Between Two Stylists: The Making Of An Indyx Lookbook

What we learned styling each other's lookbook (and how you can apply it to yours)

As personal stylists, we spend our days helping clients define their style, curate their wardrobes, and create looks that actually work for their lives. But what happens when the stylist becomes the client?

That’s exactly what we did! Angela slid into Anika’s DMs, and asked if she’d be interested in doing a Lookbook swap on Indyx. We each took on the role of stylist and client, trading our professional lens for personal vulnerability. Angela (based in San Francisco) styled a Lookbook for Anika, and Anika (based in Germany) styled one for Angela — treating each other like real clients, complete with style briefs, goals, and honest feedback.

The result? Some outfits we absolutely loved, some that pushed us out of our comfort zones in the best way, and of course — some that completely missed the mark.

In this letter, we’re taking you behind-the-scenes on the entire process. You’ll see what we shared about our style and needs, how we each interpreted those briefs, and three key outfits from each Lookbook: the hit, the creative stretch, and the one that didn’t quite land. Because the real magic of styling isn’t just in the wins — it’s in understanding why something works (or doesn’t) and what you can learn from it.

Whether you’re signing up your first Indyx lookbook or requesting your tenth (!!), our hope is that by learning how we navigated this process — miscommunications, surprises, and all — you’ll walk away with insights you can immediately apply to your own digital wardrobe.

Let’s jump in.

What we shared with each other

Anika: I was very specific in the questionnaire and shared any details referring to my lifestyle, current weather, office dress codes and aspired style words! I love when clients give me a bunch of helpful information so I thought this would be the best way to get the most out of my own Lookbook, too. I even shared my wishlist because I knew Angela would pick great finds in each category — and I must admit I am very lazy when it comes to doing my own research. I am constantly sharing links with clients and friends but hardly ever do the work for myself!

Angela: In addition to completing the Indyx style questionnaire, I shared detailed context about my personal style — my style adjectives, how friends describe me, how I approach getting dressed, my lifestyle, and the mercurial Bay Area weather. These details are incredibly helpful when styling clients, so I wanted to give Anika a clear picture of my style and needs. I didn’t ask for item recommendations since I wanted my Lookbook to focus on styling what I currently have in my wardrobe.

Our Lookbook Goals

Anika: I simply wanted a few new ideas on how to style transitional looks and some looks going into winter. It’s so funny how at the beginning of each season, you wonder what you have worn this time last year. I basically start from a blank space so I loved the opportunity to get some help!

Angela: I just wanted a fresh set of eyes on my wardrobe and a new perspective on how to put things together. I asked for transitional outfits plus out-of-the-box ideas that could push me out of my comfort zone. I’m content with my style today, but I know it’s always evolving, so I wanted to challenge Anika to come up with fresh ideas.

Our Approach to Styling

Anika on styling Angela: As I do with every client, I reviewed all pieces of information I had. As I’m a regular reader of Angela’s Substack and I follow her on Instagram, it was easier to get a feeling for her personal style and her wardrobe beforehand. For her Lookbook, I studied her Indyx questionnaire, logged outfits and her entire wardrobe. I usually take handwritten notes for every client in an actual notebook. I loved that Angela shared a description of her style as seen by her friends, so those key words became my starting point. San Francisco weather can be tricky, so I focused on layering and practicality, while keeping in mind that Angela has two days where she works with customers, too.

Angela on styling Anika: Since Anika shared incredibly detailed notes with me on her questionnaire, it felt easy to jump right into her Lookbook. I took note of her needs (outfits for work, errands, coffee dates, dinners) and specific requests for item recommendations. Admittedly, I already know a lot about Anika’s personal style from her Substack, but before styling her looks, I quickly browsed through her wardrobe, outfits, and selfies to get a better sense of how her style words translated in real life.

One thing I kept top of mind while styling her was how she wanted to feel in these outfits — confident and calm in minimal looks with a refined edge, which were her exact words. I also wove my recommendations throughout the looks so Anika could see how those pieces might work with her current wardrobe.

The Outfits!

Anika: The ‘This Is So Me’ Look

When I saw this look, I immediately knew I would love it! Angela says it all in her style note — it’s monochromatic, minimal and refined. I went for the thong sandals as it can still be warmer on some days. I love the contrast of the white bag against the black and how the khaki trench creates a bridge of harmony in this look. Plus, it’s a very efficient look since I did get less wear out of this skirt and the sandals before Angela had this idea!

