Annie Culbertson

@annieculbertson

64k

With an eye for effortless styling and a passion for bringing a look together in a way that feels personal, Annie Culbertson brings a fresh perspective to fashion. A longtime friend of Hunter Bell, Annie has become known for her ability to curate outfits that feel polished yet fun, blending classic pieces with playful details. As a New York City-based stylist, she understands that the best style comes from finding pieces that reflect your personality and allow you to feel your best.

We’re catching up with Annie to discuss her styling journey, the fashion influences that continue to inspire her, and the wardrobe staples and trends she’s loving right now. Keep reading for a glimpse into her favorite Hunter Bell pieces and what goes into creating her signature looks.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic, with a contemporary edge.

What sparked your interest in becoming a stylist?

I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I've had the incredible opportunity to experience many different sides of the industry—from buying and marketing to social media and, of course, styling. While I've enjoyed every chapter, styling is what draws me in the most because it feels like my art form.

Working with personal styling clients is incredibly meaningful. It creates genuine connections with other women and allows me to help them feel more confident through what they wear. At the same time, e-commerce styling taps into a different creative side of me. It's visual storytelling. Both allow me to express creativity in different ways, and that's what makes styling so fulfilling to me.

What advice would you give someone looking to develop their own sense of style?

I actually believe that developing personal style takes work, it's not "effortless." It requires intention, curiosity, and a genuine desire to evolve your style over time.

One of the best things you can do is save everything that inspires you. Inspiration doesn't have to come from perfectly styled outfits. It can be an interior, the texture of a fabric, the color of the sky at sunset, a runway collection, an old magazine, or a photograph of your mom from decades ago. Create mood boards. Look for recurring themes, colors, silhouettes, and feelings. And while it's wonderful to admire someone else's style, don't copy their outfits exactly. Instead, reinterpret what you love in a way that feels authentic to you and fits your everyday life.

I also believe that developing personal style starts with using what you already own. I call this "playing dress-up" with my clients. Pull out pieces you're naturally drawn to, both old favorites and new purchases, and put them on a rolling rack. Then simply play. Try unexpected combinations. Restyle the same piece multiple ways. Experiment without worrying whether every outfit is perfect.

The key is to do this when you're not rushing out the door. Set aside an hour on a weekend or a quiet evening to explore your wardrobe without the pressure of beating the clock. That's when creativity has room to flourish. To me, this isn't just a styling exercise... it's a form of self-care. It's an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and rediscover pieces you forgot you loved, and, ultimately, build a wardrobe that feels more like you.

What fashion trends do you think will have the biggest impact this season?

I think we’ll continue to see the poppy primary-color palette from spring transition into fall, just through a more autumnal lens. Think rich reds, deep greens, and unexpected purples.

Sheer is also going to be nowhere this fall, especially through lace and delicate, transparent layers. 

Denim is slimming down. We’re moving away from the ultra-wide-leg silhouettes and seeing more cigarette and straight-leg styles. The overall look feels more polished, tailored, and refined than in recent season.

Menswear-inspired dressing will be huge this fall. Think women in ties, tailored suits, masculine-leaning plaids, and one of my favorite trends: cummerbund belts. I love the juxtaposition of traditionally masculine elements styled in a feminine way.

And lastyly, retro-sporty style is having a major moment, specifically the art of mixing polished pieces with something sporty. It’s all about pairing two pieces that don’t necessarily seem like they should go together and mixing aesthetics in an unexpected way. Think heels with workout shorts or a tailored blazer with sporty track pants.

What does a perfect Fall day in NYC look like for you?

I am so excited for fall in NYC! I'm a downtown girl, but I absolutely adore the Upper East Side, especially this time of year. My perfect fall Saturday would be taking the subway uptown in the morning, wandering through my favorite shops, strolling through Central Park, and, of course, spending an afternoon at the Met.

As much as I love going out to eat, nothing beats coming home and making a big pot of chili. It's my favorite fall meal and the perfect way to end a crisp autumn day!

What first drew you to Hunter Bell, and what keeps you coming back to the brand?

Every Hunter Bell piece feels incredibly special. It’s so evident that there is so much intention and thought behind every detail, and each piece has a way of making you feel special when you wear it.

Hunter Bell as a brand feels so aligned with my personal style: polished and feminine, built on classic foundations, but always with room for a statement piece.

Why are your favorite HB pieces from the Holiday collection?

I’m crazy for the Britt Mini Skirt and Tini Time Turtleneck! Also, you can’t go wrong with the Windsor Dress. I have worn it with my platform pumps and cowboy boots!

Where or what is your favorite way to escape?

My favorite easy way to escape is to take a hot bath with candles after a long day in the studio. Or, a trip with just my husband never hurts!

What are your current 3 favorite follows?

@homeworthy, @amandajonesvaughan, and @markdsikes