I chatted to lovely Sophie Yesufu, a Manchester based personal stylist.
How would you describe your style Sophie?
Playful meets polished and colour is everything. I love a nod to trend but it doesn’t define my style. I dress for myself and brings me joy! I wear an eclectic mix of high street, independent and vintage brands.
How long have you been on Instagram? Tell us a bit about your journey on there and what you share?
I started sharing my daily outfits properly last October. I have been in the fashion industry, since graduating in 2008, and have always loved clothes, but a couple of years ago I lost the love for fashion for a number of reasons and left it completely, transitioning in to media & advertising! However, I slowly realised I had really lost myself, I was dressing for the corporate world (which wasn’t me) and I was really unhappy. Coming back on to Instagram, finding my style and going in to personal styling was exactly what I needed to feel like me again! I document what I wear, play around with colour, texture and shape, I have fun with it and hope I relate to other women out there too.
What is your favourite independent brand and why?
Oooo this is a hard one, as I have so many!
For clothes, I am loving ‘We are 9pm’ for their gorgeous prints and sets. For colour and easy wearable shapes, Beyond Nine and Muthahood are my go to's! I have been lucky enough to be gifted some pieces from them but I also buy from them as I truly love their pieces.
Stella Nova is another brand I wear a lot, because it’s different, super fun and I always love their attention to detail.
Stella Nova is another brand I wear a lot, because it’s different, super fun and I always love their attention to detail.
Jewellery wise - Daphine, Alison Fern Jewellery and House of Colette are my faves.
What is your favourite season to dress for?
So, I am happiest in the sun and warmth, but in terms of dressing I think probably autumn, as I love layering up on a crisp sunny day, wearing all the textures and adding pops of colour to those dark bases. I also have a small addiction to coats, so I need the colder days to wear them haha!
Favourite High Street shop and why?
I love Sezane and Cos, for their gorgeous fabrics and styles. Damson Madder are great for more fun, vibrant pieces. Then if I’m on a budget, H&M, as it’s more affordable but they still have some brilliant choices and I always love their knitwear.
What is your go-to look for dressing up?
I love a simple co-ord and then I style it up with accessories. Colourful bag, statement jewellery and a red lip are my vibe!
And your signature style for casual dressing?
I would say the majority of the time my style is casual. It’s colourful with a feminine touch but then I’ll always add a trainer, an oversized layer or an accessory to dress it down. Comfort is key for me and colour is something I’m always drawn to and makes me truly feel like me.
Mixing textures is another way I like to dress casually if I feel something is a bit too formal – so silk/lace with knitwear or metallics with casual cottons.
What is your favourite accessory? Favourite piece from Scott-Samuel?
I would say earrings, as I always have them in, I have a lot of piercings and want more! Oh, and I LOVE a scrunchie.
Handbags too, and my fave piece from Scott Samuel has to be my pink geo bag! It literally goes with everything!
Are you a hoarder or a declutterer?
I think I’m a bit of both to be honest. At the start of a season, I like to go through my wardrobe and get rid of things I no longer like or fit me. Then I’ll buy some key pieces I am loving for the season ahead but I do get precious about certain items and brands and I can hold on to them for a while! I am great at decluttering and organising client’s wardrobes but when it comes to my own clothes I do struggle sometimes!
Best style advice/tip?
Have fun with your clothes and wear that outfit that you think you should keep for best. I work with so many women who think they can’t wear that dress or that skirt because they haven’t got an occasion to wear it to. NO, just wear it!
Wear it on the school run, do the food shop in it, just wear it. Life is just too short. Clothes are meant to be worn and if that particular item/outfit makes you feel amazing, you deserve to wear it more than once.
Dream collab?
There are so many brands I love and would be super grateful to collaborate with but my dream would be to work alongside a smaller independent brand (like the above) and have a clothing or jewellery collection with them that I actually helped design and pull together – a true collaboration
You can find Sophie on Insta @sophie_yesufu
she is a Manchester based personal stylist, with over 15 years in the fashion industry offering colour analysis, wardrobe edits, seasonal refreshes, personal shopping (online & in person), event styling and more. Phone: 07711723731