Angela: The ‘This Is So Me’ Look

I love this outfit, and I can’t wait to wear it when it’s cold enough in SF. I’m a sucker for a turtleneck and statement earring combo — it embodies my “classic with a modern twist and playful accessories” vibe perfectly. This is also my ideal outfit that can take me from an in-person styling session straight to dinner: elevated but still comfortable (I’d toss the clutch and earrings in my work tote during the day). Anika made great suggestions on how to maximize my warm-weather pieces, like this Toteme silk dress I wore all summer.

Anika: The ‘Out Of My Comfort Zone’ Look

I think in any Lookbook there are those looks included that feel too bold at first. Angela created this look which she originally created as an office look. I’d never wear a short skirt to the office (which is something she couldn’t know). Lesson learned: I should have mentioned the fact that I’m in a management position and although no one ever questions my skills or authority, I never want to feel too feminine at work. However, this could be a really cool coffee date look — I’d add black tights but also love the bare legs.

Angela: The ‘Out Of My Comfort Zone’ Look

Pardon the wrinkles here (these pieces were in my dry cleaning pile, which I had to fish out — plus my steamer is out of commission, womp!). I’m actually really into this look. I asked to be pushed out of my comfort zone and Anika delivered! I also love how she suggested other pieces from my wardrobe that I could layer under the dress. Instead of statement earrings, I opted for a simple pendant to keep it more chill and add interest around the neckline of the black dress.

Anika: The Look That Didn’t Quite Land

Another lesson learned: I am very picky with my choices of denim and this light pair of jeans simply exists in my wardrobe because I wear it once in the summer time and also only with one specific tank top. I’ve tried to love it more, but I have come to peace with the fact that I will only wear it once a year. There’s nothing wrong with them or the outfit Angela came up with — I just don’t like light denim and I should have mentioned this. However, it helped that Angela referred to a ‘lighter wash denim’ in her style notes — I translated this into ‘off white denim’ and loved the tweaks! Instead of Angela’s recommended choice, I added my very minimal Massimo Dutti shoulder bag and was so happy with this look.

Angela: The Look That Didn’t Quite Land

There’s nothing wrong with this outfit at all, but there are a few details that could make it feel more like me. Leather jackets are perfect for SF weather but I’ve grown tired of the moto silhouette. Anika had a great hunch about it — in fact, I’ve been on the hunt for a preloved leather blazer that cinches at the waist since last year. These Clyque trousers run long on me so I prefer to wear them with a kitten heel sandal instead of closed-toe flats to elongate my frame, but Anika wouldn’t have known that. I also swapped the Dorsey tennis necklace for my current favorite: an onyx pendant from Charlotte Chesnais. I find myself leaning toward statement pendants over sparkly chokers as of late.

Our Takeaways: What We Learned (that you can use)

• Be specific about your life, not just your style. Share details about your lifestyle, daily activities, weather, and wardrobe struggles. Angela nailed Anika’s looks because she had context for each situation. The more your stylist knows about how you live, the better they can style for it. If you’re wondering whether a detail matters, it probably does.

• If you want item recommendations, say exactly what you need. “I need bag recommendations” is good. “I need two black bags — one modern crossbody with gold hardware, one medium tote” is even better. Anika was intentional and specific about her item requests. Your stylist shops constantly and can find great options quickly when they know exactly what to look for.

• Check your own closet first. Anika realized she had alternatives to some recommendations already hanging in her wardrobe. Sometimes you need fresh eyes to see what you already own before adding new pieces.

• Share the emotional stuff too. There’s no shame in wardrobe struggles or style baggage. Your stylist is here to help, and understanding how you feel about getting dressed matters just as much as what you wear.

• Show, don’t just tell. Pinterest boards, mood boards, style references, and selfies of your actual outfits are incredibly valuable. They help your stylist understand how your style words translate in real life.

• Embrace the experiment. Tell your stylist if you want to be pushed! But also know that not every outfit will be a 10/10 hit — and that’s okay. The misses are part of the learning process, and your stylist will understand your style better with each round of feedback.

• Trust your instincts and make it your own. Even when your stylist nails the overall vibe, small tweaks can make a look feel more “you.” Swap accessories, adjust proportions based on how pieces fit your body, or switch out an item for something similar in your wardrobe. We both made small adjustments to our styled looks — swapping pieces, changing shoes for better proportions — to align them with our personal preferences. The Lookbook is a starting point; personalize it to match how you actually move through your day.

Styling each other reminded us why we love this work. There’s something powerful about having someone really see your wardrobe and show you what’s possible. Turns out, even stylists need stylists. If this experiment taught us anything, it’s that a fresh perspective can completely transform how you see (and wear) what you already own.

If you’re ready to experience the process yourself, we’d love to style you.

Get styled by Anika

Get styled by Angela