Sit down with SIR.
Sit down with SIR.
Stylist and Creative Director, Vanessa Coyle.
Working with Vanessa Coyle is always a dream. Known for her sharp eye and instinctive approach to dressing, she brings a certain ease and polish to everything she touches.
Below, Vanessa shares a glimpse into her world – how she thinks about style, why London is the pinnacle of style, and five of her personal wardrobe favourites.
What’s the first thing you consider when putting together a look?
The brief is always my starting point. For an editorial or brand campaign, it’s about the creative concept—what story are we telling? The mood, the setting, the woman we’re imagining. Every choice flows from that vision.
With a personal client, the lens shifts. It’s about context: are we dressing for a specific event with a dress code, or refreshing her everyday wardrobe with exciting new pieces? Either way, it’s a delicate balance—knowing what’s needed, introducing modern and unexpected ideas to inspire, and ultimately, creating something that allows her to feel like her most authentic self.
How does your mindset shift from editorial to dressing a private client?
Editorial is all about building a fantasy. You’re creating a mood, a moment, or a character—someone who lives within the pages of a magazine. It’s a space to experiment, to be bold, even surreal. The clothes don’t need to be practical; they just need to make you feel something.
Working with a private client is completely different—it’s personal. You’re not just styling a look, you’re dressing a real woman with her own life, body, and sense of self. The approach becomes more considered: how can I push her style, but still make sure it feel true to her? It’s less about building a world and more about enhancing the one she already lives in.
What’s the formula for a look that feels considered but not overdone?
There’s a certain charm to an outfit that looks like it came together in minutes—but still makes you do a double take. I’m always drawn to that kind of effortless style—the kind that feels confident, a little instinctive, and never too precious.
It might be something as simple as a beautifully cut jacket, or an unexpected shoe choice with the perfect pair of trousers—pieces that do most of the work for you. And suddenly it just clicks. The trick is not to over-style it.
You want to look put together, of course—but never like you tried too hard.
Best way to hone your personal style?
Personal style isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s a process, and something you shape. The best place to start is with a bit of experimentation.
Try things on. Explore different silhouettes, fabrics and colour palettes. Notice what you feel best in, what flatters you, and what people tend to compliment you on.
It also helps to look at the people whose style you admire—not to copy, but to understand what draws you in.
Once you’ve found what works, refine it. Lean into repetition. Invest in signature pieces that elevate your everyday and pull their weight across different occasions.
What are five unexpected pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe?
Truthfully, I’m not sure there are five unexpected pieces anymore—women have become brilliantly intuitive about what they wear and how they wear it. So instead, here are five of my personal favourites:
1. A signature fragrance.
When someone smells incredible, you remember. A great fragrance has the power to turn heads just like a great look.
2. Statement sunglasses.
Instant polish and an easy way to elevate even the simplest outfit. I can tell a lot about someone’s character by their choice of shades.
3. A standout coat.
It’s the first thing people see, so make it memorable. Whether it’s oversized, sculptural, or an interesting texture.
4. Signature jewellery.
Jewellery tells a story. I’m always drawn to the pieces people wear daily—it says something about their taste, their memories, their mood. Even a simple tee feels considered with the right pieces layered on.
5. Statement shoes.
The right shoe can transform everything. Whether it’s an elegant heel or a chunky boot—statement shoes inject personality and intent into any look.
Which city do you think has the best street style? Why?
I’m going to say London—and maybe that’s partly because I call it home. But honestly, the city’s streets are a daily source of inspiration, especially where I live in Hackney.
London’s style scene is like no other: raw, diverse, and endlessly inventive. It’s a city shaped by a rich history of counterculture—from punk to rave—and that rebellious energy still runs through what people wear today.
Here, style isn’t about following rules or trends; it’s about making a statement, mixing cultures, and dressing to express. There’s a kind of beautiful chaos to it all. A melting pot of identities, influences, and experimentation that’s messy and creative… and constantly evolving.
And that, to me, is the true definition of style.
5 styling tips to live by -
Play with balance and tension. I love mixing tomboy with femme, buttoned-up sexy, structured with soft—it’s that contrast that keeps a look interesting.
Confidence and taste outshine labels . It’s not about the brand; it’s about how you wear it.
Fit always matters. A great fit can transform even the simplest piece into something quite remarkable.
Never underestimate the power of shoes. As I mentioned previously, they say everything about your style and can make or break an outfit completely.
Don’t chase influencer trends blindly. What works for someone else might not work for you—trust your own instincts.