like and which suits them? Do you find yourself influencing men’s decisions to help them avoid sartorial disasters?

I usually start with a Colour Consultation and Style Analysis as this gives us a good basis to work from. I advise on what colours, shapes and detailing will work for a guy's colouring and body shape. For example, going for a lower cut shirt collar and slimmer knot on your tie will make your neck look longer, epaulettes or any contrast seam will help widen shoulders, a pocket square in your jacket pocket can distract attention from your stomach. These are things that you may instinctively choose, but you'll get a higher success rate on buying things you like, once you're aware of the reasons they look good on you. 

After this I either do a Wardrobe Edit - assessing (and throwing out!) items in their wardrobe and identifying any gaps. And then armed with a shopping list we can do a Personal Shopping trip - I do a recce first and then go shopping with them, choosing items and putting together outfits.

I definitely influence men's decisions to avoid sartorial disasters - that's what I'm there for! And most guys are very happy to have someone to help them make the decisions.

 Q – Like many men, I find selection of colours difficult. What general advice can you give on the issue of matching colours to a person’s hair, eye, skin colours?

It's tricky as everyone is different, but generally if you have darker colouring yourself then you'll look better in deeper or brighter colours, if your overall look is lighter, then paler or more muted colours are likely to look better, and if you have red tones to your hair, or freckly type skin then browns and tans will probably suit you more than blues and greys. 

When out shopping compare the different colours against your face and see if any make your eyes stand out or give more definition to your jaw line - if they do - that's the one you want!

Q – What staples should a man aim to have in his wardrobe?

Obviously it's dependent on lifestyle, but I would say well fitting dark indigo jeans, an up to date blazer, a classic white shirt (good for business or casual), selection of casual shirts, smarter shirts to wear in the evening - perhaps in a darker colour or print, a casual jacket, trousers that are smarter than jeans but not suit trousers, brown brogues, black Oxfords, a navy suit, fine gauge knits for smarter wear, chunky knits for casual. 

For more information contact Sarah at Sartoria Lab - contact information on the website HERE.