Style slumps. Closet meltdowns. Confidence dips. Been there. Now, image expert Lizel van der Westhuizen is helping women ditch the doubt and dress like they mean it. No fuss. No fluff. Just real confidence and serious style cred.
When you meet Lizel van der Westhuizen, chances are you’ll feel like you’ve known her forever. She’s the kind of woman who radiates warmth, greets you like an old friend, and always has the perfect lipstick on hand … just in case.
As the powerhouse behind Full Circle Image Consulting, a familiar face on Glam Guru, and an image expert passionate about inner confidence as much as colour palettes, Lizel is on a mission to help women show up as the best version of themselves, without the overwhelm.
Corporate to colour rut to confidence queen
A few years ago, Lizel hit what she calls a full-blown style and colour rut. “My wardrobe was a mess, and not to mention my clothing budget!” she laughs. “I’d always been interested in fashion and helping people, but nothing made my heart beat faster … until I discovered Image Consulting. That was it. My true passion!”
Determined to turn that passion into a profession, Lizel waved the corporate world goodbye and studied to become an Image and Style Consultant. Today, she is just that, plus a qualified makeup artist.
Her work quickly gained recognition. She’s been the stylist on Glam Guru with Hannon for five years, was nominated Image Consultant of the Year, served as a mentor on SterStatus Season 5, and the list keeps growing.
But it all took shape with a deeply personal journey. “After two advanced miscarriages and two pregnancies close together, I honestly didn’t recognise myself anymore,” she shares.
As a busy mom of two girls, Lizel knows firsthand how hard it can be to find balance. To look and feel good while juggling everything from work meetings to Saturday sports fields. “You want to be professional and put-together, but not look like you’ve been through a tornado just to get out of the house!”
That part of her journey sparked the work she’s so passionate about today. “I wanted to own my own business. To help women rediscover themselves like I did. I may not have become an advocate like I once planned, but now I advocate for confidence. And that’s even better.”
Her style superpower? Confidence
Ask Lizel what image consulting is really about, and you won’t hear anything about chasing trends or squeezing into a style box.
“Your style is your silent introduction. It tells the world who you are before you’ve even said a word.”
That’s why every transformation starts with a chat, not a closet. “Style is deeply personal. I want to know who you are, where you’re going, and what’s holding you back.”
She laughs, describing the start of her wardrobe sessions. “I have lots of energy, so be ready for my personality. I always kick off with this: ‘Did you know you wear 20 percent of your clothes 80 percent of the time? Do you feel like your wardrobe is smothering you?’”
The truth, she says, is that most women have more than enough clothing … they just need a better relationship with it.
Transformations, not just outfits
Lizel lights up when she talks about the women she works with, especially the ‘aha!’ moments. One that stands out is about a 30-something entrepreneur who launched a wellness brand.
“She told me, ‘I feel invisible. I know what I want to say, but I don’t look like the expert I am’.”
Michelle’s wardrobe was mostly oversized neutrals meant to hide, not highlight. Together, they rebuilt her style from the inside out. Uncovering her love for warm tones, statement jewellery, and elegant tailoring. When she appeared on camera in a burnt orange blazer with delicate gold accents, the feedback said it all … you look like you own this space.
Later, the client told Lizel, “This wasn’t just a makeover. It’s like I finally caught up to the woman I’ve been growing into.”
Fittings, frenzy and a whole lot of glam
As the stylist on Glam Guru for five years, Lizel is no stranger to behind-the-scenes mayhem. “It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and absolutely exhilarating. There are steamer emergencies, shoes that don’t fit, mic checks or an aeroplane flying overhead forcing us to stop filming.”
And then there are the real moments of drama. Like the time a guest’s zipper broke right before her big reveal.
“We had no backup outfit. Zero. Hannon and I just looked at each other and snapped into action – double-sided tape, a hidden safety pin, a belt to hold it all together. She walked out flawless, and no one ever knew!”
Despite the buzz and madness, Lizel thrives in it. “There’s a real joy in seeing transformations happen in real time. When someone looks in the mirror, lights up and says, ‘I didn’t know I could look like this.’ That moment never gets old. And it’s exactly what fuels me.”
Style that reflects who you’re becoming
Whether she’s planning a corporate wardrobe overhaul, leading a makeup workshop, speaking at events or dashing between fittings on set, Lizel does it all with purpose, presence, and plenty of personality.
She doesn’t just help people look good. She helps them feel seen.
And if there’s one rule she’s made a career out of breaking, it’s this: “Dress for your age.”
“No, thank you,” she smiles. “Dress for your energy, your lifestyle, and what makes you feel powerful.”
Lizel’s personal style is rooted in authenticity, not expectation – and she credits timeless icons like Coco Chanel as part of that inspiration. “Chanel revolutionised style by making elegance simple, wearable and empowering. Her words still guide me today: ‘Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.’ That’s exactly what I want my clients to feel.”
Five wardrobe staples
1. A crisp white button-down shirt
Why: It’s polished, versatile and seasonless. Wear it to a meeting, brunch or layered under knits.
How to style: Pair with jeans, a midi skirt, tailored trousers, or tie it over a summer dress.
2. A well-fitted blazer (preferably neutral)
Why: Instantly adds structure and confidence to any outfit.
How to style: Throw it over a tee and jeans, a slip dress or wear it buttoned up as a top.
3. Tailored, high-quality jeans
Why: A great pair of jeans bridges casual and elevated looks.
Tip: Choose a mid- to high-rise straight or wide-leg style in a classic wash. It flatters most body types and works year-round.
4. A go-to little black dress (LBD)
Why: It’s the ultimate style chameleon. Depending on how it’s styled, it’s effortlessly elegant or casually cool.
Pro tip: Pick a cut that feels like you, whether that’s sleek, wrap-style or flowy.
5. Comfortable but chic neutral shoes
Why: The right shoe ties a look together without compromising comfort.
Choose: Nude heels, black ankle boots or classic white sneakers depending on your lifestyle.
Spring/Summer style forecast:
Maximalist soft power
• Think ornate beading, brocade, feminine layers – luxury meets romance
• Soft power also shows in draped silhouettes: bow-tie blouses, Peter Pan collars, chiffon tiers
Utility glam
• Mixing glam with utility – gleaming jackets layered over satin skirts or chiffon
• It’s both practical and party-ready
One-legged symmetry and new proportions
• Asymmetrical trousers and one-leg designs add fresh shape and intrigue
• Voluminous minis and sculptural skirts bring bold summer dressing
Tank tops and layering staples
• Elevated tanks – chain, mesh, branded – can be worn alone or under blazers
• Layering stays strong. Think nightie dresses with sporty jackets or track pieces
Sporty and athleisure infusion
• The blend of athleisure continues – retro trainers, sport jackets, parachute details
Bold colours and prints
• Tomato red, powder pink, electric fuchsia and transformative teal bring vibrant energy
• Florals, chiffons, gingham and indie-sleaze prints add personality to Summer frocks
Lizel’s top style hacks
1. The belt-over-anything trick
Hack: Don’t just wear belts in belt loops. Use them to cinch dresses, blazers, oversized shirts or coats at the waist.
Why it works: It instantly defines your shape and adds structure, especially to flowy or boxy pieces.
2. The third piece rule
Hack: Add a third piece – like a blazer, vest or statement accessory – to create a finished, styled look.
Why it works: It gives depth, polish and intentionality to even basic outfits.
3. Layer without bulk
Hack: Use lightweight fabrics like silk camis, sheer blouses or fitted turtlenecks to layer under jackets or knits without adding bulk.
Pro tip: Half-tuck your base layer to avoid a bulky midsection and keep proportions sharp.
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Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: FORM MARKETING.
