In conversation with Sarah Silsbury, Stylist and Schoolwear Consultant for ZAKS Uniforms
For more than twenty years, Sarah has worked across editorial fashion, private styling and commercial campaigns, helping individuals discover confidence through how they present themselves to the world. Today, she brings this deep industry experience into classrooms across the UAE through her work with ZAKS Uniforms, the region’s most trusted schoolwear provider.
Through Confidence Grooming workshops, Back-to-School styling sessions and student community events, Sarah works alongside ZAKS to help young people build confidence from the inside out. Their shared mission is simple and deeply human. Uniforms are not only garments. They are a daily reminder of identity, belonging and self-belief.
In this exclusive interview with Education UAE, Sarah shares how small styling habits can change how students feel each day, why confidence begins long before adulthood, and how sustainability can be taught through something as everyday as caring for a school uniform.
Education UAE: You’ve had more than two decades of experience as a stylist and personal shopper, what first drew you to collaborating with ZAKS, and how does this partnership align with your creative values?
Sarah: I’ve spent over 25 years helping people look and feel their best, from red carpets and editorials to everyday wardrobes and one thing that’s never changed is the power of confidence that comes from how we present ourselves. When I met the team at ZAKS, I immediately connected with their heart-led approach. They’re not just selling uniforms; they’re helping young people feel proud of who they are and that completely aligns with my own belief that what we wear is one of the strongest forms of non-verbal communication. Before we even speak, people form impressions based on how we look, so why not make that reflection as authentic and positive as possible?
Education UAE: How different is styling for students compared to your commercial or editorial projects, what do you consider when helping children and teens feel confident in what they wear?
Sarah: With students, it’s all about empowerment rather than transformation. I’m not there to tell them what’s “right” or “wrong” I’m there to show them how small details, like fit, colour, and personal care, can make a huge difference in how they feel. Teenagers are forming their identity, and fashion is a big part of that. The goal is to help them understand that style isn’t about expensive clothes or trends; it’s about self-respect, self-expression, and being visually ready for the world beyond school.
“Style isn’t about expensive clothes or trends; it’s about self-respect, self-expression, and being visually ready for the world beyond school.”
Education UAE: ZAKS is known for reliability and scale, but also for heart through initiatives like Confidence Grooming and Back-to-School style sessions. What role do you play in bringing those experiences to life?
Sarah: My role is to make confidence tangible. Through these interactive workshops, I want to help students understand that what they wear affects how they feel and how others perceive them – whether they’re walking into a classroom, a job interview, or a university setting. I love making these sessions fun, approachable, and full of “lightbulb” moments, where they realise that confidence isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being prepared and proud of how they look.
Education UAE: How do you translate ZAKS’ vision of confidence through clothing into something students can understand and apply every day?
Sarah: I keep it simple and relatable. I tell students that their clothes are like a visual introduction; their “non-verbal hello.” Over 70% of communication is non-verbal, and first impressions are formed in seconds, so even in a uniform, neatness, fit, and posture send powerful messages. I encourage them to think of dressing well as self-care, not pressure as it’s just one more way of saying, “I respect myself and what I’m doing today.”
“I tell students that their clothes are like a visual introduction; their “non-verbal hello.”
Education UAE: What are some of your favourite “aha” moments from the styling sessions or school events you’ve led so far?
Sarah: There’s nothing better than seeing a student’s face light up when they see the difference a few tweaks can make, like tucking in a shirt properly, choosing the right size, or polishing their shoes. You can literally see the shift in their posture and confidence. Those moments remind me why this work matters as because confidence is truly contagious once you feel it for yourself.
Education UAE: You’re passionate about sustainable fashion. How do you weave that into ZAKS’ story – especially when working with uniforms and schoolwear?
Sarah: Sustainability isn’t just about what we buy it’s about how we care for what we already have. I love that ZAKS uniforms are built to last, and I use that as a starting point to talk about longevity and responsibility. Teaching students to wash and store their clothes properly, repair small issues, or pass on items that no longer fit are real-life sustainable habits they can carry into adulthood.
“Sustainability isn’t just about what we buy it’s about how we care for what we already have.”
Education UAE: Why do you think it’s important to teach students early about the impact of the clothes they wear and how to care for them responsibly?
Sarah: Because these lessons extend far beyond fashion. Learning to look after your clothes teaches respect, for yourself, your family, and the planet. It also builds awareness of how our choices impact others. When students understand that style and sustainability can coexist, they start to make smarter, more thoughtful decisions in all areas of life.
Education UAE: What simple habits or styling tips can families adopt to make uniforms last longer and reduce waste?
Sarah: A few simple ones make a big difference! Wash uniforms in cooler water, turn them inside out to preserve colour, and avoid over-drying. Label everything so pieces don’t get lost (and replaced unnecessarily) and teach children to hang things up properly. I also suggest a little “Sunday reset”, a quick check of shoes, hems, and buttons to keep everything in good shape for the week ahead.
Education UAE: ZAKS’ initiatives range from sustainability education to financial literacy and confidence grooming. How do you see these programmes shaping students’ overall self-expression and life skills?
Sarah: These programmes give students tools that reach far beyond the classroom. They’re learning that how you present yourself, how you manage money, and how you care for your belongings all feed into independence and self-esteem. It’s about helping them grow into well-rounded, confident young adults who understand that their actions both visual and otherwise really have impact.
Education UAE: What has been the most rewarding part of being part of a brand that uses fashion to build confidence and community, rather than just style?
Sarah: Seeing the change! That’s everything. Watching students realise that looking good isn’t about vanity but about feeling capable and ready for life’s opportunities is incredibly rewarding. ZAKS doesn’t just provide uniforms; they create a sense of belonging and pride, and that’s something I believe every student deserves to feel.
Education UAE: What impact do you hope your workshops and styling sessions will leave on the students you work with?
Sarah: I hope they walk away understanding that personal presentation isn’t about rules it’s about respect. Feeling confident in your own skin, even in a school uniform, can change how you approach every situation. By taking pride in how they look, they’re also showing pride in who they are.
Education UAE: If you could give one piece of advice to students about dressing for confidence, what would it be?
Sarah: Dress each day as a reflection of the person you want to become. You don’t need to look like anyone else – just take care, be authentic, and let your clothes tell the world you’re ready for what’s next.
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Further Reading:
- Zaks Uniforms Enhances Personalised Services for Parents
- The Story Behind ZAKS Uniforms
- Look Good, Feel Good: How the Right Uniform Can Boost Student Wellbeing