Photography by Urban Gal Photography
When Yulia dropped her kids off at school one morning, something shifted. “I caught a glimpse of myself in the car window,” she recalls. “I looked so tired—just ran down. I didn’t even recognize myself. That moment really hit me.” It was the beginning of a transformation, one rooted not only in outer appearance but in reclaiming her sense of self.
As her children grew more independent, Yulia finally had the space to ask herself what truly brought her joy. The answer was clear: fashion, style, and color. “I’ve always loved it,” she says. “But I never thought I could actually do something with it—until I did.” She enrolled in a personal styling and color analysis course in London and dove deep into the world of fashion theory, psychology, and color communication.
That journey led to the birth of her business, Yulia’s Life of Color, a personal styling and wardrobe consultation service that helps clients look—and feel—like the best version of themselves. But her approach isn’t just about trends or aesthetics. “Color is the foundation,” she explains. “It’s where everything starts. Once you know what truly suits your natural features, it becomes easier to build a wardrobe that works with you, not against you.”
Yulia’s training goes beyond basic seasonal color palettes. She completed an advanced certification that explores the deeper, often overlooked layers of color theory—how it affects emotion, culture, perception, and self-expression. “We think we’re choosing colors on our own, but so many factors are influencing us—psychology, advertising, even cultural conditioning,” she says. “Understanding that lets us be more intentional.”
When Yulia begins working with a new client, it’s a personalized experience based on their goals. “Some people want a full makeover. Others just want to feel better in their clothes,” she says. “We start with color and body shape analysis, and from there we build a plan that fits their life.”
From there, the process flows into one of the most transformative steps: the wardrobe edit. “We go through every item and ask, ‘Is this in your color palette? Does it flatter your shape? Do you even like it?’” Yulia explains. “There’s no judgment—just curiosity.”
And then, of course, there’s the inevitable pile: the pieces we never wear.
“You know the ones,” Yulia laughs. “That top you bought for a party that never happened. The pants you’re waiting to fit into again. Or the random impulse buy that still has the tags.” She gently encourages her clients to dig into the why. “Sometimes there’s an emotional attachment. Sometimes you feel guilty getting rid of something expensive. My job is to help you decide if it can be styled in a way that works, or if it’s time to let it go.”
She even separates the closet into two sides during the edit: “One side is the stuff you reach for constantly. The other is the mystery zone—items you never wear, but can’t part with. That’s where we do the real work.”
But it’s not all about discarding. In fact, some of the most rewarding moments come from breathing new life into overlooked pieces. “I’ve had clients say, ‘I would’ve never thought to wear this like that!’” she shares. “Sometimes all it takes is the right layering, or pairing it with a new color to make it feel fresh and modern.”
Yulia emphasizes that this process is about empowerment, not perfection. “You don’t need a closet full of clothes—you need the right clothes. Pieces that support who you are now.”
For Yulia, this work is deeply personal. “I’ve done this whole process on myself, too,” she admits. “And every time I do, I find something new—some way I’ve changed, something I’m ready to let go of.”
So next time you open your closet and find yourself staring at a dress you’ve never worn, or a shirt that just doesn’t feel right, ask yourself: Why is it still there? And if you’re ready for a change, maybe Yulia’s the one to help you rediscover your reflection—this time, in full color. For more information or to book, visit @yuliaslifeofcolor on Instagram.
