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Your Colour and Style

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Shopping Blog

Sunglasses/Shades

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It’s that time of year when it might be sunny in the UK and we need to get out our sunglasses or shades!

Using sunglasses can stop us squinting, which will prevent/reduce facial lines, plus protect our eyes, so I do recommend having some and using them.

Your shades may not have been out for a while, or you might need, or have had, an eye test and your prescription is different, so if you’re thinking of getting some new ones, what might you consider when choosing?

Purpose: the job you want them to do

This might sound silly, but how much may you wear them? If you’re outdoors quite a bit (whether that’s in the garden, walking or driving around), you may like to consider this. Sunglasses need to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and some glasses do this job better than others. There are different properties of sunglasses, such as poloroid (which help eliminate glare reflected off surfaces, but may show the laminations in the car windscreen, that could be off-putting until you get used to it). See this useful article of the advantages and disadvantages of Polaroid lenses.

However, if you just want glasses to pose in, or to take to the beach, then a cheap pair might be what you want! You normally get what you pay for.

Size and shape of frame

If you want sunglasses to protect your eyes, then the bigger the better, even if they may swamp a small frame face. If you are an adult with a really small frame face, consider looking at the children’s section. If you are ordering online, make sure you look at all the information you are given (including sizing), as well as the returns policy.

The shape of frame will suit different face shapes. It is sometimes difficult to figure out what your face shape is and therefore what suits best, so if in doubt, please get in touch with me (see below).

Colour of frame and lens (including if you need prescription glasses)

There are two aspects to colour: the frame, and the colour of the shade. If you know what colours suit you that will be useful. Glasses are an important purchase as they sit in a prominent place on your face, and whether your eyes can be seen through the shade or not, they will be interacting with your hair and skin, so you want them to be in harmony to give the best visual for you.

Now, if like me you need prescription glasses, you have a few options:

  • photochromic glasses react to light levels, which include protection when the light is bright; brand names include Reactolite, Transitions or Reactions
  • Clip on sunshades;
  • Put your sunglasses over the top of your normal glasses – I tried this for a while but didn’t find it very comfortable!
  • Get prescription sunglasses – my solution that seems to be serving me well at the moment. (They were my “second pair at half price” when I got the original glasses too.) Of course, if your prescription is likely to change at least annually, then you will need to renew your prescription sunglasses too.
  • If you wear contact lenses, you can use ordinary sunglasses, but do you use your contact lenses all the time?

Style – to suit your “clothing personality” and face shape

All the normal considerations about choosing ordinary glasses will apply – including the features on your face (such as width of nose bridge, depth of eye to cheek and height of eyebrow, distance between eyes on the face, proximity of ears), weight, and general comfort to name a few.

Generally speaking, square or straighter styles may suit a rounded face shape, and rounded styles may soften an angular face.

If you know your “clothing personality” style, this can be useful too. For instance, if you have drama in your personality, the bolder and larger the frame, the more it will be in keeping with you. If you have natural in your clothing personality, you will want minimal fuss. So, this is how your “clothing personality” should be taken into account too.

If you have any queries and would like to have personal guidance, other than from the optician who may or not have such training and experience as mine, then please ask.

Buying online or in a shop

These days you can upload a picture of your face to websites on the internet, and see what frames would look like on you.

Choosing glasses can be difficult if you need glasses to see what they look like, so this can be a useful way to do that.

Buying glasses can be an expensive purchase, so you want to get it right, especially if they are going to be made for your prescription.

If you are buying in a shop, ask what their returns policy is, if when you get them you are not happy.

How well you might look after them

If you are a little clumsy with things, then you might want to factor that into what you pay, as you may need to buy them more frequently! Or, you may want to have more than one pair at a time, so you can leave one in the car or at work, or in case you forget where they might be.

Price

Sunglasses range from a few pounds to anything you’d like to pay. Some people like designer ones, some not. The critical thing is to know your budget and taking all the above into account, choose wisely.

 

I love helping people select glasses, so do call for help if you want personal assistance. The more you want to pay, the more you should want to get it right.

Fiona
Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

Blouses – do you wear them?

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Men wear shirts, women wear blouses. Some women purposely wear shirts (which are usually too big on them), and this developed in the last few years into the fashion of a ‘shirt dress’ (although those are not “oversized”).

Blouses – who wears them?

