It was great to do my What to wear workshop a couple of weeks ago and share the new colour and style trends for autumn and winter. These workshops occur every six months and the spring and summer update will take place on 1st April.
You see, trends come and go and fashion isn’t quite so ‘new’. Yes, the styles may be ever so slightly different but only you know if you’ll get your money’s worth out of buying it and I want to help you to make the right decisions.
The workshops are an opportunity to hear me share my tips on how to make the current trends work for you, what colours you’re more likely to find and how to review what you’ve already got to style them up differently.
I also use it as an opportunity to showcase items from my own wardrobe which tick the current trends, even if I’ve had them for years! This time round I pulled out 9 items which is why it’s important to know what you’ve got in your wardrobe.
When it comes to shopping, everyone is different but if you’ve got things in your wardrobe with the label still attached, or you buy things and have nothing to ‘go’ with them, here’s my tips to shop with success.
HAVE PURPOSE
Some people love the thrill of finding a bargain, but just remember it’s only ever a bargain if you actually wear it! So, you need to know what you have, where your gaps are and what you need.
One rule I follow is the power of three. If I can think of three other items I already have that I can wear it with, or there are three events coming up which I can wear it to, then it’s a good buy.
Another tip when looking at what you already have, is the items you’re not wearing. Ask yourself if there’s a reason for not wearing it. For example, is it too scratchy? Does it ride up or sag when you sit down? These things mean you’re unlikely to wear it so it’s whether you can get it altered or you have to decide to cut your losses. But, if it’s that you need x y or z to wear it with, take note of what that item is because this is a gap that you could fill.
POINTS TO CHECK
The first thing really is as I mentioned above: be clear on what you’re shopping for. It’s OK to come back from a shopping trip having not bought anything! This might be disappointing, but it means you’ve found nothing that’s right for you (and that’s really ok).
Here’s the questions I ask myself:
Is it the right colour for me?
Does the style work for me?
What occasions am I likely to wear it to?
Does it flatter my body shape and fit my proportions?
Is it comfortable to wear?
What else can I wear it with?
If I’m not able to check all these things off, it means I’m compromising on an item which may not suit me. Not always, but this can mean that it’s more than likely to be an item that doesn’t get worn.
ONLINE SHOPPING
If you’re an online shopper, it can feel more difficult but following the same checks will still work. You will need to work a bit harder though such as using as many filters to search as possible (think in stock, size, category and colour) to reduce the number of items. If you’re looking for a new winter coat in green in your size, you’ll waste time flicking through pages of t-shirts, dresses and trousers…
OLD VS NEW
It’s also worth pointing out that clothes don’t need to be brand new as they can be new to you. Charity shops, tinted and Ebay are all great options for you to buy as well as sell your old things too if they’re in good condition. Don’t forget the rental marketplace too (even John Lewis have got in on that one).
KNOW WHO YOU ARE
This isn’t meant to take the fun out of shopping but help you make better buying decisions. Otherwise, you’ll make the same mistakes and still feel like you’ve got nothing to wear!
Ultimately, it’s all about understanding what suits you and your lifestyle as well as your budget. Even when you know your colours, choosing the right fabrics and styles is just as important or you still won’t feel ‘right’.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
You don’t know what you don’t know! That’s where my sessions can help you make the right choices as you’ll learn what suits you and stop wasting money on things you never wear.
A colour analysis is by far my most popular consultation (when you’ll learn the shades of colour which suit you and how to wear them).
During my style and image consultation, you’ll learn how to identify your style, shape and proportions and the cut of fabrics which suit you best.
If you missed the workshop, you can still get your hands on the colour & style guide as well as the pre-recorded masterclass to help guide you with the latest colour and style trends.
Should you need help shopping for new items, virtual and in-person shopping sessions are also available. Get in touch: Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk
