Brand You: Stylist Alena Le Blanc on Owning Your Look and Dressing with Purpose

There’s more to personal style than a capsule wardrobe and a closet full of neutrals—and Alena Le Blanc is living proof. Based in the Bay Area, Alena is a professional stylist with a refreshingly down-to-earth vibe, a strong stance on sustainability, and a modern understanding of how personal branding plays out through what we wear.

Her career began in fashion design, but everything changed during the pandemic. The companies she worked for filed for bankruptcy, and rather than panic, she pivoted. “I just knew I wanted to do something that still used my creativity and helped people,” she explains. With a growing awareness of the environmental toll of fashion, she saw an opportunity to work one-on-one with clients—helping them love what they already own, dress intentionally, and feel amazing in their clothes.

Her approach is part practical, part personal transformation. And crucially, it’s about helping women show up fully as themselves. Whether she’s advising a female founder stepping onstage at a conference, a hospitality exec juggling travel and meetings, or someone in the middle of a major life shift, Alena helps them build a wardrobe that reflects their identity—and sends the right message. Because like it or not, your wardrobe is part of your brand.

From tech bros and Bay Area style shifts to capsule packing tips and fashion secrets hiding in plain sight, here’s what Alena had to say when we sat down to talk about spring trends, travel wardrobes, and the real reason a Veronica Beard blazer might just be your next great buy.

How would you describe your approach to styling?

It always starts with intention. I want to help people feel like the best version of themselves, and that means figuring out their unique style—not copying someone else’s. I look at their lifestyle, how they move through their day, what their comfort needs are. Style has to work with your life, not against it.

A lot of people come to me wearing the same outfits over and over again—not because they lack imagination, but because they haven’t been taught how to build off what already works for them. That’s where I come in. I assess what they already own, find the gaps, and build a lookbook full of outfits that mix and match seamlessly.

You mentioned you work with a lot of women founders and professionals—how do you help them balance fashion and function?

Comfort matters. You can look amazing and be able to walk! Especially in industries like hospitality or events, you're on your feet, you're traveling, you're doing a million things. I help clients find high-impact pieces that are easy to style, travel well, and feel like them—whether that’s a sleek fashion sneaker or a beautiful suit that can be worn five ways.

Let’s talk spring! Any easy ways to refresh a professional wardrobe right now?

Absolutely. Here are five quick wins:

Swap your black blazer for a lighter color—white, tan, even pastel—instantly modernizes your look.
Add color or print with accessories. A scarf, a bold earring, or a statement cuff goes a long way.
Upgrade your shoe game—a great fashion sneaker can replace a heel and still feel polished.
Mix in one print piece—like a blouse or skirt—that can work with neutrals you already own.
Layer smartly—think cropped jackets, lightweight trench coats, or sleeveless vests that add structure without bulk.

You touched on capsule wardrobes for travel—how do you help clients pack stylishly, but light?

I take the capsule approach when packing. Start with a few neutral basics, add two colors and one or two prints. Everything should mix and match. And don’t forget—what you wear on the plane counts too! I always suggest one comfortable shoe and one dressier shoe, and I love building in a pop piece—like a bold blazer or a standout dress—that gives the capsule some flair.

What are some go-to brands you recommend for professional women right now?

It really depends on the client’s body and budget, but here are some faves:

Theory – Great quality, travel-friendly fabrics, and classic cuts that aren’t boring.
Ann Taylor – Yes, still around, and their suiting for spring is surprisingly stylish—and they offer petite and tall.
Veronica Beard – Their blazers are investment-worthy and super versatile.
Aritzia – For younger clients or more modern cuts, their blazers and coats are spot on.
The Fold (London-based) – Female-founded, elevated workwear that travels well and feels luxe.

Accessories—overlooked or underrated?

Totally underrated! Accessories are the easiest way to break out of your style rut. Try a statement cuff, a colorful earring, or a printed scarf—even tied on your handbag. It’s all about injecting a little joy. And you don’t have to go full maximalist—just one standout piece can completely change your look.

What about the women who feel stuck—buying the same black pants, over and over again? Guilty!

You’re not alone! Most people do that because they haven’t found the missing piece in their wardrobe. I go through every item with clients, figure out what they’re missing (maybe it’s a top that pulls it all together), and then I show them new ways to wear what they already have. I also use a styling platform where clients can access outfit combinations I’ve created for them—like a digital closet concierge!

Let’s go back to personal branding for a second—do you find most women are aware of how their style communicates who they are?

Not always. And that’s something I try to shift in our work together. Especially for women in leadership roles, or those building a business or stepping into more visibility, your wardrobe is often the first message people receive. I help clients get really clear on what they want that message to be. Do they want to feel approachable? Authoritative? Creative? Their style can—and should—reflect that.

Have trends like Ozempic weight loss impacted how women are dressing?

Yes, definitely. I’m seeing women who’ve had major body changes come to me excited, but overwhelmed. Suddenly they can wear things they couldn’t before, and they want to buy everything. I always say: slow down. Find a tailor. Find pieces with stretch or flexibility for the transition. And most importantly, stay grounded in your style. Don’t chase trends—figure out what feels authentic to you.

Last question: Any fashion “secret” you wish more women knew?

There is no standard sizing in women’s fashion. Best to know your measurements and not worry about the numbers on the tag. You can be a 4 in one brand and a 10 in another, don’t let it get to your head.

Also, 90% of what I do has nothing to do with clothes. It’s really about helping people feel safe and seen—giving them space to try new things. The fashion and beauty industries have made billions convincing women they’re not enough. My job is to help them see they already are. Clothes are just the bonus.

Want to work with Alena?

Alena works with clients in person in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, and virtually with women around the world. Specializing in styling for female founders and entrepreneurs, she helps her clients discover a personal style that feels authentic, empowering, and aligned with their goals. Whether they’re stepping on stage, leading a team, or packing for a high-stakes trip, Alena uses a powerful styling platform to curate full looks—clothing, shoes, accessories—that take the guesswork out of getting dressed. Her motto? Personal style is personal development. With her guidance, women don’t just dress better—they step into the next level of who they’re meant to be.

📍 Based in the San Francisco Bay Area 📧 alena@leblanclabel.com

Website: www.leblanclabel.com 📱 Instagram: @leblanc_label

Alena is also planning her wedding (congrats!), so we’re keeping an eye out for her bridal style secrets next…