I have lots of blouses in my wardrobe, but don’t tend to wear them these days. I have noticed that women prefer jumpers, teeshirts and lycra-type tops instead as everyday wear nowadays. If you see someone wearing a blouse, it is definitely noticeable and appears a more “upmarket” choice. Two decades ago I wore a blouse with my suit every day for my job. But, like suits, blouses seem to have lost their appeal, as daytime clothing has become more casual. However, are blouses making a comeback?

Where can you buy them?

When I searched online I found lots of choice from Boohoo to Next, Wallis and of course Hawes & Curtis. There are also denim blouses and some that look more casual. This blog is not about those, but the more dressy variety.

So when and why would you wear a blouse, and why not?

Why would you wear a blouse?

Points for wearing a blouse:

  • Blouses can be used to layer. If you are moving through various degrees of heat/cold, that could be a good tactic.
  • The collar or neck-tie of a blouse can fill some space if the jumper or cardigan gives a lot of space around the neck area.

Woman in blouse 

  • The material of a blouse can be softer against the skin than some jumpers, so there can be less irritation, around the neck or other more sensitive areas (eg under arms).
  • A bit like wearing a jacket, if you wear a jumper over a blouse, you have the option to take that off and show the blouse, only on this occasion you are increasing your formality rather than lessening it, as when you take a jacket off. However, it will depend on the material as to how creased it may then look.
  • Blouses can be tucked into a lower garment or left out. Leaving the shirt or blouse out can be a more forgiving look if it is looser around the middle. The current trend for women is to have a half and half option, which can cinch in the waist and allow coverage elsewhere (like on the backside).

  • Blouses are versatile – you can wear them open over a cami, and they act like a less formal “jacket”, and can add extra colour and modesty, or cover up the arms, which I know lots of women like to do as they age.
  • They can be made to look more casual, when sleeves are rolled up for example.

Woman in orange blouse

  • Blouses are an alternative to a dress, and of course blouses can be worn with skirts or trousers. Separates are more versatile.

So, why would you not wear a blouse?

A) If you are well endowed uptop, some blouses aren’t made for that, and buttons, zips or material can strain around that area.

B) They can require more delicate laundering (and of course ironing), whereas jumpers may be easier to look after.

C) Depending on the shape and style, they can be less flexible to wear than a jumper.

D) Sometimes the sleeves can be ill fitting, and ladies’ wrist sizes can vary. Luckily the fashion at the moment is to have smocking stitch at the cuff, which allows expansion if necessary.

E) Underwear may be seen if the blouse’s material is see-through. A few years ago that was the fashion, to have a contrasting colour bra that showed through the blouse.

I’ve noticed that blouses are now on trend with jeans and casual bottoms (like shorts). So, if you don’t need to dress so formally (perhaps if you are working from home and only your top half is on view through the computer for visual calls) is it time to rethink our wearing of blouses, if, like me, you haven’t worn yours for a while.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you want advice about what colours and styles suit you, please get in touch!

Fiona

Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

7 “SALE” Shopping Tips

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It’s SALE time!

At this time of year we think about the “sales”. But, particularly this year, where traditional “bricks and mortar” shops have been having a really hard time and brands are struggling or going out of business, it seems as if it’s been a constant SALE of one sort or another. And, in the last couple of previous years, the SALE has been before Christmas rather than starting on Boxing Day. It made me think, today, about putting this post for anyone confused or being urged to BUY NOW, BE QUICK, and all the other tricks that are used to get us to part with our hard-earned cash (eg Debenhams’ “Closing Down Sale”), to help you take a moment to not get swept up in the momentum, and make your purchases with more thought.

Yes, of course the good stuff usually sells out first, so you do need to be quick in that sense, but please take a moment to consider these 7 tips:

1. Don’t panic

Don’t be panicked into ordering or buying something if it doesn’t look quite right for some reason (eg colour, pattern or style) just because there’s one left in your size, or 53 people have been viewing this item in the last 10 minutes! Just stop and look at the discount. I just saw a Hobbs cashmere jumper in the Debenhams “closing down sale” that was 15% off. If you had your eye on this anyway, and now it’s reduced to the cheapest price you’ve seen it for, and think that if you hang on for a further reduction your size won’t be available any more, then maybe now is the time to buy.

2. Remember why you didn’t like previous purchases

Keep in mind reasons why you ditched previous items, like the sleeves being too short or the jumper wasn’t long enough to cover your back when you hop in the car seat and you get a cold shock!

