Resume

Personal Stylist and Fashion Industry Consultant

Bernadette Payne is an award-winning personal stylist, fashion consultant and educator with more than 25 years of experience across the Australian fashion industry. Through her business That’s My Style, she works with individuals, community groups and corporate clients to help people develop confidence in their personal style and build wardrobes that reflect their personality, lifestyle and goals. Her approach focuses on practical styling techniques that are accessible, empowering and tailored to each individual.

Bernadette’s career spans design, garment production, buying and fashion styling, giving her a broad understanding of how clothing is developed, marketed and worn in real life. Earlier in her career she worked within the Sussan Group, collaborating with designers, retailers and production teams to develop garment ranges and manage relationships with major fashion buyers. This experience provides her with valuable insight into clothing construction, fabric selection and the commercial side of fashion.

In addition to her styling practice, Bernadette has contributed to fashion education as a consultant, mentor and trainer with the Australian Style Institute, where she supported student learning, helped develop educational resources and guided emerging stylists building their careers. Her teaching style combines industry knowledge with practical exercises that help participants understand how styling principles apply to everyday wardrobes.

Bernadette is also involved in community initiatives that use fashion as a tool for confidence and inclusion. As Creative Director with Model Mates, she has supported styling direction and runway preparation for inclusive fashion events, helping participants build self-confidence through presentation and personal expression. She also volunteers with Thread Together, supporting initiatives that promote clothing sustainability and equitable access to fashion.

Passionate about helping people feel confident in their appearance, Bernadette’s workshops focus on identifying personal style, understanding body shape, editing wardrobes and creating versatile outfits that work for real life.