After years in the world of glossy campaigns and editorial shoots, Lauren Matina added a new dimension to her business—bringing her expertise to real women.
Through her business, Novateur Style, Matina is helping women across Bergen County and New York City reconnect with themselves through fashion. Whether it’s rediscovering personal style after becoming a mother, navigating a major life change, or simply evolving out of the post-pandemic sweatpants era, Matina’s approach is equal parts intuitive, intentional and deeply personal.
“I realized some of my most rewarding styling work was when I worked on TV shows like What Not to Wear and Born to Style, making over real women,” Matina shares. “There are so many physical, emotional and spiritual changes we go through in life. Each chapter calls for a new version of yourself — and your wardrobe should reflect that.”
Rooted in Real Life
Matina’s clients are often in a moment of transition — a new job, a baby, a breakup, a milestone birthday. She sees style as a tool for empowerment and reinvention.
“There’s a level of vulnerability in opening up your closet to a stranger,” she says. “It’s personal. But there’s a kind of magic that happens when a woman begins to see herself differently — more clearly — through clothes that fit who she is becoming.”
Closet Cleanse, Reimagined
Matina’s signature service is her Closet Cleanse, a guided edit of a client’s existing wardrobe — and a powerful first step in her process. After an in-depth consultation to understand lifestyle, budget and goals, she and her team conduct a hands-on closet review: pulling pieces out by category, assessing what stays, what goes and what can be repurposed. The result? A wardrobe that makes sense — and feels like you.
“I always say: I’m a stylist, not a closet organizer,” she stresses. “But I do believe in leaving things better than I found them. When we’re done, it’s not just cleaner — it’s curated.”
Sustainability Meets Style
Sustainability is a growing concern in the fashion world, and Matina integrates it naturally into her process. She encourages clients to invest in quality over quantity, to tailor rather than toss, and to consider secondhand and vintage options with fresh eyes.
“Your instinct might be to throw something out,” she says. “But a simple alteration or a visit to a shoe repair shop could give it new life.”
She also partners with designers like Esque/By, a brand known for custom upcycled pieces — turning something old into something one-of-a-kind.
A VIP Experience
For those ready for a wardrobe refresh, Matina offers a VIP Shopping Experience. Unlike traditional personal shopping, this isn’t a quick trip to the mall.
She and her assistant pre-pull looks, liaise with in-store personal shoppers, and create a luxury environment tailored to each client. “You walk in and everything’s done for you — curated, prepped, and ready to try,” she explains.
In-Home Styling: The Secret Weapon
Perhaps one of her most impactful services is in-home styling. Rather than buying something new, Matina works with what clients already own — reimagining and restyling outfits with a fresh eye.
“It’s about uncovering new ways to wear what you already love,” she says. “It’s exciting for clients when they have that moment of, Oh, I never thought to wear it like that.”
Fashion Philosophy
Her styling philosophy is simple: Leave no stone unturned.
“Is this really the best dress for the occasion? Can the hem be taken up? Is there another way to wear this piece?” she shares. “I believe in pushing a little further — there’s always more possibility.”
And most importantly? Style should be fun.
“We’re all juggling careers, families, responsibilities. This is the part that gets to be about you.”
Timeless Staples for Fall
This season, Matina’s must-haves include a great-fitting pair of jeans in multiple washes, a statement coat or blazer, and one quality pair of boots.
“These are foundation pieces that will carry you through the season and beyond,” she notes. “Invest in quality, and you’ll wear them again and again.”
A Life in Style
Matina’s career has been anything but linear — and that’s what makes her so dynamic. From styling on-set for VH1 and MTV in the early 2000s to serving as a market editor at Better Homes & Gardens, she’s seen every side of the industry.
At just 27, she was integral to running production for FYI Network’s Born to Style, managing scripts, scouting locations and styling on-air talent — all at once.
“There was no ‘try,’ there was only ‘do,’” she says. “I learned how to deliver under pressure — and deliver results.”
That same high standard shows up in everything she does today.
Final Word
Asked for her best advice for anyone looking to elevate their everyday style?
“Start small, and aim for quality. Building a wardrobe takes time — but when you get it right, it changes how you show up in the world.”
For more information visit novateurstyle.com.
Style Credits:
Creative Direction - Justine Santaniello
Photographer - Johan Santos
Make Up - Lexie Arruti
Hair Styling - Taline Romeo Moxie Englewood
Hair Colorist - Danielle Estes
Nails - Milan Nails
“There are so many physical, emotional and spiritual changes we go through in life. Each chapter calls for a new version of yourself - and your wardrobe should reflect that.” - Lauren Matina