3. Why are you being tempted?

Ask yourself, why are you being tempted? Do you NEED this item (ie it’s perfect for you and you haven’t got anything like it in the wardrobe already), or do you just fancy something new and we all love a discount?

4. When will you wear it?

Ask yourself how many times you see yourself wearing the item, and in what situations? Most people expect to get more than one wear out of a garment these days, so how much will you enjoy wearing it, and will the number of wears equate or outweigh the cost?

5. What else will it go with?

Will buying this cause you to spend more money buying other things to go with it? A savvy shopper will buy items that already go with multiple things in the wardrobe, as they are building a wardrobe of items that are right for them, in the colour theme that suits, styles that suit their body shape and suit their “clothing personality”.

6. Rate It

Now, if you’ve got this far and think you should purchase, or you have ordered and it’s arrived, give it a rating out of 10 (10 being perfect). Do not purchase or keep the item if it is below a 7. If it is a 7, have a look at what you already have and decide if you really WANT or NEED it. If you do not, perhaps you should return it while you have the chance.

7. Returns

Finally, check the returns policy, and don’t be afraid to use it.

 

If you’re at sea when it comes to shopping for bargains, or shopping generally, please contact me to see how I can make your life easier!

Current (and previous) clients of Your Colour & Style get some shopping support for free – ask me how!

Fiona

Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

Which NECKLINES suit you?

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What makes a neckline work for you?

I used to think your best neckline was to do with your face shape. Yes, that does have a bearing on it, but there are some other factors that also impact a great neckline. For example, the width between your shoulders, proportion of shoulders to hips, your bust, your neck and whether you have curvy or angled features. It could even be connected to the material, pattern and your underwear as well. (We all know the difference a great fitting bra makes.)

So, if you’ve been given a rule that “you can’t wear that neckline”, I suspect it may be a bit too limiting and you could rethink your choice of necklines when trying new (to you) clothes on.

I would normally say if you have a large chest that you would be better having a neckline that shows some skin. However, I had to rethink this when I saw a particular picture of Oti Mabusse, who looked fabulous in a high-neck dress that paid homage to her curves. It might have been that the dress had shapewear inside it (I have bought a dress with it attached before now, and this makes the silhouette better for sure). If so, that’s an example of the material and design of the item that can work for you and the neckline therefore wasn’t so crucial.

My advice, if you like a particular top or dress, is to try it on and see. Also, don’t forget, you can change a neckline by covering it with a jacket or cardigan, or a scarf, or you can have it altered permanently by a dressmaker, so if everything else about the item works for you, don’t dismiss it just because of the neckline.

Ultimately, there are 6 basic neckline shapes:

  1. Round;
  2. Square;
  3. Sweetheart;
  4. V;
  5. Slit, slash (also called boat); and
  6. High (such as mandarin, turtle or polo).

Don’t forget necklines can be front and/or back.

Strapless tops can be shaped (like a sweetheart) or straight.

Necklines are basically soft curves or straight lines, but all necklines can be changed by edging, additional material, lace and all manor of “bells and whistles”.

1.  ROUND

Tight round necks (“crew”) are best on long, slim necks and not ideal for bigger chests or narrow shoulders (normally).

A lower round neck suits most people. They vary in the distance away from the neck towards the shoulder, as well as how low they fall. Here are some examples.

Round neckline examples

2.  SQUARE

These are like round necks only squarer! Some can be a bit of a mix of both, being a “soft square”.

A more square, straight-lined neckline is better if you have angular features like a chisled chin or pointed nose.

A strapless straight line across the bust, is like the bottom of a square. Not great for very bony people, nor very large frames, in my opinion, especially if you would be better off with a bra with straps to help keep your bust in check.

Asymetric/Halter neckline examples

3.  SWEETHEART

This is like a diamond, except softer edges. It can be described as “sweetheart” if strapless and shaped over the bust (not a straight line).

Sweetheart necklines

4.  V

Another great neckline for everyone, especially if you are wider at the shoulder, or not as tall as you’d like to be (as it gives an illusion of elongating the torso) or have a larger chest.

The sexy look is the deep V (also called décolleté), as it is difficult to wear it with a traditional bra, although some fashionistas do. (There are, of course, other options instead of a traditional bra.)

