I used to think personal stylists were reserved for celebrities. Red carpets, designer pulls, and a full-time glam squad—the stuff of Hollywood, not my inbox. But then I met Moushumi Khara, the founder of The Lifestyle Editor.
The personal and interior stylist help women whose stages aren’t red carpets, but boardrooms, classrooms, playgrounds—and everywhere in between. Her clients include corporate leaders, creatives, mothers, or those simply looking to reconnect with how they want to show up in the world. Her approach is thoughtful and deeply intuitive—grounded not in trends or “fashion rules,” but in self-awareness, empowerment, and evolution.
Curious (and—I won’t lie—slightly skeptical), I booked a session with her. Normally, the process unfolds over three visits: first, a deep dive into colour and body-shape analysis to uncover what truly flatters you; then a wardrobe edit, where you decide what to keep, let go of, or tailor; and finally, a shopping trip to fill in the gaps with pieces that feel intentional, not impulsive. Every item should earn its spot and make getting dressed feel like second nature.
Since mine was a media experience, we did a shorter version—but even so, it felt like part therapy, part wardrobe detox, part revelation. I learned why I’m drawn to certain silhouettes, how colour can completely shift my mood, and why some pieces in my closet never quite felt like “me,” no matter how on-trend they were.
As she puts it, “Styling isn’t about hiding flaws. It’s about celebrating what makes you uniquely beautiful.” And that hit home. Because if style can help you see yourself more clearly—and help others see you as you want to be seen—then why shouldn’t it be for all of us?
Khara even put together a personalised style guide for me, complete with recommended brands to shop. A thoughtful little takeaway from an experience that turned out to be far more than just clothes.
It’s that blend of style and substance that defines her work. Below, we speak to Khara about her own journey from corporate HR to fashion, the emotional power of clothes, and why personal style isn’t frivolous—it’s foundational.
Your transition from a corporate career to fashion is inspiring—can you tell us more about your journey into fashion and how The Lifestyle Editor came to be?
For a good part of my life, I worked in human resources and always noticed how personal style could shift how someone carried themselves. A sharp blazer, the right colour, or a well-fitted dress could instantly change posture, eye contact, and confidence. It was never just about appearances—it was about presence.
I’ve seen it in my own journey too. Being petite, I often looked younger than I was and wasn’t always taken seriously. But the way I styled myself made people stop and notice. Over time, that gave me confidence. After taking a break from work, moving around the world, and raising my daughter, I felt a strong pull to create something rooted in my passion. That’s how The Lifestyle Editor was born.
As a personal and interior stylist, I help women reconnect with themselves through style—whether it’s their wardrobe or home. It’s about empowerment, self-belief, and using style as a form of personal expression that evolves with you.
There’s a common misconception that styling is only for celebrities or influencers. Why do you think that belief persists—and how do you dismantle it in your work?
That idea comes from years of red carpet culture and glossy fashion media, where stylists worked behind the scenes in exclusive spaces. Social media initially amplified that belief, but it’s also helped shift the narrative. Now, you see real women offering practical advice and making personal styling feel more accessible.
In my work, I style everyone from entrepreneurs and senior leaders to Gen Z professionals and stay-at-home mums. Many of them come to me not because they want to be fashionable—but because they want to feel in control of how they present themselves.
What do people often misunderstand about what a stylist actually does?
Most people think a stylist just tells you what to wear. But real styling is about listening, observing, analysing—and then transforming. I look at your lifestyle, personality, body proportions, budget, and the version of yourself you want to project. Then we build a wardrobe that supports that.
It’s not about trends. It’s about alignment.
You specialise in body shape and colour analysis. How do you make sure these tools empower rather than restrict?
These are tools, not rules. Knowing your best colours or cuts makes shopping less stressful and more joyful. It’s not about fitting into a category—it’s about clarity. Everyone’s body is different. These frameworks are just starting points that help us dress with more ease and confidence.
How do you approach clients who feel disconnected from their bodies?
Gently, and without judgment. Most of us go through changes—motherhood, weight shifts, ageing—and styling isn’t about hiding, but highlighting. When the right clothes fit and the colours flatter, your posture shifts. And that shift? That’s confidence.
Can you share a particularly transformative moment from your work?
One of the most powerful sessions I have had was with a client who had been through an abusive relationship and completely lost touch with how she looked—for years, she only wore black and navy to disappear into the background.
The moment we did her colour analysis and she saw herself in warm corals and teal blue, she broke down. It was like seeing a forgotten version of herself return.
We rebuilt her wardrobe piece by piece, choosing silhouettes that flattered her proportions and made her feel strong again. By the end, she was smiling at her reflection, walking differently, and reconnecting with her confidence. That session reminded me just how deeply style can heal when done with care.
What’s the one piece of advice you wish every woman would hear?
Your body is not the problem. The clothes are. Once you stop fighting your body and start dressing it with kindness, everything changes.
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