Life as a costume designer is anything but boring. It’s a mix of creativity, chaos, and coffee-fueled magic. Some days, I’m knee-deep in fabric swatches; other days, I’m making last-minute adjustments to costumes right before they hit the camera. Curious about what goes on behind the scenes? Let me take you through a typical day in my not-so-typical world.

Morning Me-Time (a.k.a. My Sacred Hour)

I’m a big believer in starting the day right, and for me, that means flavored coffee and an hour by the window. Why? Because costume offices rarely have windows, and once I’m there, I might not even know if it’s sunny, raining, or snowing. This quiet moment is my time to soak up some natural light and mentally prep for the day ahead.

The Great Commute Adventure

By 8 AM, I’m out the door and heading to whichever office the show is based in. Here’s the thing about being a costume designer: every project has a different HQ. One gig might have me driving to Oakville, while the next could be across town in East Toronto. And if we’re filming on location? That’s a whole different kind of travel chaos—but I secretly love it.

Morning Meetings (aka the Brainstorm Session)

First stop when I get to the office: the morning meeting. This is where we map out the day, review feedback from the network, and finalize priorities. It’s all about collaboration.

Here’s the fun part: I get to play “creative director” for the buyers, giving them character-specific instructions on what to source—whether it’s vintage costumes, the perfect fabric, or that one accessory that ties a look together. It’s all about setting the vibe for the day.

The Creative Zone

Once the team is off and running, it’s time for me to dive into the creative stuff. I’m talking mood boards, script breakdowns, and deep dives into character arcs. This is where I live my best Pinterest-worthy life, pulling together inspiration for costumes that tell a story.

Some days, I’m in back-to-back meetings with directors, producers, or even the network. Other days, I’m sketching out ideas or layering swatches on a table like it’s an art project. Either way, this is the part of the job where the magic starts to take shape.

Fitting Frenzy

By midday, it’s time for fittings. This is where the costumes come to life—or, let’s be real, where they sometimes fall apart (hello, emergency alterations). Working with actors is always fun because you get to see the character truly emerge once they step into their wardrobe. Adjustments happen on the fly, whether it’s a hemline tweak or figuring out how to make a jacket move better during an action scene.

Fueling Up (Quickly)

Around 2 PM, I finally grab a bite to eat. My go-to? Black coffee (always) and some kind of protein-and-veggie combo. It’s simple, keeps me going, and lets me tackle the rest of the day without a food coma.

The Afternoon Grind

After lunch, it’s back to fittings or prepping for tomorrow’s shoot. This is where the day can get hectic, especially if there are last-minute changes to costumes for scenes being filmed in the morning. It’s a mix of problem-solving and making sure every detail is on point.

Evening Wrap-Up

By 6:30, I’m reviewing notes from the creative team and the network. There’s always something to follow up on, whether it’s tracking down a missing costume piece or tweaking a look to fit the director’s vision.

Before I head out, I check in with the crew to see how their day unfolded. This little debrief helps keep everything running smoothly and makes sure we’re ready to crush it tomorrow.

Home Sweet Home

By 8 PM, I’m finally on my way home. My evenings are all about unwinding with my husband, enjoying a comforting dinner, and leaving the day’s chaos behind. This downtime is non-negotiable—it’s what keeps me sane and ready to do it all over again tomorrow.

Why I love this life

Is it glamorous? Sometimes. Is it stressful? Absolutely. But there’s something magical about taking an idea from a script and turning it into a real, tangible costume that helps tell a story. Whether I’m styling a lead actor or creating an everyday look for a client, I’m obsessed with the power of fashion to transform and inspire.

So, that’s a peek into my world. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, now you know! Got any burning questions about costume design or fashion consulting? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to chat!