The story of Birdie & Claire began with the women who inspired us—not just through their style, but through their spirit and the joyful, vibrant way they lived life. Today, we continue to source inspiration from so many lovely women in our orbit.
Women we admire, women who embrace the beauty, confidence and wisdom that comes with age. Women driven by purpose, women dedicated to supporting and lifting up other women.
Which brings us to our friend, Jacqui Getz (@thedetailsofstyle), a pro-age stylist helping women embrace fashion that expresses confidence, joy, and their unique personalities.
1. Before you began teaching the art of styling, you spent much of your career as an educator in NYC public schools. Have you always been a natural teacher? Was fashion always a personal interest of yours?
In my experience, everyone is a natural teacher, some simply turn it into a profession and a career. While others have life-long passions for fashion, I cannot say that has been my journey. As I grew older, though, I grew more confident in dressing and better understood my style goals. I became fascinated by how outfits come together, how the right elements, details, silhouettes, colors and fabrics can be combined to create a look that has that special “zing” of surprise. I’m especially drawn to subtle additions that quietly say a lot.
My years as an educator and school leader made the transition into starting my styling business smoother than I ever expected. As a stylist, I spend hours with women—both in their closets and out shopping—and I’ve found that my background in education has been invaluable. The skills I honed over 36 years are the same ones I now use to help clients: the ability to listen, accept, ask questions, repeat what I’m hearing, and encourage them to try something a bit new. My favorite part of styling is seeing the smile on a client’s face after a great session.
2. After retiring, you earned your Master’s in sustainable fashion and began a styling business–that’s a pretty incredible second act, and quite the 180! What inspired you to pursue this? Any advice for other women considering a career change at any age?
Five years before I retired, I went to FIT to get a certificate in Image Consulting. Then I applied to grad school during my last year as a school principal. I cannot explain why; I just knew it was what I wanted to do—a pure dream. It was highly unrealistic, but I was determined. One piece of advice is to follow the dream you may have put on hold. Go for it. In pursuing the certificate and graduate degree, I had to push myself out of my comfort zone, which I think is highly important. Also, while I was generally much older than my colleagues in both programs, only generous, thoughtful, humorous people surrounded me! I also hired a career coach which was essential! As we get older, we must continue to find and accept challenges. Also, I don’t want to overdramatize what I did, as many variables lined up to make my pivot easy. But only you can provide the vision, the desire to learn, and the willingness to network.
3. Your Instagram (@thedetailsofstyle) is such a great resource for styling and inspiration to embrace fashion at every age. What inspired you to start the account?
One of my colleagues encouraged me to start an account many years ago, but I dropped it. About two years ago, I started again at my three daughters' suggestion. Then I networked and met a terrific social media guide who is teaching me so much. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to get inspired by other styling accounts, but not be intimidated by them. I decided just to be me! After years and years of leading staff meetings, PTA meetings, and workshops, I feel pretty comfortable talking, so I do. I also hope to be real, approachable and honest—I do not have an enormous wardrobe, and you’ll see that I wear and re-wear. While I’m interested in the endless outfits other women produce on IG, that’s not my message. I mean it when I write #keepitsimplystylish. A huge closet is not essential. A carefully curated closet is what’s important.
4. Where do you draw inspiration for your personal style?
I live in NYC, so every errand, trip to a museum, concert, play, walk, wander through a store and meal out can lead to something inspiring. Traveling also provides me with endless inspiration, especially taking a trip to Europe. I also follow many inspiring IG creators. Plus, old movies! I freeze the TV and snap pictures.
5. Are there any women in your life who have inspired you along the way?
I have photos of my maternal grandmother, and I would happily take her entire wardrobe. I also have dresses from my paternal grandmother, and while I am much taller, their fabric, silhouette, and design are inspiring.
6. What is an outfit that made you feel amazing? A memorable outfit, or your go-to ONE outfit that brings you the most confidence?
I always opt for jeans with heels, a white T-shirt, many necklaces, and my standard bracelet stack. I wore jeans most days as a principal! I love dressing up with a simple foundation. Accessorizing is my happy place—my glasses and jewelry are essential items.
