Styling Matters with Lizzi Richardson

Are you tired of the "buy two sizes, return one" online shopping trap? For women over 40, inconsistent sizing across brands often means committing to double the spend on your credit card, only to face the hassle of returning the item that doesn't fit. But what if you could shop online with total confidence and only buy exactly what you need?
In this episode of Styling Matters, host Lizzi Richardson reveals her new secret weapon for stress-free shopping: AI. Discover how to use ChatGPT as your personal styling assistant to decode confusing size guides, compare dimensions across different brands, and stop guessing your fit.
Lizzi shares two real-life examples of how AI saved her from the returns queue:
The Laptop Bag: How she used AI to compare the dimensions of a classic Hermès Birkin bag against High Street options to find the perfect, posture-friendly work bag from Reiss that actually fits her laptop.
The Signet Ring: How ChatGPT decoded the Victoria Beckham ring sizing guide, converting inside diameter measurements to circumference, so she could buy the right size first time - without tying up her credit card on two sizes.
Plus, Lizzi shares her simple trick for using measurements from your existing favourite wardrobe pieces to confidently buy from new brands online.
If you’re a midlife woman looking for practical online shopping tips, styling advice, and ways to make your life easier, this episode is a game-changer.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Why the "buy two sizes" habit is costing you money and peace of mind.
How to use ChatGPT to compare clothing and accessory dimensions.
How to use your favourite, well-fitting garments as a baseline to find your perfect size in other brands.
Why AI is the ultimate tool for decoding sizing.
Shop the Episode

Reiss Laptop Bag – The High Street Hermès alternative
Victoria Beckham Dorian Signet Ring

Read:
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s 90s Style Formula Is Back for Spring/Summer - And It’s Easier Than You Think

Connect with Lizzi:
Instagram: @lizzirichardson – Come say hi and let me know if you've tried using AI for sizing!
Styling Matters on Substack

Subscribe & Review:
If you loved this episode and want more midlife styling advice to make your life easier, please take a moment to follow Styling Matters on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Leaving a rating and a review helps other women find the show!

_______

Midlife styling, women over 40 fashion, online shopping tips, ChatGPT for shopping, AI styling assistant, how to find your size online, clothing returns, Victoria Beckham ring, Reiss laptop bag, Hermès Birkin alternative, spring transition outfits, Styling Matters podcast, Lizzi Richardson.

Has the heatwave completely caught you out when it comes to getting dressed? If you’ve stood in front of your wardrobe thinking, “I’ve no idea what to wear in this weather” — you’re definitely not alone. In this episode of Styling Matters, Lizzi chats honestly about the reality of summer style for women over 40, especially when a sudden spell of hot weather leaves us juggling spring layers, forgotten summer clothes and the feeling that we’ve somehow lost our style in the process.
We’re talking intentional summer dressing, how to stay true to your style identity when it feels too hot for layering, what to wear to the office when it’s scorching outside but freezing under air conditioning, and how to still feel polished when working from home in a heatwave. Lizzi also shares why choosing three intentional style words for summer can make getting dressed feel easier, along with simple ways accessories can elevate even the coolest, most practical outfits.
In this episode:
• Why summer style can suddenly feel more difficult than every other season
• How to choose three intentional words to guide your summer wardrobe
• Heatwave office dressing: balancing hot weather with icy air conditioning
• Working-from-home outfits that still feel polished on video calls
• Easy ways to use accessories to add personality and interest to summer outfits
• Why you haven’t lost your style — you just need to translate it for the season

If you loved this episode then do follow the show and share with your bestie. Follow Lizzi at @lizzi.richardson on Instagram and check Styling Matters on Substack.

What does style really mean after 40, when we’re no longer interested in keeping up with trends or endlessly consuming fashion?
In this episode, I revisit some of the “ageless style rules” I once wrote about and explore how they feel different now through a midlife lens.
This isn’t about dressing younger, following trends, or reinventing yourself. It’s a conversation about how style evolves as we evolve; through changing bodies, shifting identities, growing confidence, and a deeper understanding of what actually feels right for our lives now.
We talk about:
style after 40 and 50
confidence and visibility in midlife
dressing for changing body shape and proportions
why good foundations still matter
modern denim and real-life dressing
layering, accessories, and colour without overwhelm
simplifying wardrobes and shopping more intentionally
the difference between style and performance
finding ease, clarity, and self-trust in the way we dress
This episode is for women who are tired of trend pressure, overwhelmed by fashion noise, and looking for a calmer, more intelligent approach to personal style in midlife.
If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your wardrobe or simply from yourself - this conversation may help you reconnect with what style can look like now.

Thank you for listening.
If this episode resonated with you, you can continue the conversation over on Substack, where I share more reflections on style, midlife, confidence, and getting dressed in the real world.
And if you enjoyed this episode, following the podcast really does help other women find these conversations too.
I’ll see you next time.

Styling Matters on Substack
Lizzi Richardson on Instagram at @lizzi.richardson

Welcome to Styling Matters podcast, in today's episode - if you’re thinking about shopping at Nordstrom right now, this episode will save you time and probably money too. (Well I like to think so ;) )
I’ve gone through the latest Spring 2026 pieces and pulled together items I actually believe are worth buying - the styles that feel current, wearable, and genuinely useful for your wardrobe.
So instead of scrolling endlessly, I’m breaking down the standout pieces across a few key items to help you shop smarter.
And if you enjoy this kind of edit, make sure you’re following the show because I do these regularly - and they’ll make your wardrobe decisions a whole lot easier.

Don't forget to:
Follow the show for episodes
Check out my Styling Matters substack for more style tips and curated edits
See my own everyday styling by following @lizzi.richardson on Instagram

You might feel like you know me, but there’s a lot I’ve never said out loud.
After more than 170 episodes of Styling Matters, I wanted to share a more personal side of myself in this one.
I’ve spoken a lot over the years about style, confidence and how we show up - but there are still things about me, my life and the way I think that I’ve never really said out loud.
In this episode, I’m opening up a little more. Not in a “here’s my life story” kind of way, but sharing some of the quieter realities, mindset shifts and small rituals that have shaped who I am.
Some of which might surprise you.