Styling the News

May 8

Last week I returned to the BBC. A full circle moment for me as I 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 hunted to style consult Sophie Law for a new role as News Presenter. Sophie switched her career from Radio Breakfast show to prime time 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 her but formal for news ‘you’ve been chosen for your personality and presenting skills - I’m just here to tailor you to suit this new role’

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.

Secret Stylist step 1:

Consult Sophie in situ of the studio - working through her current clothes and 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 so I wanted to source a top for it that was not dark navy. I wanted to educate her what worked and didn’t work. 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:

Shopping! I took Sophie to John Lewis in Southampton and with my wish list I ran around sourcing pieces for her.

Sophie suited vibrant spring clear colours. Whilst she was in rehearsals I got planning writing a shopping list and off we went! 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. Phew she was happy. Sophie has already presented two live shows, I am so proud of her.

Bold brights, max impact. I knew Sophie could carry this.

These are 3 four fab 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 in the dress, do a boogie and get a feel for the piece. She was amazed how fab she looked in this pink.

I wanted Sophie to walk and sit in every outfit as she would do this in the studio. These photos made her order the dress the next day.

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

Fabulous trousers for Sophie - the top is an old dress that I’ve requested she get tailored to turn into a top as the colours and print worked well in the studio and look fab with an orange jacket on top.

Secret Stylist Step 3:

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.