Listen to the whole interview here on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire
A summer wardrobe can at times feel as confusing as the weather. From my styling experience clients prefer an Autumn / Winter style over Summer and will tend to focus on their Summer wardrobe a lot less because of this reason. As I spoke to Sandra Godley on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Radio, there are changes we can make to our wardrobe, especially if we're styling on a budget.
1. Edit your wardrobe.
I always recommend doing this twice a year anyway. We need to be looking at our wardrobes constructively. If you can do this you will become more decisive about what it is you do and do not want in your wardrobe.
Questions to ask yourself when editing:
How does this item make me feel?
When was the last time I wore it?
How can I wear it three different ways?
If I'm holding onto it for sentimental reasons, does it belong in my wardrobe?
If you need help editing and detoxing your wardrobe, then please get in touch and I'll be more than happy to explain the Style | By ... detoxing process.
2. Know what you like and what you don't like. Build a mood board if this helps.
Whilst it can be useful, social media can be a big trap when it comes to style and what it is WE actually like. Influencer hauls, the fast pace nature of reels can leave us feeling simply overwhelmed. My advice? Screenshot styles that that you feel would work for your body shape and save in a new folder on your phone. Over time you will start seeing a pattern in your photos. Perhaps there is a colour you keep being drawn to or a type of style that you always save? This folder will help you eliminate all the temptations that stores and influencers throw our way and will keep you focused on what it is you do like.
3. Don't impulse shop. Clearance sales are traps!
Twice a year the UK high street goes into clearance. The first around June and the second just before Christmas, think mid December, although it is getting earlier every year. Whilst we all love the feeling of picking up a bargain, as I say to all my clients ( especially those who have clothes with the tags still in) nothing is a bargain if it's not going to be worn.
Refer to point 5 when shopping sale.
4. There's a difference between wanting and needing something.
There really is! I might want another maxi dress to add to my other 20 dresses that I have in my wardrobe but is it what my wardrobe actually needs? Editing your wardrobe will help you identify the gaps so you can see what it is you wardrobe needs.
5. Go into the high street with a plan and it DOESN'T matter if you don't find what you're looking for.
This can be a really difficult one as we all like that feeling of coming home with something new. It get's our endorphines going. This is the feeling we're looking for when we shop. We're searching for that hit. This is when we act on the feeling rather than what it is we actually need. Don't feel disheartened if you walk away with nothing on a shopping trip. Your wardrobe will thank you for it in the long run.
6. Look at what you're spending your money on.
This is a particular reference to occasion-wear. I have dressed hundreds of women for an occasion. I firstly make sure it's always an outfit that still fits in with the rule of three. Guest at a wedding? Wear a dress that you love and you will wear it often. Forget over doing it with a hat that you will only wear once. Get some killer earrings that you will wear again to dress up your jeans!
7. Charity / thrift shops. Apps also offer this where people sell second hand clothes.
I love shopping thrift. There are some beautiful second hand stores and apps such as Vestiaire Collective for the high end / premium products.
8. Accessories can really change an outfit.
Think headscarfs, oversized earrings, a new shade of lipstick. All of these can really switch up a look, especially a classic white tank top and jeans.
9. As always... re-assess your basics.
Good quality tank tops in the basic colours are fab as they will go with everything and can be layered up when the cooler weather hits. Basics never go into sale but they are always worth investing in nonetheless.
10. How can you wear it across seasons?
As you know by now I always encourage capsule wardrobes. This means not only having outfits that all work harmoniously together, but ones that work across seasons. With the exception of high summer pieces ( bikinis, denim shorts ) most items you should be able to layer up. This is where your rule of three can really be useful!
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