AI is the new IT stylist. Here’s how 3 fashionable women are using it.

Putting together a look can be a really tiring task. For many people, this involves staring at clothes inside their closet and trying on different permutations of outfits based on what’s trending on Pinterest mood boards, influencers’ IG, or FYP. But for others, it may be as simple as opening the AI-powered app, typing the prompt, and *boom* you get a fire ‘fit.

In recent years, AI – particularly large language models (LLMs – e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini and Cloud) – have taken on the role of personal stylist, shopper and advisor for an increasing number of women. Per fashion businessState of Fashion 2026 ReportGeneric AI searches related to shopping increased by 4,700% in 2025, with 53% of US consumers who used generic AI for search also using it for shopping. It’s a great tool for planning outfits for rushed mornings, explaining dress codes, helping travelers pack with confidence, and taking people’s style in directions they might not have otherwise taken.

You don’t even need a hint to imagine the show when shopping online. Google’s Virtual Try-On Convenience can do this for you. All you have to do is upload a selfie, and you can see how you’d look wearing any item. Think of it as the real world version In Cher’s “gamified” closet no news, But instead of being limited to the contents of your wardrobe, you have a billion things to choose from – even more. 50 billion listings from Google’s Shopping GraphTo be precise.

“The whole world becomes your wardrobe,” says Dominic McGowan, Google product manager of GenAI for shopping. Keep in mind, this is not an exact science, as it does not take into account proportions. “The virtual try-on is a vibe check. What we want to do is help you find your style, get inspired, and give people new confidence when shopping for clothes online,” McGowan tells Bustle. This is an easy way to explore different colors, silhouettes and styles. (Pro tip: This is also an easy way to “try on” designer items.)

Even the most AI-savvy girls know that no matter how many platforms you use, nothing can replace the IRL experience of tasting and trying on clothes. But incorporating it into your daily life can definitely be beneficial.

Ahead, three women share how they let AI infiltrate their wardrobe and the style benefits.

“It felt like I was playing with paper dolls again.”

About six months ago I shared my selfie for free. color analysis website, but I wanted a deeper explanation of my “deep winter” assessment without spending the money to consult an expert. ChatGPT felt like a shortcut.

It just snowballed from there. I started asking the AI ​​if my outfits were appropriate for my skin tone. For fun, later bridgerton season 4 Premiere happened, I even tried to re-imagine Terno (Traditional Filipino attire) using my latest wedding-guest fit as a jumping-off point for the show. It felt like I was playing with paper dolls again. It was only fitting that Gemini also had bridgerton The promo shows Hyacinth trying on different gowns.

I usually give it a picture or two and use prompts, like “Draw a navy blue sleeveless gown that will suit my figure and haircut.” Then I iterate until I get something I’m happy with. I would say AI serves as a fashion advisor for about 30-40% of my fashion needs.

When the AI ​​once suggested that the light pink outfit was not suitable for me, I walked away because I felt positively glowing in it.

While it’s a great tool, it’s ultimately you who determines whether the AI’s recommendations are a good fit for you. AI usually doesn’t help me reach the final result. My confidence comes from bringing that vision to life. So when the AI ​​once suggested that the light pink outfit wasn’t suitable for me, I was off because I felt positively glowing in it.

-Pauline Lappas, 33, creative director

“I use AI to find deals.”

I worked at Google for my last role and have been using AI for a while. But I didn’t make the connection to fashion until I was looking at social media and was like, “These outfit ideas are really cool, but where do I get them? Maybe I can set an alert for that so I can get something cheap.” I started exploring ways I could get help.

In my daily life, I use AI to find deals. I’ve been tracking this John Galliano Dior t-shirt from the ’90s, and I’ve set an alert for it whenever it drops below the $400 threshold. I take an image of the item I want and say, “I want to buy this. Alert me when you find an item below X price.”

I found Stuart Weitzman wedges for $36 that I set an alert for two months ago. It was ridiculous. Who gets $36 shoes, let alone Stuart Weitzman?

Even on Chrome, Google has a little built-in shopping tracker. You go to the product page, click the button and it will track it. I found Stuart Weitzman wedges for $36 that I set an alert for two months ago. It was ridiculous. Who gets $36 shoes, let alone Stuart Weitzman?

I also use AI while traveling. I say, “I’m going to Italy this time of year. What’s the atmosphere like? The weather? What are people wearing?” And so I get an overview, then I start plugging in the clothes I want to wear. I’m taking pictures of outfits, laying them all out there, and saying, “What pants can I leave out and still have the most outfits? Customize this wardrobe for me so I don’t pack more stuff than necessary.”

When I started creating fashion content on TikTok, I was afraid that personal stylists would think, “What is she talking about?” But I’m a style strategist, so I think, “How do you do this most efficiently?” I don’t think AI replaces any individual stylist or taste. Fashion is very strategic, visual, the dynamism of it, all these things. But I had no hesitation that it would be very, very helpful to the average person.

We go around the world saying, “Oh, it’s cute.” Or, “I love the way she put it together.” But being able to really articulate, “What is my style? What do I like? Don’t like?” The biggest way to help my audience is to achieve clarity. Take the link to your Pinterest board, feed it into the AI ​​and say, “This is a link to my Pinterest board. Help me understand a common thread between these.”

When I share the signals I plugged into AI with my followers, I get a lot of people saying, “This was a game-changer. I didn’t know AI could do that for me.” Many times people feel overwhelmed by their style while sitting in the driver’s seat. But when you use AI for something as simple as, “What are my colors?” Or, “What will I wear to this wedding in June?” And it gives you the idea, taking into account your body type, time of year, location and all the little data points you have to synthesize yourself, it’s a light-bulb moment. This is the biggest compliment I can receive. I love that it helps people feel clear and in control.

-Des Awofeso, 42, style strategist and content creator

“I still need approval from friends.”

I ask AI for style advice. I typically upload an outfit option and use Samsung’s built-in AI to re-imagine certain elements, like I’d tell it to make the shoes golden or red. Then I’ll go to ChatGPT, put the options in there and ask which outfit is better. I ask simple styling questions like, “With or without jacket?” I also tell it the vibe I’m going for, like if I want it to be more elegant or informal. Or which top looks good with a specific bottom style.

I also use it to attend events that have dress codes. I upload the invitation directly so it can give outfit suggestions. I always use multiple platforms to see if the recommendations are different. At the end of the day, I still think it’s my style, so I wouldn’t entirely credit AI for my outfit, even if it helped. I just ask for feedback and make changes to the style to make it more appealing.

If I had to choose between listening to the AI’s advice and listening to the advice of my friends, I’d stick to the latter advice.

Also, I still take every suggestion seriously. I still need validation from friends, so I still send them pictures of my outfit choices when I’m unsure, but I like using AI for initial ideas. If I had to choose between listening to the AI’s advice and listening to the advice of my friends, I’d stick to the latter advice. 100%.

—Angela N., 41, content creator and businesswoman

Interviews were edited and condensed for clarity.