Audra Mulcahy: Embracing Confidence, Style, and Self-Acceptance Through Personal Styling

Written by Audra Mulcahy

The saying "you are what you eat" is well known—have you considered that it might also apply to how you dress? “You communicate through what you wear.”

It was in understanding how fashion can be a powerful tool to elevate your confidence and transform your life which led me to my passion, Personal Styling.

My name is Audra, and I am a dedicated 51-year-old professional who transitioned from a corporate career to become a Certified Personal Stylist. I view fashion as an influential tool for personal expression and confidence, and I am committed to sharing this knowledge to help others feel comfortable and empowered in their appearance. The way we dress not only enhances our confidence and energy but also serves as a key aspect of how we present ourselves and are perceived by others. My mission is to support individuals in embracing their best selves through style, ensuring that fashion remains enjoyable, dynamic, and uplifting.

How did I start? If I’m truthful, it was a long time ago. My first memory of fashion was at the age of five. I thought it was beautiful. I loved to dress up and play with colour, scarves, jewellery and twirling around in long flowing skirts. Even from an early age fashion made me feel good and brought energy to my world. It was fun!

When I became a teenager, fashion lost its appeal because I no longer fit in. Being taller and heavier than my peers made finding clothes difficult, as fashion then catered only to certain body types. Standing out at school was tough, and being plus size made fitting in even harder.

Flash Forward!

After decades of change, we now live in a fashion-forward society without old rules or restrictions. Designers create for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and genders.

I re-examined the rules I grew up with as a plus-size person and realised they no longer applied. Now, I wear what I love, feel confident, and embrace myself at any size. Many of the most beautiful people I've met never fit the standard mould.

You no longer have to fit fashion. Fashion fits you. It’s fun and for everyone!

I've observed major shifts in the fashion industry, from greater choice to improved inclusivity and accessibility.

The fashion industry is gradually improving, with more stores offering larger sizes. Designers and retailers are responding to consumer demand. While progress continues, the outlook remains positive.

Inclusion is improving as brands increasingly cast diverse new talent and move away from stereotypes. Catwalks, photoshoots, and social media reflect this shift, with clothes and accessories now designed to celebrate a wide range of identities and lifestyles.

As for Accessibility, what can I say? You don’t even need to leave the house anymore. You can order something in the morning and have it in your hands that afternoon. ​

Fashion shapes our communication through elements like cut, colour, texture, and material. For example, newsreaders wear simple, professional attire to project trustworthiness during serious broadcasts – high necklines, clean cut clothing in darker colours, while designers often choose bold, creative outfits to express originality. Children's TV presenters opt for bright, casual clothes to appear fun and approachable. Your clothing choices can influence how you're perceived, such as when dressing for a job interview. This is where a stylist can really work with you to create your personal brand. Who am I? What do I want to say to the world?

My personal experience as a stylist, I often hear clients repeat old beliefs—often based on family opinions or past criticism—about what they can or can't wear. I enjoy addressing these misconceptions, since finding the right cut, size, and material for your body makes all the difference. Everyone is unique, so no single style works for all. I absolutely love that we are all different. It is in our differences where our true beauty lies. A beauty that is unique to you. I want to celebrate who we are as individuals.

The best part of being a stylist is connecting one-on-one with clients. We discuss preferences candidly, sometimes sharing tough moments, but every session ends with laughter. Every session is different. I provide clients with customised tools tailored to their body type, lifestyle, and personal brand. Tools to simplify shopping, build a functional wardrobe, and boost confidence ready to face the day.

Each client is special for me. I am empathetic to their journey having travelled the road myself. I have struggled with body image, weight and everything in between. I know how hard it can be to go shopping when you are unsure.  Having tried for years to fit the image we are told we should be. I’ve even gone down the road of surgery for weight loss. I am now the happiest I have ever been and I understand that fashion can work for me whatever size or body shape I am. It’s knowing how to dress for me. I want to share this with my clients. We are all perfect just the way we are.

Are you ready to have fun with fashion and feel good?