Can you love your own Wardrobe again?

Absolutely. Last year I worked with a client discussing her own wardrobe and creating new outfits from clothes she already had. We split up two-pieces, played with new colour combinations and discovered how past favourite items could work for her life now, enabling her to love her own wardrobe again.

Wardrobe Detox

Known as many things, a wardrobe detox, declutter, or edit, sorts out the clothes that make you look and feel great from those that don’t! Fit is essential whereas fashion trends are not so.

Time is set aside to find outfits for your everyday life to confirm your own personal style. It’s about growing in confidence too with a nudge to experiment and enjoy colour and tone.

Me in work mode…measuring!

The Client

Alison, a mid forties fashion lover, often felt a bit confused and asked me to help her decide what stays and what goes. We focused on her immediate needs for now which meant storing away the corporate dresses instead of creative interview outfits and everyday options.

“I fell that I always end up in jeans even when I’ve got other alternatives – I feel I will be overdressed!”

Alison trying on a dress-down shirt look

The Shirt

This stripy Boden shirt came with a pale pink camisole and was quite dressy for Alison’s less corporate every day needs. Tried on with a darker cami and turned up boyfriend jeans and ankle boots it looked more edgy and stylish.

“Is it the same shirt?”

“I love it with my ankle boots.”

For going out we added her long line blue jacket and cross over shoulder bag.

Body Shape

To use ‘fruit’ shaping, Alison is a slim apple. Full bust, straight waist with a neat bottom and great legs. We discussed proportion and the reality of tall, very slender models wearing the brands she loves, like Hush and Whistles. Clothes will always look different on real bodies so thinking about your own shape before you buy will save time and energy.

Yes to funky t-shirt with midi skirt

No – midis look best with bare legs and ankle boots or long boots covering the gap

The Midi Skirt

We chat about how to wear midi skirts in the modern trend and the-tights or no-tights dilemma. Neither of us were over keen on tights with pale ankle boots or trainers as there is something fresh about seeing bare skin with ankle boots. For chilly days, when the weather turns, fill the gap completely with long cosy boots and a funky t-shirt adds a fun attitude.

Proportion

As a guide, if the top half of an outfit is long and wider, the bottom half suits slimmer or shorter, like a mini skirt with oversized t-shirt. In reverse, if you are wearing a pair of wide trousers or full midi, choose a slim fitting top or waisted jacket.

Colour and Prints

Yes to bold colour with this pretty printed midi or on quieter days, tone down with a darker knit and perfect with long slouchy boots.

Add a slouchy boot with midi skirts

Or chose a darker knit if the mood if quiet.

The Dress

Yes to the long dress and oversized cardigan or layer with a chunky knit and leather jacket to turn into a skirt look.

Casual with long cardigan

Add a sweater and leather jacket over a dress for a new look

Oversized knitwear

Alison rocks shorter skirts with oversized knits on top to balance whilst keeping boots low heeled.

Short skirt and oversized knit

Sequins and knitwear

Question: Navy skirt with black opaques? Yes…don’t try and match with coloured tights.

Two Looks

Two looks for her khaki Hush joggers. For a smarter look with a black cropped knit and adding a pop of colour with plum ankle boots. For the casual look wear with a dusky pink sweatshirt and neutral boots.

Dressier with black knit and plum ankle boots

More casual with sweatshirt and pale boots

Classic Stripes

A classic stripy top works of course, but for a change add a sheer knit over the top.

Classic stripes always a winner

Try a sheer layer over the top

Some ideas Alison Learnt from her Wardrobe Detox:

Split up two pieces: to make two items more casual and wearable.

Mix Up the under layers: don’t always use the slip that comes with it – try coloured or darker camisoles under pale colours.

Alter to perfect: it is always worth spending a little on shortening sleeves and hems to perfect an item.

Just wear it: Don’t keep for best, wear your favourites in new combinations and enjoy the occasions.

The Coat

Alison’s long slim jacket is a great trouser layer but too much length for longer skirts.

Great jacket over trousers

Lost in proportion, long over long doesn’t work here

T-shirt as a separate with trousers

More casual, velvet skirt with sweater

What Alison said:

“I really enjoyed taking time out and playing dress up, something that I felt I never had time to do on my own. 

I’ve done my own wardrobe de clutter but more in terms of what I am or am not wearing, that six month rule – however having Kirstie come over made it a focused session on what actually works together in my wardrobe – a very different objective.

It was time well spent as I certainly found new ways to wear things and that a few minor alterations or adjustments gave items a whole new look.

I thought I might have had lots to get rid off but having Kirstie go through items I was able to rework items which obviously saves money and helps me feel like I’m doing a bit towards my own sustainable footprint in the world.

Kirstie doesn’t judge your wardrobe but she does ask questions of it.She gets to the crux of your needs always making sure you look stylish and modern. I felt relaxed in her company and comfortable to accept or say when her suggestions didn’t feel right for me.

The most insightful area for me was working out the best proportions of clothes for me. It has helped me get a clearer focus on what works best together to flatter my figure which has changed dramatically in the last 18 months.

Knowing that for me I need a tighter top to wear wide trousers, or that a chunkier or oversized jumper needs a tight skirt we’re useful tips as I had all the combinations but wasn’t putting them together to flatter me at all times.”

Love this shirt, it’s a keeper!

Are you interested to learn more?

A Wardrobe Detox, (more details HERE) is a fun and uplifting session that can have emotional moments as you build in confidence. Finding the shapes that work and deciding on the image that you want to portray are sometimes quite powerful moments. I promise that you will love your own wardrobe again.

Let’s chat about it as I can now offer virtual appointments too.

K x

For the full story, first published in Vantage Point Magazine, see below.

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