Ange's Story: Empowering Women with Confidence

Angela is a passionate advocate for women in mid-life, bringing years of experience and a deep understanding of personal style and transformation. As a former corporate executive turned lifestyle and fashion mentor, she has made it her mission to inspire women to embrace their unique style and inner strength during a time of great change in their lives.

“I believe style is more than what you wear—it’s how you feel. My journey has shown me that confidence comes from within, and my goal is to help every woman feel their best, no matter what stage of life they are in.”

I love your personal style and your beautiful energy - I love to know your story.

I am a style mentor and confidence builder for women 45+. I am lucky enough to have had such a long and diverse career in the fashion and beauty arena over the years in both luxury and high street brands. Plus expand into fashion writer and contributor, personal brand development, styling editorial features and profile personalities as well as curating my own capsule ready to wear fashion label ( a bucket list item I needed to tick) I learnt hard and fast about production, fabric sourcing, design, costings etc. Trying to do it on my own, plus being all Australian made and run a busy family household proved very challenging (insert stressed emoji face). I ticked that box though and have been able to gain so much knowledge and insight into myself and the psyche of women especially as they enter their mid-life and what that represents for them individually from the inside out. I still see my pieces being worn by my friends and clients and I have every single piece I designed and I truly do wear them all even 8 years later.

Mentoring women to be the very best version of themselves is where my expertise really lie because at the end of the day my passion is helping people feel their very best from their style right through to their confidence and outlook on life and what they see in the mirror. It is very rewarding to make people smile and shine from within. Especially in your mid-life  when things really change - health, body, skin, family dynamics, values, friendships, job etc

Can you tell is a little about your background and where your love of fashion comes from? 

I have always had a strong interest and flair as a young girl in personal expression, individual style and exploring style as not only a reflection of who you are but for it to be subjective like a piece of artwork, forever changing and adapting like we do in the different chapters of our life. I am from a small country town in northern NSW so fashion wasn’t really hot topic but I would save my pocket money and order magazines from our local news agency such as Italian, French and American vogue, MODE magazine and of course regularly buy the teenage girl “bible" Dolly magazine.

I would trace and sketch  the fashion in the imported magazines, I loved the glossy finishings and all the tiny details, shapes and silhouettes. This was my escape as I didn’t love school and I would dream of one day being involved in high fashion in either Paris or Italy…..a little cliche but I loved the romance of it all. I didn’t end up working in Paris but my husband and I frequent Paris often and both love to walk the streets and pour over the fashion. We will spend more time on a permanent basis over the coming years though for sure. Who knows? A job in Paris might still be on the cards. It’s never too late!

This is why I absolutely love the service FAM offers. Tanya passionately gives women the opportunity to feel incredible and be surrounded by exquisite beauty and design that might not be attainable on a day to day basis. Sustainable luxury, wearing items again and sharing the love of fashion.

How does your approach to styling women aged 45 and above differ from styling younger clients? 

Taking pride in your appearance is often seen as being self-indulgent or vain and only for the younger generation however I want to change that conversation to align with self-respect and self-value. First impressions as we know are quite powerful. Unlocking potential and stepping out of your comfort zone is how we grow. Your style can play huge part in this role. Growth, changing the dialogue you tell yourself in the mirror everyday and stepping into your magic can stop you from feeling invisible. It’s sad to hear that most people feel that youthful looks and a number determine your value in society. It’s just not the case. The most interesting, dynamic and inspiring people I have ever met are all over 50

My style has been somewhat consistent over the years, I love simple, effortless, chic and fun fashion pieces, but it has to be comfortable - I am not a slave to fashion. I am at home in great cut pants or linen trousers or a long floaty dress. I feel most ridiculous in a short fitted dress! The older I get the more I am aware of what works and what doesn’t.

What are your top three wardrobe staples for women aged 45 and above?

 Purely clothing wise without a doubt 

How can women in this age group refresh thier wardrobe without feeling like they are trying yo dress too young or too old?

Many people struggle to let go of the past, and that is often reflected in their wardrobes too. The past chapters of their lives are all hanging in front of them. I believe your clothes carry energy and memories. You may have been through divorce, illness, trauma, weight change, life change, job loss and what you wore at that time of life is staring back at you reminding you every single day. When I style someone, I first try to find out what is really going on deep inside their thoughts. Old thought patterns, programming, and self-loathing mirror moments are always the barriers. Once we determine their lifestyle and style goals and what inspires them, we can then address how that is reflected in what they wear and how the world perceives them. It’s a domino effect to be honest. 

What has been your greatest career achievement?

Lots of little moments in time it’s really hard to pick one. Creating my own label would definitely be up there. 

We know you love to be creative, Have you got any exciting projects you are working on? 

I love writing and would like to do more of that, I am working on two pieces at the moment. Creating short articles for print release or just expanding my skill in this area. I am also hoping to collaborate with some like-minded women,  in varying areas of mentoring to create a women’s retreat workshop.  

I believe women love community based services and intimate gatherings as we hit mid-life and beyond. We like to connect and share so this is an area I am looking at. Whatever I do it has to be rewarding, done with kindness, sincerity and be a mindful act of service. I don’t have time for anything else these days. My circle is small, my boundaries are big and I have finally learnt to say no to things that just don’t resonate with me.

Finally, out of all the Fashion Alta Moda pieces you have worn which would you say is your favourite? 

So many! 

Fashion Alta Moda has been like finding gold! While I love to shop, when it comes to the longevity of statement pieces it makes more sense to me utilising what this service offers.

Meeting with Tanya is like catching up with an old friend, she knows my style and what I love however, challenges me to step out of my familiarity into another world. Fashion shouldn’t be contrived or boring, Fashion Alta Moda gives you the freedom to step into another realm without spending beyond your means.

 Follow Ange Cleary

@angeclearystylist

www.angelaclearystylist.com.au

F.A.M.'s Style File is a celebration of the taste-makers of Australian style. If you are feeling inspired to explore your personal style, luxury designer rental is the perfect way to experiment with your look by trying new designers, styles, colours and prints as often as you wish without committing to long-term ownership. Experience the joy of wearing vs owning! For all your designer dress rental needs from elevated daywear, event dressing, to cocktail parties, to dramatic black-tie gowns, Fashion Alta Moda has you covered.