Examples of V necklines

5.  SLIT/SLASH/BOAT

This type of neckline is a straight opening, sitting close to the neck, high in the front and back. The slash varies how wide it is towards each shoulder edge. Again, not good for busty folk and not ideal for those with a short neck. Great if your hips are wider than your shoulders though (ie pear shaped body), as it can even out the appearance of shoulders to hips. In the example below I have included an off-the-shoulder neckline, because that is a straight line around the shoulders. When worn like this, it draws attention to the shoulders and neck, great if you want to focus attention away from your thighs.

If I liked a slash neck, I would use a scarf to make it work better for me.

6.  HIGH

Polo – high and tight to the neck – best for long necks. The material on the neck is normally doubled over.

Turtle – not as high or tight as a polo neck, but usually still folded.

High – not doubled over like a polo or turtle neck, but just covers the base of the neck a bit, so usually less tall than a turtle.

OTHER VARIATIONS

Cowl – where the material falls in folds, the softness of the folds will depend on the material. This may well fall in a V shape and there is an example above in the “V” neckline pictures.

Keyhole – has an opening which can be circular, oval, tear-shaped or V shaped. This is great as a compromise for a completely open neckline and a high neckline – you get the best of both worlds, so good for lots of people. The size of the opening varies. There are a couple of examples shown under the “V” necklines.

Off the shoulder – sometimes called Bardot. Very feminine, which brings attention to the shoulders and neck. Not to be worn if you don’t want to bring attention there! Great if you have slender shoulders.

One shoulder neckline also called asymmetric – one side has more of the opening, so it doesn’t look even.

Halter – good if you have narrow shoulders as they draw the eye into the centre.

Queen Elizabeth– high at the back.

Racerback – where straps cross-over at the back.

Different details

There are many different accents that can be added to the basic shapes, like collars, ruffles, gathers, yolks in the same or a different material or lace. Different colours can also create a different appearance.

If you have any queries about necklines, or want personal advice, please do get in touch. Also, I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences of different necklines.

Fiona

Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

fiona.yourcolourandstyle@gmail.com

Shoes for difficult feet!

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If you’ve ever thought you have difficult feet to buy shoes for, hopefully this blog could help. I aim to cover:

  • small or large ladies shoes;
  • wide and narrow feet;
  • chunky ankles or calves;
  • high bridge;
  • keeping shoes on;
  • being on your feet a lot, needing comfort and practical shoes;
  • what is right for you, in terms of colour, style, height of heel, sparkle or plain (in other words, what suits your “clothing personality”); and
  • some other tips.

Firstly, let me tell you that most people have two different feet! They will be different in some way as in one could be longer than the other, or maybe wider. So, don’t panic if that’s you! You now know you’re normal!

Wearing the correct fitting shoes is important, to look after your feet, as they have an important and big job to do!

Shoe shopping

What criteria do you have when buying shoes? What’s around (as in choice, that may involve what’s currently in fashion)? Comfort? Cost? Colour? Just getting some that fit? The time you have to look, or before you wish to wear them …?

These would be most people’s considerations, but some people also have other considerations, like finding shoes that are made in their size.

Small feet

I have met people who have a size 2 foot in UK sizing. If that’s you, you know that most ladies shoes begin at size 3. In case you haven’t found it, there’s a website that will help you find quite a choice of footwear to fit: www.smallfeet.co.uk

Larger sizes for ladies shoes

Larger sizes are becoming a little more common these days,  For example, I noticed Clarks offer size 9s and found other websites for size 9, 10 & 11 for the UK market. Websites that particularly feature shoes for larger size ladies’ feet in the UK are:

Santewade.com

Crispinsshoes.com

CinderellaShoes.com

Magnusshoes.com

Tip: higher heels can make your feet appear a smaller length, and a semi-wedge can also have that effect.

Yellow ladies court wedge sandal

Wide feet

Wide feet can be the product of genetics, flat feet, ageing or weight gain.

The average shoe width in the UK I thought – from my shoe-selling days – was a “C”, but I see on the Clarks website that they describe this as “narrow fit”, and D as “standard fit”. Maybe this has changed in the last 40 years like the average woman’s clothing size (see my previous blog)!

Anyway, if you find the average fit too tight, you might prefer an E or EE. You may already know you can get a wider fit in some shoes at M&S (I wouldn’t go as far as to say they’re an E fit though), Hotter, Clarks, Vionic, Ecco, or view these specialist websites such as https://www.widerfitshoes.co.uk or widefitshoes.co.uk for more choice.

You may already know that a softer leather will give more ease, whilst you “wear them in”, and lace-ups can give ease if you loosen the laces, but that’s not normally across the widest part of your foot, but can help a high arch.

