Amy Schumer and Stylist Leesa Evans Have Teamed Up to Help Regular Women Feel Great in Their Clothes
The non-profit Stylefund is reimagining how people get dressed.
Everyone has a clothing silhouette that makes you feel more confident and able to accomplish anything. Once you find it, it's like your secret weapon," says Leesa Evans, stylist to stars like Amy Schumer, Claire Danes, and Rashida Jones.
That's how Evans won over Schumer: The two met when Evans outfitted the actress during the Trainwreck press tour in 2015, and she taught Schumer the magic of a power silhouette. "She had this real epiphany of, Wow, I actually like clothing now, because I understand it can make me feel good—and anything that makes you feel good is good for your life," says Evans. After Schumer gifted sessions with her new favorite stylist to her friends and family (celebrity stylists typically charge more than $1,000 a day), Evans' husband asked, "What if you and Amy teamed up and brought this to more people?"
So, that year, they launched Stylefund, a not-for-profit that educates women who can't afford professional stylists on finding the best clothing for their bodies, no matter their budget. "Regardless of someone's age or economic level or their size, getting dressed is this thing we have in common. Because we have to do it every day, it can be a struggle," says Evans. "I have billionaire clients and clients whom I've donated my time to, and there is no difference."
Stylefund is the duo's scrappy side hustle—Evans spends anywhere from five to 20 hours a week on the nonprofit, and she and Schumer chat a few times a month to brainstorm event ideas. That first year, Stylefund worked with Goodwill of Southern California to put together ensembles for more than 50 women reentering the workforce (Evans, Schumer, and 10 additional stylists led the event); in 2016, Barneys New York kicked off a social-media campaign called the #LovePeaceJoyProject to help Stylefund raise money; and Evans recently joined Community Partners, a nonprofit consultancy, to learn how to expand her organization. Stylefund has also transformed into a training platform: Evans plans to start meeting this year with sales associates at retailers—from high-end department stores to thrift shops—to school them in her silhouette method. "It has been my greatest joy to know that this is not for any one person," she says, "but for every person."
"Regardless of someone's age or economic level or their size, getting dressed is this thing we have in common."
Evans and Schumer are currently working with Barneys on an L.A.-based event for women in their late teens and early 20s. "High school and college is such a coming-of-age time," says Evans. "You're forming ideas about yourself and how you're going to present yourself to the world."
At a Stylefund styling session, expect R&B playing in the background, lots of verbal encourage- ment, many mirror selfies—and to leave with a massive smile. "You can't fabricate this thing," says Evans. "It's legitimately changing somebody's view of herself."
This article appears in the September issue of Marie Claire, on newsstands now.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When William Received "Special Treatment"
"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence Styles a $7,500 Outfit With $100 Sneakers
The actress paired Prada and Celine with her $100 footwear.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Marie Claire Editors Are Obsessed With This Cult-Favorite Sale
SSENSE has everything a fashion enthusiast could ever want.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Spring 2025's Candy-Coated Shoe Color Trends Prove Neutrals Are Overrated
Bold pastels and sugar-sweet hues promise to overtake your boring shoe lineup.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Issa Rae Is Fueling Her Mogul Era With More Me Time
The key to her success lies in self-care.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
13 Hailey Bieber Outfit Formulas Defining Her Laidback Personal Style
Copy and paste to your closet.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
8 Women Over 60 Share Their Age-Defying Fashion Wisdom
These eight style icons prove that age-appropriate fashion is a myth.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Margaret Qualley's Backless Chanel 2025 Oscars Dress Secretly Nods to 'The Substance'
The backward necklace is the cherry on top.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Embrace 2025’s Cherry Red Color Trend With These Delectable Accessories
Try the tart shade with accessories like glossy handbags and sweet slingbacks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
I’m Copying These Street Style Outfits I Spotted at New York Fashion Week
They're low-effort and high-impact.
By Lauren Tappan Published