Meet Kate Botts – Our Chic and Talented Stylist

Boston is so lucky to have a stylist like Kate Botts! She blends a very European high-end, luxury feel to her styling while also working within a range of price points. Her British sense of humor shines through in every conversation. She builds long-lasting relationships with her clients, who come to find her to be a trusted confidante. She is someone who elevates everyone she meets.

RCG:  So, tell us a little bit more about yourself, like where did you grow up?

Kate: I grew up in London. At 16, I attended a boarding school in Switzerland and remained there through University, where I obtained my hotel management degree. After, I applied to every single hotel in Switzerland for a job. Back then, my dream was to have a boutique hotel with individually decorated rooms at the base of a mountain so that I could ski every day!

Ultimately, I went back to London and had a few different jobs. When I was 28, I moved to Boston. I’ve been here for 20 years.

RCG: When did you discover your love of fashion?

Kate: Well, my mother still has pieces from 40 years ago that have come back around. So, I would say that she was definitely my role model for style.

At around age 18 or 19, I found myself inspired by fashion. I discovered a French brand that I really loved and studied very closely.

A few years later, after moving to Boston, I crossed the Holiday boutique threshold on Beacon Hill. The boutique had a wonderfully curated collection of handpicked items, and it reignited my love of fashion. I knew, at that moment, that I wanted to work there. I started working there on the weekends, and a month or so later, I was offered a full-time position. I ended up working at the boutique and running it for 8 years. In 2009 I started my own business, Shop Your Closet. The mission is to help organize people’s closets, create new looks, and update their style using pieces they already own.

In 2015 I took my business full-time. I was fortunate enough to maintain my retail clients over the years. A lot of them are still my clients today.

Closets are an intimate space.  That work evolved into what I do now. In addition to styling, I help clients organize the spaces in their homes and assist in organizing moves.

RCG: What is the experience like when you first meet with a client to rework their closet?

I always ask the client the same question: are you looking to evolve your style or follow a trend? 90% of the time, people want to evolve their style. Then we begin the process of sorting. I place their items into three categories: keep, donate, or consign. I also work with a seamstress to make adjustments to items that can be updated.

Working with the client’s clothing, I create new looks and styles. If new items are needed, I work within that client’s budget.

RCG: What is your favorite style?

Kate: For me, it’s classic with a little bit of edge. A bit of moto chic. A zipper on a biker boot. An exposed zipper on a jean can be paired with feminine ballet flats.

RCG: Super cool! Do you have any people that are your ultimate style icons?

Kate: I would say, Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman. And Kate Middleton. Talk about timeless. She never gets anything wrong. She could literally go out in a garbage bag and still look amazing. Another favorite is Ali MacGraw. Perfection.

RCG: Do you have any mantras to share?

Kate: Get dressed every day, from head to toe! It’s remarkable how different one feels when dressed.

RCG: But what about now, with this pandemic happening? Do you still feel this way?

Kate: Yes, but I might slightly change the message to: “Get out of your lycra ladies! Time to put the lulus away and get dressed!”

RCG: LOL! Thanks, Kate! Duly noted. I have to agree. Getting dressed does seem to help. I will remember your words!

For more on Kate, see this.

For her January post, look here.