28. Dress Smarter, Lead Stronger: Fashion Tips from Stylist Fiona Rubie

What you wear is a message. In this B-Student Study Abroad episode, host Betsy Gardner sits down in London with Fiona Rubie — fashion stylist and brand consultant, former Fashion Director at BOAT International, and former Senior Fashion Editor at Harper’s Bazaar UK and InStyle UK. With credits spanning Eva Green, Linda Evangelista, and brand work for Graff, Monica Vinader, and Bergdorf Goodman, Fiona shows how style can build trust, credibility, and presence.

In this Episode you’ll learn:
• How to curate a professional presence that signals trust
• “Buy the outfit, not the separate” to end morning stress
• Capsule formulas that work in real life (tailoring, denim, knits, loafers)
• When to invest: coat, bag, belt, and shoes that elevate everything
• Mixing vintage finds with modern accessories for a unique look
• Using tailoring to read the room in high-stakes meetings
• Color and silhouette basics that flatter and feel like you
• Why dressing well changes your mindset and outcomes

Quick tips from Fiona:

• Buy the full look the day you shop, so it’s ready to wear
• Build capsules by color (navy, black, gray, neutrals)
• Keep a go-to uniform: blazer + knit + great jeans + flats or heels
• Blend high/low: Uniqlo tee, designer belt, polished bag
• Create a simple mood board so you shop with intention

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & why presence builds trust
• 04:12 – Meet Fiona Rubie: editor to stylist (Emily Blunt era)
• 08:25 – From magazines to private clients: the 2020 pivot
• 12:40 – Confidence as “armor”: tailoring, denim, knits, loafers
• 16:55 – Rule #1: buy the outfit (end the land of lost skirts)
• 21:10 – Capsules by color + high/low mixing (bag, belt, shoes)
• 25:25 – Signaling trust in high-stakes rooms (men & women)
• 29:40 – Case studies on seasons, events
• 33:55 – Winter essentials: invest in coats, mood boards, vintage hacks
• 38:10 – Joy > trackies: mindset, quick lifts, where to find Fiona

Connect with Fiona: 
Instagram: @fionarubie
Website: fionarubie.com

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Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.

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Connect with Betsy Gardner:
Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/ 

Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/

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Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/