For Georgia V. Buley, personal style is about more than what hangs in a closet. Through GVLooks, the Branchburg-based stylist works with clients across New Jersey to refine their wardrobes, build confidence and reconnect with who they are through fashion.
"I really love people," Buley says, and it is clear that this passion is what sets her apart from influencers and online style quizzes. Many women struggle to feel confident in their clothes. Finding the right balance between comfort, personal style, body type and the constant wave of social media trends can feel overwhelming. It often becomes both a waste of time and money. Buley's expertise and genuine approach cut through that uncertainty, helping clients discover what truly works for them.
Buley studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Although she was initially unsure of her career path, she knew she wanted to work in fashion. That passion led to her first styling position at Nordstrom in The Mall at Short Hills, where she fell in love with personal styling. She spent the next 13 years working as both a freelance stylist and a stylist for The RealReal, the world's leading luxury resale marketplace, where she specialized in product styling for seven years. Despite enjoying the work, she realized something was missing.
"Everybody has to get dressed every day, no matter what," Buley says.
For Buley, that simple truth is what gives fashion its meaning. Styling allows her to positively impact people's lives by helping them build confidence and express themselves authentically. The clothes people wear influence not only how others perceive them but also how they see themselves.
"The best part is getting to know people, their families and watching them reach their goals," she says.
Buley launched GVLooks more than three years ago to return to the personal side of styling, traveling throughout New Jersey to help clients elevate both their wardrobes and their confidence.
Every styling experience begins with an intake form and consultation to better understand each client's goals. Buley asks about more than clothing preferences. She wants to learn about clients' daily routines, personalities, careers and lifestyles. From there, she conducts her signature style assessment.
Unlike online quizzes that focus primarily on colors or patterns, Buley considers how a person's values influence what they wear. For example, someone who prioritizes convenience and flexibility may naturally gravitate toward clothing with pockets, elastic waistbands and machine-washable fabrics. She also asks clients to describe how they want to feel in their clothes, a surprisingly personal question that often uncovers what they have been missing.
By understanding both the practical and emotional aspects of style, Buley creates wardrobes that feel authentic rather than trendy.
Buley also offers specialized services that help clients build confidence beyond a single shopping trip. From color analysis and closet edits to personal shopping and wardrobe planning, every service is designed to simplify getting dressed each day. Rather than encouraging clients to constantly buy more, she helps them maximize what they already own while identifying thoughtful additions that truly fit their lifestyles. Her goal is to create versatile wardrobes that work together seamlessly, allowing clients to spend less time second-guessing outfits.
Working in fashion has also made Buley especially observant of trends. Some, like this summer's scarf belt, may fade quickly. Others, including jelly shoes, have returned time and again since the 1980s and continue to evolve. Her goal is not to chase every trend but to help clients incorporate the ones that complement their personal style while avoiding purchases that will quickly feel outdated.
When people understand their own style, they naturally become more selective shoppers, saving both time and money while building wardrobes they truly enjoy wearing.
In today's world of social media, fast fashion and endless online influence, finding clothes that genuinely reflect who you are has never been more challenging. Buley's expertise, kindness and empathy create an experience that goes far beyond shopping. She helps clients build wardrobes that feel authentic, allowing them to look in the mirror and recognize themselves with renewed confidence.
This fall, Buley is opening her own styling studio, where clients can visit for color analysis, style analysis, wardrobe fittings and personalized styling services. She also plans to host intimate workshops and small-group events at accessible price points, allowing even more people to discover the confidence that comes from dressing like the best version of themselves.
For Buley, personal style has never been about following someone else's rules. It is about understanding yourself first, then building a wardrobe that reflects who you are today and who you aspire to become. Whether she is helping someone prepare for a new career, navigate a life transition or simply enjoy getting dressed again, her mission remains the same: to help every client feel comfortable, confident and completely themselves, one thoughtfully styled outfit at a time.
Start your style journey today at gvlooks.com.
“Everybody has to get dressed every day, no matter what," —Georgia V. Buley
The best part is getting to know people, their families, and watching them reach their goals,’—Georgia V. Buley
Wardrobe Tip
A wardrobe that reflects your lifestyle makes getting dressed effortless. Investing in versatile, well-fitting pieces you truly love helps simplify daily decisions, reduce unnecessary purchases, and build lasting confidence that never goes out of style.