Image Consultant and Wardrobe Specialist, Ale Platz, discusses having a mindful approach to shopping, curating a capsule wardrobe, and keeping a positive perspective.
Can you tell us how you started in the fashion industry?
I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember. I was choosing my own outfits at 4-years old and going shopping and making all of the decisions. l always knew l wanted to work in fashion – l just wasn’t sure in what capacity, so l studied PR knowing that l could apply that career to fashion. After trying a few different paths, l can wholeheartedly say that nothing brings me more joy than personal styling and image consulting. The one-on-ones with my clients fulfill me not only professionally, but emotionally – seeing the impact that developing their style together can have is genuinely inspiring.
In 2024, you went a year without shopping. What was the catalyst for this and will you be continuing this in 2025?
For anyone who knows me, if you told them I would go an entire year without clothes shopping, they wouldn’t believe you – I love shopping! But I realised I was feeling constantly overwhelmed by the amount of clothes and felt like every week l had to dedicate precious time off to keeping on top of it. It felt like my clothes owned me instead of me owning them! So, l knew l had to do something drastic about it and decided to go shopping-free for a full year! For 2025, l will allow myself a few new things. However, l will keep a mindful ap- proach to shopping making conscious and intentional decisions. The luxury industry is filled with temptation in terms of consumption.
How did you cultivate this mindset and how did you manage this?
It absolutely is a constant stream of temptation! But this was also one of the reasons to stop shopping. With the relentless new trends and the appetite for fashion’s latest “It” thing. It felt like a never-ending chase, so I wanted to completely remove myself from it. And it worked really well, l now feel empowered and trust my purchasing decisions a lot more.
How can one tackle wardrobe organisation and decluttering as a positive experience – what are some effective methods that actually deliver game-changing results?
This is my absolute favourite thing to do with my clients! The methodology I have developed – which seems to resonate with all of my clients – is to start sorting by category, take all the items from that category out of your closet, place them on your bed and objectively look at them: “when was the last time you used it? Does it fit your body type and skin tone? Would you be okay running into someone you dislike whilst you are wearing it?” If yes, then it goes back in your closet. If the answer is no to any of those questions, then donate it, sell it or swap it with your friends.
The second hardest part of the organisation process is the maintenance – what would be your advice?
This might sound boring but, in order to keep your wardrobe organised you need to have systems in place, and you need to be consistent. Firstly, everything needs to be divided into categories, such as casual bottoms, work bottoms, formal tops, etc. Then break down those categories and colour coordinate so that you can find everything quickly. Lastly, and most importantly, stay on top of putting your things away after laundry or trying them on.
You are also an advocate for building a capsule wardrobe. How can one take a holistic and curated approach to shopping?
I can honestly say that without a capsule wardrobe I could simply not have achieved going without shopping for a whole year. My capsule wardrobe is my secret weapon. The beauty of a capsule collection is that you know that each piece works well with every other piece, so you feel confident in your decision making. The key lies in its simplicity, and simple doesn’t mean basic. Spending the time curating a capsule wardrobe has honestly been one of the biggest game changers not just for me, but for my clients as well. So, if you feel like you are constantly exhausted and frustrated at the time of choosing outfits and getting dressed each day, a capsule could be the solution to your problems.
How do you approach following the trends game yet remaining true to your own sense of style?
This is an important question that l always discuss with clients. If you follow every trend, where would that leave your personal style? I like to start with my clients by having a good foundation of classic and timeless pieces – for example, black tailored pants and a beautiful white shirt. Once you have all those foundation pieces, you can add a couple of trendy pieces per season to throw into the mix. The way we dress can affect the way we feel and how others perceive us.
What do you reach for when you want to feel like your best positive self?
Dressing up should feel like an extension of your personality and it’s a way to communicate without speaking. When l want to feel like my best positive self l tend to reach for one of my maxi dresses if l’m in the house; if l am going out, one of my favourite LBD, and l can never feel sad when l am wearing a swim-suit because it means I’m at a pool or the beach, my natural habitat. Wear whatever you feel happy and confident and beautiful in. Confidence is irresistible!
To you, what are your personal favourite brands for capsule wardrobe pieces?
There are so many amazing brands out there for building your dream capsule.
Some of my favourites are:
Everlane: for great timeless pieces;
LIMÉ: for a good mix of capsule pieces and on-trend styles;
Uniqlo: perfect for buying all the wardrobe capsule pieces with good quality and at a good price;
Vince and Theory: for upscale options which can elevate any outfit.
This is The Optimism Issue – what are the tools and practices that help you maintain a positive perspective?
Optimism is so important. I try to only ever think and say positive things about myself – and if l catch myself having a negative thought, l quickly think, would l say that about someone l love? And the answer is always no, so why would l be saying that to myself? It works wonders for a positive mindset and self-love. Also, I’m a huge advocate for finding time to celebrate the little things: any excuse to get together with loved ones, have a beautiful dinner or however you fancy celebrating, always embrace the small victories!
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