When Jody Jester and her husband, Ray, parents of two children, adopted six siblings who had been in foster care, it was evident that life was going to change forever. “We knew taking on six kids would be a huge undertaking, but we wanted them to have the opportunity to grow up together,” she says. Jody was introduced to Bridge a Life, a support and advocacy organization for foster and adoptive families, through a free babysitting program offered to foster families. Now, several years later, Jody is an executive assistant for the organization.

JODY’S GOAL “I wanted to find something suitable for work that is both stylish, comfortable and not so far out of my comfort zone that I won’t wear it.”

JACKIE’S GOAL “I wanted to give Jody a polished look, infusing color while maintaining her sporty casual style. Her petite frame calls for clothes that are tailored and worn close to the body to define her shape; clothes that are too long, loose or baggy can overwhelm your look and visually shorten you. I selected a jersey knit skirt for its cut, length and versatility. I added a textured, zip-front cotton jacket that defines her shape and adds just the right amount of professional vibe without being too formal. Although this outfit could be worn with many different colored tops, I selected red to brighten her skin tone and rev up the gray.”

JODY’S TAKE “I had a lot of fun seeing the outfit come together. I trusted Jackie to do her thing, because this is clearly not my area of expertise. I knew I would simply gravitate towards the same old things. We accomplished my goals.”

WHERE TO BUY Ann Taylor skirt, $79; Lavender Brown top, $128, from Fresh Salon.Spa.Style; Drew jacket, $69, Hue tights, $9, both from T.J. Maxx; Vince Camuto boots, $139, from Dillards.

STORY AND STYLING BY Jackie Rogers

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Alex Stafford

HAIR STYLED BY Tammy Gamso and MAKE-UP BY Lana Moreice, both of Fresh Salon. Spa. Style.