Dune Flinch wide fit suede Brogues from John Lewis (were £75)

Ladies wide fit brogues

Measuring your feet

I noted with interest the directions to measure your foot (seen in several places on the internet), to draw round your foot, then measure it. Here was a good blog about how to do this yourself without needing someone else necessarily to help: https://sargassoandgrey.com/blogs/blog/easy-way-measure-feet.

It was interesting to me that my current length, doing it that way, was for a shoe size that I have worn for years and is still apparently my current size, but I have found latterly that the next size up is more comfortable these days (whilst still wearing high heels). It was a bit more difficult to sort the width myself, though, and I have checked with the Clarks shop in Romsey – they definitely can measure adult length and width, so you could go there (or check with your nearest reputable shoe retailer) if you would prefer to get the experts to do it.

Narrow feet

Your feet can narrow if you lose a lot of weight. The bone structure will remain the same, but you can reduce fat cells. However, if you already have narrow feet, you will know the problem.

Did you know you can get narrow fit shoes from Hotter too? In doing some research for this blog I had another surprise find … Narrowfitshoes.com – based in Horsefair Mews, Romsey!

And, they have free postage on all orders before 30th September 2020. They will help you with fitting from 9am to 3.30pm Mon to Fri. (They’ve been going since 1985 and sell American shoes that fit AA or B width feet in UK terms, from size 5 UK to 11.)

Chunky ankles/calves

If you have chunky ankles or calves, you will be better off wearing a chunky heel or wedge to (a) give you support and (b) to reduce the obviousness of the difference.

Also, you can slim your ankles by not having a T-bar or ankle strap varieties of shoe, however, you may then reduce support or the ability to keep the shoe on (for example if you choose a slingback or mule – see below).

Boden ladies slingback shoe

From Boden Collection, Nadine Slingback Heels £110

Black mule ladies shoe with chunky heel River Island, £38, sizes 2 to 9

Be aware of the effect of the heel height on chunky calves – it might make your calves look fuller, so you might consider the length of your skirt or dress (try not to get the ending of the garment on your widest point of the calf), or wear trousers if you want to wear heels and are conscious of your calves.

Keeping shoes on/high bridge

Comfort is often a trade-off for looks, but it is possible to combine some features if you know what you need to look for to keep shoes on your feet.

I’ve experienced walking out of slingbacks more times than I care to remember, so these days I go a bit more for sensible shoes (lace-ups like brogues, which look stylish), or ones with a higher coverage (like the Boden Laurie T-Bar Heels £130 or these Shrewsbury shoe boots for £150)! However, if you have a high arch, this can be a problem. Laces can be eased but these shoe types may not be so accommodating.

Boden pink T-bar ladies shoes

Boden Laurie T-Bar Heels £130

Green Boden ladies shoeboots

Boden Shrewsbury Shoe Boots: £150

If you find it difficult to keep your shoes on, do they have a low rise across the toes (see these Dune shoes below)? This may cause you to grip more with your toes, which may affect the way your walk.

Dune black ladies Suede "Ashen T" mid block heel court shoes

Dune Black Suede “Ashen T” Mid block heel court shoes, from Debenhams £42 when I looked this week (they were £85)

Consider higher rise shoes like these loafers from Boden, which may help instead.

Ladies loafer shoesBoden Betty Platform Loafers £120

 

Being on your feet a lot/comfort/practicality

Now, I have heard some people say they’re used to wearing high heels, and when they move to lower heels or flats, it actually hurts their back. This may be because tendons or muscles are used to being stretched or constrained in a certain way, (well, I’m no physiotherapist or chiropractor), but I wonder if when you go against this regular pose stretching things in one way, that is why it hurts, until you get used to the muscles or ligaments being used differently. However, if you do have back, hip, thigh or knee problems which you now wonder is because of your shoe collection, I suggest you should consult a professional.

If you’re on your feet a lot, it’s even more important that your shoes serve you well, as in being comfortable but not being too sloppy. Of course, the current trend is to wear trainers with dresses etc. Yes, they’re comfortable, but most fashion brands are not designed to give your feet as much support as a shoe for all-day wear, so I’d urge against this, unless you know they are for that purpose. (Check out Foot Health First’s supportive footwear for indoors and outdoors, which also ensure comfort. Lorna, being a foot health practitioner, has chosen the footwear she sells because of her knowledge from treating people’s feet and foot problems over many years. I am delighted to be interviewing Lorna on 22nd October 2020 at 7pm about some of the problems she finds and the solutions she can recommend, so do get in touch if you would like to hear what she has to say, or have questions you’d like Lorna to address.

