Take the time to review an item before purchasing:
I know a lot of people shop based on what they see others wearing at any one time. Whether that’s on social media, on the tv or in a magazine.
Before investing in any item of clothing or accessories, no matter how affordable or expensive it is, you should make sure it fits within your wardrobe, your personality, body shape and most importantly your lifestyle. Otherwise, nine times out of ten, it ends up being worn once or not at all then heads to the charity shop.
When will I wear it? What have I already got to go with it? Have I already got something similar? These are the sorts of questions you should ask yourself as you weigh the pros and cons to find the best use of your money.
Personal style is all about you. It’s not about trends or trying to be relevant. It has to be sustainable for you, your body shape, taste, style and lifestyle.
Always buy the things you need before the things you want:
Before splurging on the latest trends, pair of shoes or IT bag, it’s important to own the everyday items you NEED. This is why I generally always start with a wardrobe consultation. Finding out what my client is missing, all those gaps in their wardrobe which often lead to not being able to create outfits efficiently and effectively.
It’s crucial to think about your lifestyle and what you need rather than impulsive or careless shopping, which can lead you to own items that are tricky to repurpose.
Make sure those key basic capsule pieces are good quality and in neutral colourways, these items are building the foundation of your wardrobe.
Don’t succumb to trends:
Trends simply serve as marketing tool for mass consumption. You may be tempted to update your personal style, but for me this approach is too wasteful for the environment and your bank balance.
Do make sure you can style an item in multiple ways:
There’s nothing worse than being tempted by a random purchase, it might be that you just NEEDED to buy something or that sale bargain you just had to have. But then you get it home and realise it goes with nothing else in your wardrobe and you don’t have anything to go with it. Unless you’re going to purchase a full look, this is something to consider when buying with the aim of durability. Ask yourself before you buy anything, what have you already got to go with it? How are you going to style it? When are you going to wear it?
Find a good tailor or seamstress:
If fit is important for your personal style and you’re finding it hard to find clothing that fits, you don’t have to settle. Look for brands that are willing to create clothing for you from scratch with your input. This may be a more expensive way to shop, but the upside is you don’t have to keep replacing your clothing with more styles you’re not excited about.
Do take care of all your clothing and accessories:
From using the correct hangers, protecting against moths, fabric shavers, sticky rollers and vanish whitening oxi action, the wardrobe maintenance list is endless. Most items can be found on my Amazon shop. This approach of taking care of your clothing and accessories will save you a lot of money in the long run not to mention make you look more polished when wearing your clothes.
Don’t forget the accessories:
For me these are one of the most important parts of an outfit. Accessories elevate your look, they can make you look individual, expensive, chic, elegant, quirky, cool, whatever it you may want to achieve. For women it’s a beautiful bag, shoes, belt, scarf and jewellery. For men I like to focus on the watch, belt and shoes and if you need a bag please do consider this, they aren’t just for women.
Prioritise Grooming:
This applies to men and women. Personal style is as much about being well groomed than it is the clothes you wear. Skincare, hair, nails, makeup and fragrance are all essential.
Embrace the journey:
For some this will be an enlightening experience that you wished you’d started years ago. My job is to slightly push a client out of their comfort zone but equally make them feel good and sure of themselves. Your confidence and self esteem levels will begin to increase along with the compliments. Enjoy and embrace this empowering journey.
