The Top 3 Personal Stylists in Christchurch, as Per Our Mirrors
David Sims
| Last Updated: January 2025 I remember attending a company retreat a few weeks ago. I thought I’d nailed the perfect outfit—bright blue pants, a polka-dot shirt, and a bright orange tie.
Unfortunately for me, the photos are still the talk of the office. That day, I realised that maybe, just maybe, I could use a bit of expert advice when it comes to style.
Soon after, a friend recommended some personal stylists who could help me out. Intrigued, I decided to enlist the rest of the Top Reviews team to help me evaluate who’s really the best.
After lots of interviews and extensive research, here are the personal stylists in Christchurch who made it onto our list of the best.
How much does it cost to hire a personal stylist in Christchurch?
How We Chose
1. Smartfit Personal Stylist & Makeup Artist
Smartfit Personal Stylist & Makeup Artist, founded by Hayley, distinctively stands out for her highly personalised and holistic approach to styling. Hayley engages closely with you, delving into your passions, lifestyle, body shape, style, and more.
But what sets Hayley apart is her dedication to helping clients select pieces that perfectly compliment them. She isn’t the type to focus on designer labels or fleeting fashion trends.
Her holistic methodology ensures you reconnect with your authentic self, allowing your wardrobe to express your individuality and align your appearance with your inner identity.
Many we spoke to loved how Hayley taught them how to shop efficiently and confidently within their budget, eliminating the guesswork and stress typically associated with clothes shopping.
Moreover, Hayley’s services extend to both men’s, women’s, and teen styling. She even does virtual styling sessions to make her services more accessible.
Some told us that her highly personalised approach and strong focus on reconnecting with their authentic self has changed their lives for the better, as Hayley was spot on with assessing their style personality that they had disconnected from, and were wearing clothes that didn’t reflect who they were.
Customer Reviews
She knows what I’m into, she listens, and we always have great success
“I followed Hayley on Facebook for a while and was so impressed by her before-and-after photos that I had to sign up. I struggled for years to find the clothes I wanted to wear and thought I’d take the plunge and invest in it, instead of spending money on items I didn’t wear. In our first appointment Hayley assessed my colours, body shape, and personality. I felt she understood me! We did an online wardrobe sort and I found only one item from my wardrobe was going to look good (based on cut/design and colours). We needed to go shopping. I’ve done two shops with Hayley now, my summer and winter wardrobe for casual and work. She knows what I’m into, she listens, and we always have great success. Plus she’s fun to hang out with! I feel more like me with what I wear and I better understand where to look for clothes (always tricky for plus size), what clothes suit me and why, and what to avoid. It’s made shopping much less stressful as I’m slowly developing an eye for scanning racks for what will work (nowhere near as fast as Hayley though!). Hayley really is a pro, she’s got a background in modelling, retail fashion, arts and design. She brings all this together to deliver incredible results to her clients.”
I’ve learned so much and now have a small wardrobe that I love
“I originally went to Hayley as I was having trouble with spending a lot of money on clothes that I would never wear as I wasn’t sure on how to pick what suited me. Hayley helped me by teaching me what colours I suit .. what styles suit my body shape. Also how my personality influences what I feel comfortable wearing. She was very good at sharing her knowledge with me. I also went on a shopping trip with Hayley and she helped me to have the courage to try new styles .. which I ended up loving. I love Hayley attention to detail. Ive learnt so much and now have a small wardrobe that I love and can make so many interesting outfits with. My confidence has increased and I love getting dressed in the morning…I fully recommend Hayley as a professional consultant”
2. Tracy Ilton Stylist
Tracy trained as a personal stylist and image consultant at the esteemed Australian Style Institute in Melbourne, so she knows what she’s doing. Her approach is all about creating a versatile, timeless wardrobe that stands the test of time.
If you’re unsure what colours suit you, Tracy has the knack of showing you how to wear any colour with flair. She’ll also go through your entire wardrobe to make sure you only keep pieces you love and know will mix and match seamlessly.
Others mentioned, though, that her detailed, thorough approach can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you prefer quicker, more straightforward advice.
Also, a few individuals noted that Tracy’s strong opinions on style can occasionally seem a bit inflexible, making it hard to find a middle ground if one’s tastes differ.
Customer Reviews
I can’t believe the amount of amazing outfits she created in my lookbook!
“I did the Your Style Makeover package with Tracy. I needed a smaller wardrobe where everything worked together and wanted a more defined “look”. Tracy really delivered! Tracy is kindhearted, warm and friendly. She is also very knowledgeable about style and I can’t believe the amount of amazing outfits she created in my lookbook! I can highly recommend her and will be using her again in the future.”
Tracy was at all times fun, positive, understanding and knowledgeable
“I did a fair bit of research on hiring a stylist and asked a few colleagues which one I should choose. They all recommended Tracy. And she was GREAT. The wardrobe day wasn’t half as horrendous as I’d imagined it would be 🙂 and she made clearing out space and acknowledging that I never wore those brand new expensive items, with the tags still on them, as painless as possible.
They went to a good home at Nurse Maude. Was so nice to declutter. The shopping day we had together was wonderful. Trying on multiple pairs of jeans and all manner of clothes is something that I do try to avoid doing too much of, too often. She made a full day of it a breeze. She showed me some really lovely shops I would never have stumbled over (being new to Christchurch) and also showed me items which looked divine and are easily mix and matched – that I would never have entertained on my own body shape. I’ve had so many excellent comments from colleagues and clients about my new outfits and feel that I have a range for any occasion. Tracy was at all times fun, positive, understanding and knowledgeable- she also listened to my needs, likes and concerns. Very up to date with current trends as well as timeless pieces that will go the distance. I’m thrilled with my new wardrobe and feel that my time spent with Tracy has been of great value, and that Tracy and I will have an ongoing relationship.
Her Look Book is fabulous too!”
- L Smith Google Review
3. Abby Button Styling
Abby Button’s fashion career began in her teenage years after she won the nationwide style competition, Westfields Young Stylist. So, she’s been in the fashion game for a long time.
She works on magazine fashion shoots and various Westfield fashion events—from seasonal in-house fashion shows to style lounges.
But what sets Abby apart is her wedding styling. People absolutely adore her because she brings a sense of calm and confidence to what is often a very stressful part of wedding planning.
When we chatted with a few of her brides, they couldn’t stop gushing about how Abby seamlessly blends contemporary trends with timeless elegance. She makes sure every bride feels like the absolute best version of herself on her special day.
What’s also a big hit is her mother-of-the-bride styling. Finding the right outfit for mum can be quite tough, but Abby handles it all with grace, ensuring that mums feel special and beautiful.
With Abby’s popularity, though, it can be difficult to secure appointments, especially during the wedding season. Others felt that during particularly busy periods, her usually attentive service could feel a bit rushed.
Customer Reviews
Abby is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and supportive stylist
“Abby is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and supportive stylist. I went to see her for a color analysis and body shape analysis. She provided a great explanation of the principles of colour and body shape which has given me the tools to make more effective shopping decisions and rework items already in my wardrobe. Highly recommend it!”
Makes everyone feel comfortable and look their best
“Abby is both incredibly talented at her job and so friendly and warm to deal with! I love working with her as a stylist on photoshoots. She always nails the brief and makes everyone feel comfortable and looking their best which shines through in the photos. Thanks again Abby for all of your work!”
- Hilary Freeth Google Review
