With work remote for the time being—for herself and her clients—Raleigh fashion consultant Claire Roberts is shifting her look to a more casual style.
as told to Addie Ladner

For as long as Claire Roberts can remember, she’s found joy in fashion. A self-described people person and Charlotte native, Roberts is a firm believer that the science behind a good outfit can light a fire under someone, giving them the confidence to approach their day with gusto. That joy, combined with a degree from NCSU in Business Management, and a 10-year corporate stint working at SAS, has helped her evolve into one of Raleigh’s go-to stylists. Her natural eye for lines, colors, and shapes can be found on the outfits of area men and women of all ages and walks of life, who she equips with the right clothes for their body type. “When someone likes what they’re wearing, they can truly enjoy themselves and focus on being present in that moment,” says Roberts. “That’s why I do what I do.” Below, Roberts shares where she’s shopping to support her change of wardrobe that’s gone from business chic to boho-casual.

 

Life looks really different for me right now. Instead of rising with the sun, delivering my kids to school and hitting the stores with my clients (where I culd often be found wearing dresses, heels and a handful of accessories), I’m sleeping a little later and living in athleisure or a bathing suit while at our happy place, Wrightsville Beach. I’m slowing down and I haven’t set foot in a mall since March, a world record for me.  I’m spending my money on clothing that reflects a new welcome, laidback lifestyle, and where my heart is now. This change in wardrobe and pace of life has helped me to make light of the disrupt in our schedules and dare I say, rethink adding more practical, casual options to my outfit choices moving forward. Here are four places I’ve been shopping during the pandemic.

For of-the-moment tie-dye: Rise & Ramble

I’m really crushing on Rise & Ramble right now.  Their tie-dye creations are on-point and in the most lucious of late summer colors.  I searched far and wide earlier this summer for the perfect tie-dye set and little did I know the best ones were made in Raleigh’s backyard!

 

To shop for a cause: Empower for Hope

I first heard about this business last year from a good friend, an artist in Charlotte where the organization is based out of. Empower for Hope, run by Christin Boone, is a non-profit committed to empowering women and combating poverty.  Partnering with a group of refugees, immigrants, and fabric makers in Africa, Christin has created a line of handmade skirts in the most vibrant colors and patterns you can imagine.  The style is a perfect balance of feminine meets bohemian. The skirts can be worn casually with a tee or dressed up for a wedding. I currently have one on order and cannot wait to wear it!  In a time of great uncertainty in our world, if I can make an impact with my dollar here in N.C. put towards a beautiful clothing purchase, then that is a win-win in my book.

For casual, surfer-style gear: Before Work Surf Club

I was lucky enough to have stumbled upon a “crash pad” for my family at Wrightsville five years ago and we’ve built up a wonderful community of friends there over the years.  Surfing is a huge part of the lifestyle there and we dove in feet first when all four of us started taking surf lessons from our friend Tikko. It has taken years but we are finally getting the hang of it and love it! With this new hobby, brings a need for clothing that allows us to easily change in and out of our wet swimsuits.  Another friend of ours, Spencer Lem, started the Before Work Surf Club. Found online and at various retailers on the coast-they curate beachy athletic items like tees, hoodies, coffee mugs, stickers, hats and more. In various ways the owner continues to give back to the Wrightsville Beach community such as donating to organizations like No Kid Hungry and various cancer research initiatives. Before Work Surf Club is dedicated to those that need to play in the waves, sweep the beach from debris, and feel saltwater rush through their hair all before the daily grind starts. And right now it’s the simple pleasures like those that are getting me through these days.  So naturally, I am honored to wear their gear.  I just got my first tee which I’m living in with my favorite Mother jeans, Jeffrey Campell jelly slides, and my resin Madewell earrings- a perfect evening outfit for strolling on the Crystal Pier with my people.

For deals on designer pieces: The Outnet

I recently worked on a large commercial shoot with another stylist from LA and she introduced me to The Outnet– developed for the global style-conscious shopper. It stocks a huge selection of previous-season designer fashion.  As we see the fashion industry begin to rewire itself, this is a great place to find the deals we all want on the best designer pieces and not let those last season pieces go to waste!  The Outnet has a great app that I could get lost in for days. I’m seriously swooning over the Oscar De La Renta earrings!

For more local style inspiration, connect with Claire on Instagram or visit her site.