Your choice of shoes can affect your gait too, but that’s a whole other topic!

What shoes are right for me?

Rounded or pointed toes? That depends on what I call your “Clothing Personality”! You can sign up for my new two hour Clothing Personalities Workshop if you want to know more about that! Again, though, if comfort is paramount you may decide the shape of the shoe tip for your “clothing personality” isn’t as crucial!

Other tips

One way to find different shoes is when you go abroad. It’s always worth having a look, but remember to try shoes on later in the day (as your feet can swell up throughout the day), and with the socks or hosiery that you would wear them with to get the best idea of a true fit. And remember, heat can make your feet swell too.

Beware leather soles! They become very slippery, especially when it’s wet under foot! My advice is to take your new shoes directly to a cobbler and have a rubber sole attached immediately, before you get caught out, like I did a couple of times.

Of course, if you have really difficult feet to find “off the shelf” shoes for, you may consider having shoes specially made. I had a pair made in the Far East, and posted on to me which were perfect, but you can find someone in the UK who can make a last (mould for shoe-making) for you (check out a list of UK shoemakers here: www.shoefitters-uk.org.)  It does cost hundreds of pounds to have a “last” made, and each pair of shoes will be much more expensive than an off-the-shelf pair, plus it will take a longer time to receive your shoes, but they should be absolutely perfect in every way if you have chosen exactly what you want and they’re made from a mould for your feet alone. If you need orthopaedic shoes made, I found a website to check out: www.thecordwainer.co.uk.

Finally

Look after your shoes – keep them clean, soled and heeled, and waterproofed if leather. Your shoes do say so much about you, but you also need to look after your feet. I would say, choose wisely. It is possible to get what you want and need, if you search carefully and are mindful of your feet, what you need your shoes to do, and where you are in your life journey.

If you want help determining good shoes for your lifestyle, whilst taking your “clothing personality” into account, please give me a call. Shoes are my favourite accessory!

 

Fiona
Your Colour & Style Consultant
www.yourcolourandstyle.com
Fiona@yourcolourandstyle.com
07469 246722

 

Has Covid-19 changed our shopping habits forever?

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No surprise

A recent YOUGOV study of 2,152 adults, undertaken between 22nd and 28th July 2020 confirmed what we all know.

Covid-19 has impacted all of our lives, including our shopping habits. Focussing on the age 45+ respondents, here are some results:

• Over 50% are much more likely to buy clothes on-line. Only 9% are much more likely to buy clothes in a physical store. 59% are much less likely to buy clothes in a physical store.

At the time this study was conducted, people were still feeling worried about how safe it was to visit a store, and might still have not been going out if at all possible. However, if it takes only a few weeks to make a new habit, perhaps this is the sign of the future, even when the Covid-19 threat is over.

Brands have been reacting to these difficult trading conditions and less footfall in their stores and, since the Covid-19 pandemic began, have drastically cut stores and staff.

What types of clothing are people buying?

• Nearly 60% are much less likely to buy smart clothes compared to last year.

What is important when buying clothes now?

• Nearly 50% consider price to be more important when buying clothes since the Covid-19 crisis began.
• 39% also consider quality to be more important now.

What else is important?

• A very high proportion of each category (56% of 45-54 year olds and 59% of 55+) think it more important to be able to socially distance when shopping for clothes, and convenience is also an important factor.

Interestingly, the brand’s reputation matters less (only 21% said “more important”).

There were also questions about how the brands are believed to treat the workers that produce the products.

A high proportion of the respondents work less than 8 hours per week, or had been furloughed or laid off by their employer. Obviously disposable income will impact people’s spending habits.

What about you?

It is no wonder there are great deals if you do want to buy any new clothes now, but you might find that your traditional or favourite brands are not available in the way you used to shop. I know from my shopping experience over the last few years that there are usually items available on-line that you couldn’t get in stores anyway, so there is hope!

However, if you do not like trawling the internet, or can’t find what you want, please get in touch with me to see if/how I can help. I love helping my clients attain the right things for them, and saving them time, money and hassle. If you’ve never tried an independent personal shopper, maybe now is the time to save some time, or get a different result. Contact me for a no-obligation chat.

 

Fiona Mobbs

Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

email: fiona@yourcolourandstyle.com