With the sunshine becoming a regular feature, shedding the extra layers and embracing a few new looks may be high on your wish list right now. But, do you really need to follow the latest trends to feel stylish? Not necessarily…so let’s talk about how to make this season’s looks really work for you.

I’ve recorded a video on my YouTube channel, which you can watch here. In under 5 minutes, you’ll hear more on how to navigate the season’s looks with confidence while reflecting your style, your way.

At the risk of repeating myself – just because something is on-trend and in ‘fashion’ doesn’t mean it’s right for you!

Understanding your colour type, body shape, and style personality is key to having the confidence to choose what works for you and what suits you.

Colour is just the start

Wearing the right colours can absolutely make a difference in how you look and feel. But, wearing the right colours is just the start – to truly feel amazing, they also need to reflect your personality and style. Colour is just one aspect of your overall image.

There could be a trending colour this season that is just perfect for you, and it’s in your palette and swatches. But, if it doesn’t feel “right” or like “you” when you wear it, it’s likely to hang unworn in your wardrobe.

Learning your colour type and how to wear your best colours is a great start, but it’s only part of the jigsaw.

Your Style Personality

That missing piece of the puzzle that brings everything together is your style personality. It’s the reason why two people with the same colouring will look completely different in what, and how, they choose to wear their colours.

For example, it’s the difference between one person leaning towards timeless tailoring and structured pieces, and the other in bold, floral floaty dresses. Someone opting for trainers or loafers, and those in kitten heels or block heels. No matter how on-trend something is, if it’s not ‘you’, you won’t feel like you when wearing it.

Let me be clear – it doesn’t mean you can’t wear something – you can wear whatever you like! It’s just you’ll have to try much harder than someone else for it to feel natural. And, in my experience, it means you’ll struggle to make it work easily, which often leads to you taking it off and hanging it back up – regretting the purchase.

Knowing your style personality helps you:

Make choices that feel authentic
Avoid impulse buys that don’t get worn
Build a wardrobe that supports your lifestyle

Adapting the trends to suit you

This season, I’ve found nine key trends which I’ve featured in my Spring Summer 2025 seasonal update guides. The good news is – you don’t have to wear them all!

Instead, they’re a guide to help you filter down the choices and shop smarter, avoiding costly mistakes. Ultimately, this helps you buy and wear what suits you.

As a colour analysis and style expert, I want to help you make informed decisions – it’s not about encouraging you to spend money on the latest trends, but to check your wardrobe and plan what you need to fill in specific gaps.

Think of trends as inspiration. What appeals to you? Can you take a little bit and apply it differently? Do they reflect your personality and flatter your shape?

Remember that you don’t have to wear a trend head-to-toe! Bring them in through accessories, prints, or even in how you style something you already have. A bag, a print, or a pop of colour might be enough to bring a trend into your look and reinvent something you’ve already got.

Knowing your colouring helps you choose the right shades with ease. Simply compare the shades to your palette or use my Colour Trend Guide to shop for your best shades.

Need further clarity?

If you’re not sure which colours suit you, how to dress for your body shape, or what your style personality even is, then you may benefit from a Consultation with me.

I’ve seen so many clients make the mistake of buying trends that don’t align with their personal style. That’s why I love helping people find the right colours, shapes, and styles that work for them! With the right guidance, you can feel confident in your wardrobe choices and avoid those dreaded impulse buys.

Book a Colour Analysis, Style & Shape Consultation or go all-in with the Full Transformation Package.

Want the latest colours, trends, and shopping guides?

Get them here

There’s rarely a wardrobe I audit that doesn’t contain some form of stripe. Stripes are a classic that arguably never date – but they’re not for everyone. Some people struggle to wear them, fearing they might not be flattering. The truth is, when chosen wisely, stripes can enhance your look and complement your body shape beautifully. But only if you know how to get it right for you.

Understanding Stripes

The impact of stripes on perception has even been studied in visual science. A well-known example is the Helmholtz illusion, which shows that horizontal stripes can make shapes appear taller and narrower, while vertical stripes can make them look wider. You can see this clearly with a simple square, where horizontal stripes elongate it vertically, while vertical stripes do the opposite.

: horizontal stripes

: vertical stripes

However, when it comes to dressing the human body, the rules change slightly. Unlike a flat square, our figures are three-dimensional, meaning fit, fabric, and movement all come into play. This is why vertical stripes are often seen as slimming – they elongate the body by drawing the eye up and down, while horizontal stripes can highlight curves. But when worn thoughtfully, horizontal stripes can also help balance proportions, rather than just adding width.

Stripes and Body Shapes

The best stripes for you may vary, but it’s not just about shape – your height, scale, and proportions matter too, as does stripe placement. Here’s a quick guide based on body shape:

Hourglass: Look for stripes that highlight your waist. Diagonal or chevron patterns that draw the eye to your midsection can be especially flattering.
Triangle (pear-shaped): Horizontal stripes on the upper body will help balance out your shoulders with your hips.
Oval (apple-shaped): Vertical stripes work well to elongate the body and draw the eye up and down.
Rectangle: Vertical stripes can help create the illusion of curves and add interest or dimension.
Inverted triangle: Try horizontal or vertical stripes on the lower half to balance out your silhouette.

Using colour

Black and white or navy and white stripes may be classic, but they’re high contrast – and that doesn’t suit everyone. They can also feel too traditional or harsh depending on your style personality.

Choosing stripes in colours that complement your natural colouring softens their impact and enhances your features. Even subtle changes in stripe colour, width, or placement can make a big difference.

Spring Summer 2025 trends

Stripes are back this season – and I’ve featured them in the latest Spring/Summer 2025 Seasonal Update. So, if you’ve got some in your wardrobe, now’s the time to re-style them.

Add fresh accessories, a pop of colour, or even mix them with another print if that feels more like you. And if you’re ready to shop for something new, I’ve picked stripe-inspired pieces for each colour type in this season’s ‘Shop the Look’ guides. Find out more here.

(Boden have a huge range of stripes this season, and in colour options! Use the code NB7C to get 15% off womenswear between 6th and 22nd April 2025 – take a look here. (This is an affiliate link and I will be compensated if you purchase after clicking through the link).)

Stripes can suit everyone – if you know how to wear them

Stripes can be incredibly versatile – but knowing how to choose the right ones for you makes all the difference. When you understand how different stripe patterns and colours work with your shape, style and features, you can wear them with confidence.

Get tickets to join the next workshop for your body shape, or go for the full Style & Shape Consultation – an in-depth 2.5 hour session including tips on patterns, proportions and how to make your wardrobe work harder.

Get in touch to book your myth-busting session now!

style & shape

Trendy Doesn’t Mean Stylish – Making Spring Trends Work for Your Style