Billie Bhatia Talks Personal Style, Favourite Labels & More

My personal style is best described as flip-flopping between soft and feminine, and relaxed and sporty – most importantly though, it’s all about comfort and ease. Whether it’s a throw-on dress or an oversized shirt with jeans, I very rarely lean into complicated styling. If it takes more than three or four pieces to make up a look, count me out.

Working in the fashion industry has had a huge impact on the way I dress. It’s given me an exclusive window into what might be available to me, even if it isn’t specifically made for plus-size bodies like mine. I’m in the unique position of being both on the inside and the outside when it comes to fashion. While that comes with its own pressures, it’s also been educational in the sense that I’ve discovered pieces, brands and silhouettes I might never have otherwise been privy to.

The biggest styling lesson I’ve learnt is to have a uniform. Thinking about what to wear when each day rarely looks the same can take up a large amount of brain space. When the job itself also requires similar brain space, I’ve found it helpful to have a seasonal uniform that makes me feel put together and confident, whatever the day might throw at me.

I’d love to say trends have never had a hold on me but my friends would say differently. I definitely feel like I have more self-assuredness and confidence in what trends to adopt into my wardrobe now and which ones to let wash over me. The concept of trends has also changed so much during my time working in fashion. Where runway trends used to dictate so much of the landscape, social media and street style now lead the way. 

The pieces I think are worth investing in are outerwear and accessories. You could be wearing sweats but if you throw on a great coat and bag, you can look put together in seconds. Dressing in a plus-size body comes with its own limitations but outerwear and accessories tend to feel more accessible. I use them as tools to create more interest and to feel more elevated.

My ultimate styling trick is an all-black outfit. It will always be chic. Whether that’s a dress or tailored trousers and a t-shirt, it’s a formula I rely on when I need a fail-safe option. Plus, it acts as a great backdrop for cool accessories.

The most underrated item in my wardrobe has to be a slip skirt. Call me a basic Millennial but I love a slip skirt. They’re so versatile. In the summer, I’ll wear a slip skirt with simple sandals and either a t-shirt or something more dressy; in winter, they work with a chunky knit and boots.

The quickest way to make an outfit feel more expensive is cool sunglasses. Never underestimate the power of great sunnies. Leggings and a hoodie without sunglasses says hungover mess; add a knockout pair and it’s more off-duty model vibes.

If I could change one thing about the fashion industry, it would be to make it more size-inclusive. Everybody and every body deserves to feel good, to walk with confidence and feel considered. That feeling shouldn’t be reserved for only one group of people. It is incredibly difficult to find fashion-forward, well-made clothing above a size UK 16. Thanks to working in the fashion industry, I know what shapes and silhouettes work for me even if the sizing typically doesn’t but it shouldn’t be that taxing for other people to get dressed. 

ASOS ARRANGE is such a hero brand for me. It’s leading the way when it comes to elevated basics and does a brilliant job with occasion wear too. RIXO has my heart when it comes to dresses. It’s a brand that not only makes me feel seen but prioritises dressing my body in a way that doesn’t feel like a second thought. DALA is a denim brand I’ve recently discovered that is both size-inclusive and so chic – I’ve lived in the Mountain Jacket. 

My biggest piece of advice for anyone finding their personal style is not to compare yourself. Take inspiration from creators and brands but remember you are interpreting this, not copying it. I often think about the common response women give about their wedding dress: ‘It’s not at all what I thought I would go for.’ Push yourself to try something outside of your comfort zone. It might not be right for you but you might also surprise yourself. Personal style is constantly evolving, so don’t box yourself into thinking you must be the same thing forever.

I tend to ignore most styling ‘rules’. I’ve never really believed in being told what you can and can’t wear, particularly when it comes to colour combinations. If you love something, wear it. For me, getting dressed is about wearing what makes you feel good rather than following a set of rules about what supposedly works together. Some of my favourite outfits are the ones where the colours, proportions or pieces aren’t the most obvious combination. Fashion should be fun, and there’s nothing more stylish than wearing something with confidence.

The hardest-working item in my wardrobe is the Aprilla dress from my first RIXO collaboration. I wanted a black dress that would work for everything: the bar, beach, boardroom. The cut means it has some volume to it, so it’s perfect for dressing up with heels and accessories. Equally, if you’re throwing it on over swimwear with a pair of flip-flops, it works too. It also has a sweet collar detail that adds some personality. I’ve honestly worn that dress hundreds of times over the last year – to my birthday party, on flights, on holiday and to work. 

My most recent fashion purchase was a great top from ASOS ARRANGE. It’s a little out of my comfort zone because it has a cinched waist but it’s such a versatile piece for something that seemingly appears so ‘statement’. I’ve worn it with slip skirts on holiday in France and to Wimbledon, with jeans for dinner with friends and with tailoring on a work trip.

For AW26, I’m most excited to lean into the high-neck, funnel look. We saw it at the start of the year but I think it’s going to get bigger and better. We saw them at Victoria Beckham, Burberry and Joseph and I love that it has a quiet sportiness to it.

If I could raid one fashion insider’s wardrobe, I’d choose Mary-Kate or Ashley Olsen. Their wardrobes are basically the ultimate lesson in effortless, understated luxury – oversized tailoring, beautiful coats, perfect trousers, incredible knitwear and the kind of accessories that somehow make everything look cooler. Nothing ever feels too styled or try-hard, which is exactly what I love. Failing that, let me loose in Monikh Dale or Alexis Foreman’s wardrobe. Both have that knack for making very simple pieces feel incredibly considered – great denim, oversized shirts, beautiful tailoring, brilliant shoes and the perfect bag. 

When I was developing the latest RIXO x Billie collection, I wanted something a little more quietly confident. The first RIXO x Billie collection was so celebratory and joyful, but I wanted this collection to have a self-assuredness that feels reflective of where I am in my own life. There is still an inherent celebration of the female form and a romance to it – I love nothing more than a bit of main character energy – but I wanted to create something that could be repurposed year after year.

My pick from the RIXO collection is the Lianne brown dress with blue flowers. I love the colour combination and we worked really hard on getting the right proportions while playing with the print. When it came to fit day, I didn’t see it on the rail and the product team said it had been cut because it was potentially competing with another dress. I fought for it to come back into the collection and it went on to be one of our bestsellers. It was a great exercise in backing myself, knowing what is missing in the market and being able to give people what they want.

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Photographer credit: Victoria Adamson