Styling the News

Last week I returned to the BBC. A full circle moment for me as for fifteen years it was my work home and I loved it. I then set up The Secret Stylist. Twenty years later I was asked to style consult Sophie Law for a new role as News Presenter. Sophie switched her career from a Radio Breakfast presenter to 6pm BBC News Presenter for BBC South.

‘Help!! I’m used to being invisible on radio but I’m moving to the bright lights of Live TV’

Fear not I said I’m on my way…

It is important to note that most BBC News presenters do not have stylists, make up artists or big budgets to buy their clothes. It has to come from their own pockets and they have to learn to do it themselves. ‘What to wear’ on screen is a small part of their busy working day. They are writing, preparing, reporting hours before they go on air. Like all women Sophie is juggling a lot. She needed quick fix studio wardrobe to present in.

As Sophie’s stylist, my goal was to make her feel comfortably but formal for news ‘you’ve been chosen for your personality and presenting skills - I’m just here to tailor you to look the part’

We did a virtual 1.1 with her current wardrobe and I advised her on the pieces that could work in the studio. We then met at BBC Southhampton. Here’s how the process worked.

Secret Stylist step 1:

I wanted to consult Sophie in situ of the studio - working through her current clothes and my colour drapes to show her how wearing her best colours on screen has maximum impact. Very little make up required just fab energy. The printed skirt was Sophie’s own but I wanted to source a top that wasn’t navy. The time together was also about educating her what worked and what didn’t. When you style for TV everything is exposed. The lights are bright so wishy washy colours don’t work, some prints make the camera go fuzzy and every single crease, bump or underwear line seems to say hello! Attention to detail is very important.

Secret Stylist Step 2:

Sophie suited vibrant spring clear colours. Whilst she was in rehearsals I got planning writing a shopping list and off we went to John Lewis. Speed style and shopping. My goal was to have a collection of fabulous outfits to photograph in the studio the following day to send to the Editor.

Bold brights, max impact. I knew Sophie could carry these bold high contrast colour.

These are three dresses from Ghost - Sophie looked amazing in the fit and flare one. She was a little concerned at first and had to sleep on this dress but in the end it was the first one she wore on screen.

I always encourage my clients to walk around whilst trying on new clothes. Do a twirl, a little boogie and get a feel for the piece. She was amazed how fab she looked in this pink.

I asked Sophie to sit in every outfit as she would do this in the studio. These photos made her order the dress the next day…sometimes we need a bit of reflection on what we see and what we buy.

This is a dress from Hobbs - Sophie loved it. The camera did not. So we left it.

Fabulous trousers that I sourced from Next - the top is an old dress from her wardrobe that I’ve requested she get tailored to turn into a top as the colours and print worked well in the studio and team with an orange jacket on top.

Secret Stylist Step 3:

The next day we took time to practice all the looks in the studio. This was essential to move, rehearse and check on camera. It was also good for Sophie to see herself so she feels uber confident when she goes live. Sophie has a variation of looks to suit the mood of the news broadcast.

Cropped collarless jackets work better on Sophie’s frame. She has bought another one like this in bright blue.

We took 3 photos, standing for intro, sitting for interviews and a selfie to prove how fab she looked!

This is a jersey dress from Boden.

Sophie’s own blouse and new jacket.

Cream structured t-shirt & jacket keeps the black pleather skirt professional

We did serious pics and fun ones to keep the energy up.

How professional does she look?

This skirt was a winner. So comfortable. A bold print and so very Sophie…and it is has pockets!

This outfit was a moment. Sophie really didn’t imagine she’d wear a jumpsuit reading the news or mix pink with orange - but it works. Jumpsuit is John Lewis. Jacket Hobbs.

This was Sophie’s best green and teamed with her beads the outfit worked perfectly on screen.

Sharp, strong, bright and very Sophie.

Sophie’s old skirt but tucked in and styled with a fresh green easy wearing top.

I love this - very smart, very easy, very Sophie.

Secret Stylist Step 3

Wow, what a few days and I left feeling happy that Sophie had rehearsed and feels happily confident - Sophie has now done two live shows and is smashing her new role.

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