Ever since the fashion industry got back on track as pandemic restrictions eased, freelance fashion stylist Andrea Kee has been occupied heading out to work on different sets and locations.
Describing her signature look as “chic with a twist”, her everyday “office” ranges from being on set at a photoshoot location to various boutiques to present a new collection to customers and give shopping advice.
Despite all the glitz and glamour that people perceive of the fashion world, Kee finds a sense of pride in helping real women like herself, through her Instagram Reels, where she shares handy style tips with her followers.
It’s time-consuming but rewarding as her followers are thankful for the useful tips.
“I’ve had followers direct-message me, some of whom relate to my hypothyroid condition and have had significant weight gain (that happened to me too), sharing how they feel there is hope when they read my story and watch my style tips through my Reels. These messages really warm my heart,” she shares.
“The sense of achievement is really motivating, as my followers always spur me on, encouraging and thanking me for tips they find useful.”
Read more: Malaysia's Vivy Yusof included in global fashion list alongside Giorgio Armani
What are your three must-have style/beauty items?
I’m an all-round shoe girl, so definitely stylish and comfy shoes that I can walk all day in! My latest secondhand purchase on eBay Australia is a pair of The Row Ginza Sandals, my favourite most recent buy!
A pair of hoop earrings! You’d be surprised how it instantly elevates even just a basic outfit. I love my (homegrown brand) Jewellery by Kin hoops!
I love a healthy glow, so even on lack of sleep and dull skin days, I fake it with this combo: Glossier’s Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid + Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-use Glow Stick in Transparent (on top of a light foundation), or my new discovery is Singaporean star Yoyokulala’s Romi Beauty Dream Skin Tint.
What trend would you most like to see disappear?
Pedal pushers – it just does nothing to flatter our figures!
Who is your style icon?
Christine Centenera – renowned stylist, co-founder of Wardrobe NYC and Vogue Australia’s fashion director
What are three key pieces everyone should have in their wardrobe?
The foundation to a wardrobe with lots of mileage is quality, well-made basics!
Tailored trousers in a great, flattering cut suited to your body shape; a good white tee or tank top; and a stylish and comfortable pair of flats suited to your style (can be ballerina flats, loafers, oxfords, sandals).
Read more: Harry Styles stylist Harris Reed takes over at Nina Ricci, he is just 26
Give us one style tip, or two.
Of course, every stylist’s ground rule is to dress to flatter your own body shape (instead of blindly following fashion trends). But beyond that, it’s important to be patient throughout this process – how? Make time to try on different cuts in fitting rooms (for example, jeans alone come in a large variety of fits), take mirror selfies or videos so you can remember and compare which works best, and makes you look best!
On top of that, as all our bodies come in different shapes and sizes – we may not always buy something off the rack that fits as if it were made for us! For this, find yourself a good neighbourhood tailor who can alter clothes to look just like it was made for you!
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