Qualified stylist, colour analyst, writer, author and Barnsley-based mum-of-two Katie Portman turned a fascination with women’s style into a career helping clients find confidence in their clothing. Here Katie, who has recently partnered with Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists as part of a campaign to provide styling advice for glasses wearers, shares her life in fashion.
Barnsley-based mum-of-two Katie Portman turned a fascination with women’s style into a career helping clients find confidence in their clothing How did you get into fashion?
I’ve always been fascinated by women’s style. When Covid hit in 2020 and I found myself suddenly struggling to find work as a writer, I decided to train online as a stylist and colour analyst with the London College of Style, as a backup self-employment plan. To my delight my styling business quickly took off, even through the various lockdowns. Five years later, I’m still here working as a personal stylist alongside being a writer.
Describe your look.
Romantic with an occasional dash of glamour thrown in for good measure. I love clothes that have a touch of the bohemian and am always drawn to fabrics that have texture such as lace, silk, velvet or corduroy. I’m at my happiest wearing a simple pair of jeans with a blouse and a fabulous pair of statement earrings.
Favourite brand or designer?
On the high street, I think Marks & Spencer has really upped its game this year, producing some fabulous affordable pieces. For designer, I love Giorgio Armani for the elegance and romance. One of my most treasured pieces is a vintage Armani velvet rose blazer I bought from a local charity shop for £50. I’ll never not love it.
Style icon?
A glamorous older lady, around her late sixties, who I spied whilst holidaying in Sorrento more than 20 years ago. She strutted past my table, dressed head to toe in red, wearing the highest heels I have ever seen and negotiated the Italian cobbled streets with ease. Her outfit wasn’t particularly fancy or unusual but her confidence and the way she owned her look took my breath away. I’ve never forgotten her. I wish all women could have this level of confidence when it comes to owning their personal style.
Favourite fashion items?
I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a feminine blouse. They’re timeless, elegant and yet so comfortable to wear. I also love a trench coat – they are chic and practical – and would always recommend that people invest in accessories that really speak to them. A striking pair of glasses or a stunning statement necklace hint at your personality and can bring life to the simplest of outfits. They’re also wonderful conversation starters too.
What do you wear to impress?
A feminine dress with heels or a smart pair of tailored trousers and a blouse. I love wearing colours from my autumn colour palette, particularly the more vibrant ones like orange and red. Whenever I need to impress, I always opt for colours that will boost my confidence and mood.
Katie, who is also a colour analyst, strives to give women confidence with colour
What do you wear to relax?
I always strive to wear clothes that feel comfortable to wear, but when I’m relaxing, I really lean into this with easy to wear palazzo trousers and super soft knitwear like a cashmere jumper or vest. I’m also a huge fan of a decent sheepskin slipper and my Missoni dressing gown is my pride and joy.
Worst fashion faux pas ?
Oh gosh, there are so many! Always dressing head to toe in black for decades though is probably my worst. Realising how ghastly I look in black and then discovering the colours that actually worked for me was nothing short of a revelation. I now wear black occasionally and more mindfully and I look so much better for it.
Favourite fashion trend of all time?
Seventies disco. Decadent, fun and colourful, it’s the epitome of high glamour and good times. I love this trend so much that I used it as inspiration for my 40th birthday party dress. From Biba, it featured full on sequins, a little fringing and plenty of colour. A week later Tess Daley wore exactly the same dress to present Strictly.
To impress, Katie loves a feminine dress with heels or a smart pair of tailored trousers and a blouse. Best style advice?
Take the time to really understand who you are when it comes to your personal style. The most stylish women I have met are the ones who dress authentically and for themselves. Think about what you love and what you don’t and make time in your life to experiment with outfits and the pieces you already own. Get curious about how you express yourself through what you wear. Great style is available to everyone, but it does require some thought. And if I could add one more final piece of advice, please get your ‘colours’ done. It’s an absolute game changer for everyone.
Most stylish celebrities?
I love the way Sarah Jessica Parker has fun with fashion, making every outfit her own. Penelope Cruz always looks stunning, and I’m inspired by her romantic Hollywood glamour. Finally, I adore the French actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu for her chic, effortless looks that always feature a hint of sexiness or a little drama.
The look you wish would come back?
In general, I would say smarter dressing. For example, whilst I can understand the appeal of exercise clothing worn as day wear (for comfort alone) I would really love to see people looking a little smarter and expressing more of their individuality in their outfits.
What item has had its day and should be confined to the back of the wardrobe?
It pains me a little to say this because I used to be such a fan of them but alas, it has to be skinny jeans. Admittedly they are fantastic in winter, when you need to tuck your jeans into a pair of boots or wellingtons – I’ve kept a pair in my wardrobe for this reason. But bar this, I do think the time has come to say goodbye to the skinny jean obsession that’s had us in a grip for so long. There are so many incredible jeans shapes available now to explore and have fun with. I particularly love wide leg jeans.
What’s next?
Autumn/ Winter 2025 fashions are here and I’m excited! Expect to see more boldness and drama than we have for quite some time as designers encourage us out of our comfort zones this season. There’s a big nod to eighties glamour so don’t be afraid to embrace your dramatic side with leopard print or faux fur or, alternatively, channel more elegance with the return of the pencil skirt. Brown is also the new black.
Katie has been working with Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists as part of a campaign to provide styling advice for glasses wearers
katie-portman.com
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