More than curating outfits, a stylist crafts the first impression, translating personality and intention into a visual language that speaks instantly.
I have always noticed how easy it is for people to wear clothes without ever truly understanding their style. We buy pieces we like in the moment, we follow trends because everyone else is wearing them, and we assume that looking “put together” is the same as having a clear sense of who we are.
However, many of us move through life dressed in outfits that don’t really reflect our personality. We have clothes, but we don’t yet have a distinctive style.
This is where the role of a fashion stylist becomes more meaningful. A stylist is not just someone who picks outfits for celebrities and red carpets. They are professionals who translate our personalities into the clothes we wear. They see things we may overlook, they understand balance and proportion, and they see style as a language rather than a set of trends. A fashion stylist can help you express confidence before you even say a word.
As I started paying attention to how stylists influence personal expression, I found myself drawn to two women whose style evolution felt both powerful and deliberate: Michelle Obama and Tems. They were shaped by vision, intention, and trusted collaborators who understood them deeply. Looking at their journeys helped me understand why a fashion stylist is important, not just in music or politics, but in everyday life.
Michelle Obama’s style during and after the White House
When Michelle Obama stepped into the national spotlight, every outfit carried weight. Her stylist, Meredith Koop, started working with her early on, and over the years, she became a steady hand guiding how Michelle presented herself to the world.
During her time as First Lady, Michelle’s wardrobe communicated both elegance and purpose. Koop carefully selected designers — especially American designers — and made sure each outfit had an impact. The clothes were polished but accessible: shift dresses, structured silhouettes, strong colours, and thoughtfully crafted evening gowns.
Koop’s role went beyond just picking outfits. She knew Michelle’s body intimately, and she worked closely with designers to customise pieces — adding stretch, elastic waistbands, or adjusting fits to ensure every outfit looked good and felt right. She also paid close attention to practicality: for public events, she packed trunks of outerwear, dresses, and shoes in readiness for any weather, setting, or photo opportunity.
But perhaps the most memorable expression of their partnership came at Michelle’s final state dinner as First Lady: a rose-gold, chain-mail Versace gown that was bold, glamorous, and confident. That moment marked a shift. It was riskier, more experimental than many of her past public outfits, and Koop had helped make that risk feel intentional.
After leaving the White House, Michelle’s style evolved in a noticeable and refreshing way. She embraced relaxed silhouettes, softer tailoring, and a blend of ease and glamour. It felt as though she had shed the duty-driven style expected of a First Lady and confidently stepped into a more expressive, modern, and effortlessly striking version of herself.
For example, during her “Becoming” book tour, she wore suits and separates that felt powerful yet personal. On her “Light We Carry” tour, she opted for moto jackets, denim cargo sets, and even pieces with elastic for comfort — showing that her stylist understood not just her public role, but her changing priorities and physical needs.
Even her hair shifted, trading conservative updos for softer waves, shorter cuts, braids and natural textures — completing the picture of a freer, more liberated Michelle.
Through it all, Koop was instrumental in guiding Michelle’s style transformation. As Michelle’s life evolved, Koop shaped a wardrobe that captured her evolution, keeping her look true to her journey rather than conforming to outside expectations.
Read also: How to dress like Michelle Obama and exude effortless power
The evolution of Tems’ style — and the role of her stylist
Tems, the Nigerian singer-songwriter, is a compelling example of how a fashion stylist can shape both the artist’s image and her personal story. Her stylist, Dunsin Wright, has become an essential collaborator in her rise.
In the early stages of her career, Tems leaned into oversized silhouettes, muted tones, and a laid-back streetwear sensibility. She often dressed to avoid being overly sexualised, choosing comfort and conservatism over red-carpet drama.
However, with Wright’s guidance, her style began to shift. They developed a strong rapport built on trust: Wright studies Tems, listens to her creative vision, and responds with thoughtful fashion choices. She has said that her goal is alignment — aligning Tems’ look with her music, her personality, and her growth.
Over time, Tems’s wardrobe began to embrace more colour, delicate textures, lace, sheer fabrics, and tailored femininity. Her silhouettes became more varied — from oversized casual wear to more fitted, elegant pieces.
Some of her most iconic looks highlight this evolution: At the Met Gala, she wore a custom Robert Wun monochrome corset dress, complete with elbow-length gloves and a feathered headpiece. On another red carpet, she stunned in a yellow Vivienne Westwood gown at the Grammys. At the Oscars, she made a dramatic statement with a custom white sculpted Lever Couture gown. Her style now reflects not only her global rise but her personal confidence, and Wright’s vision plays a big role in that.
Wright’s creative process is thoughtful: she researches, customises, tweaks drapes, and ensures every detail resonates with Tems’s identity. She draws inspiration from old films, the energy of Lagos and London, and their shared experiences.
Through their collaboration, Tems’ style became a visual extension of her artistry. The changes in her wardrobe mirror her growth as a person and musician — and that wouldn’t be possible without a fashion stylist who listens and shapes, rather than dictates.
Read also: How to dress like Tems: Your guide to baddie style with a ’90s twist
Why a fashion stylist matters
The journeys of Michelle Obama and Tems make a powerful case for the importance of a fashion stylist. A stylist is not just someone who selects clothes. A stylist is:
A storyteller: they translate identity, values, and personal growth into fabric and form.
A partner: they understand both public and private selves, and help bridge them.
A strategist: they think about comfort, symbolism, and purpose, not just aesthetics.
A confidant: when trust is strong, a stylist empowers their client to take style risks and grow.
Both Michelle and Tems have evolved remarkably, with their stylists playing a central role in that transformation. Their style changes weren’t random. They were intentional, deeply personal, and carefully guided.
Fashion is more than what you wear. With a fashion stylist, it becomes a powerful tool: to express, to evolve, and to be fully yourself.
