Wardrobe Blog

Goodbye summer, Hello autumn

1st September 2024 by Fiona Mobbs Leave a Comment

In climate terms, 1^st September heralds the autumn months (September, October and November). The amount of light in the UK reduces because of the way the earth is tilted towards the sun at this time of year for us in the UK, and so we go from summer to autumn. I wonder what this year’s autumn weather will be: mild and dry or wet and windy? Who knows with the way the world’s weather seems to be changing and less predictable.

Change

One thing’s for sure – this new month means change.

For me, this means changing my wardrobe, to suit the new cooler weather. I usually like to change over my wardrobe – rediscovering clothes I’d forgotten about – it’s almost like buying new without the expense! I can’t say they all fit me though! This is usually when I discover what’s happened with enjoying my social life too much, and I realise it’s time for wholesome home-made soup full of low calorie vegetables. Time for a re-set.

Now, this year has been not normal when it comes to my wardrobe! I would have usually brought out my summer wardrobe around one of the May Bank Holidays, but the weather seemed so cold I was wearing thick tights still into late June. And, here we are planning the cooler months already – it didn’t seem as if I had much time to wear my summer clothes and was reaching for warmer things more than usual this summer. So, instead of packing away my summer things and getting out autumn/winter, I’ve decided to do more of a half-and-half wardrobe. That way I think I’ll have every base covered.

It’s not just about colour

Normally in the summer months my wardrobe looks far more colourful (in lighter colours), and to help me decide what should go and what should stay will take more consideration if I’m going to split the weight of fabrics and colour choices. I will certainly be considering my layers more for this coming season, in case there is a warmer-than-expected day, and I can de-layer more quickly than if I’d worn an outfit without that in mind.

Comfort now seems key

A lot of people talk to me about “comfort” in their clothing choices nowadays. I think this has become a more important feature. So, the fabrics that have more stretch or give in them are great for our lifestyles today.

Sustainability is also key

Plus, a lot more people are thinking about sustainable fashion and are more aware of where clothes are coming from, what they’re made of, and how they are made. And, recirculating clothes for others’ enjoyment when they no longer serve ourselves is much more of a lifestyle choice. Of course I think that is an excellent idea, and will be considering joining the many who seem to think Vinted, eBay, or other opportunities to re-sell is a great way forward for all.

Embarrassment

When I say to ladies that I will review their wardrobe [for colour] as part of the colour analysis process, they often react with horror. After it has happened, 100% say it is the best part [as I’m bringing the theory to life for them]. I wonder if they’re worried that I will be judging how they have set up their wardrobe, or the clothes in it. If it is the clothes in it, my philosophy is that they wear those clothes, and everyone will be judging them then. Or is it that they have clothes in their wardrobe they don’t wear? I’d better allay that worry – I have clothes in my wardrobe I don’t wear … yet. My husband bought me a beautiful silk suit several years ago. I remember trying it on in the changing room but ever since I got it home I put on weight so have never worn it! That’s not the only piece. I also have a couple of dresses where I love them so much I’ve bought two sizes, so that if I do lose weight I will still be able to enjoy wearing them. There you have it, my confession.

Organisation

How to organise your wardrobe is equally personal, depending on how many items you have and the space you have. There are some practicalities that I can advise on, but mostly people utilise their available space wisely. Some clients love telling me how, after colour analysis, they have ordered their clothes in colour sequence. This is how I organise my wardrobe items too.

But the goal is …

But, the goal is not to have such an organised wardrobe that you only see this piece “going” with that piece. The goal is to use as many of your items as possible to get your wear out of them. So, it is about mixing and matching your wardrobe more, so that you need less. I find it fun and exciting when I try something with something it’s never been paired with before, and it seems to work. That is, though, when the colours, patterns and materials work together. That’s the secret of knowing what suits you (colour and style-wise) and choosing pieces that you know will go with multiple things you already own.

Acquiring new to you

I have said “acquiring new to you” rather than buying as people get their wardrobe pieces in many different ways nowadays. It seems very acceptable to shop pre-loved, “swish” [swap] or be gifted clothes.

So, “want” and “need” are different things! In the western world most of us are lucky enough to have more than we need, but this is changing with the economic situation, where people are “pulling their horns in” and the drive to be more sustainable in every way – including clothing – means the latest fashion trend is less desirable. Or is that just for me? Most of my clients acquire a few pieces each season that nods to the fashion – so they keep a current look, but haven’t totally overhauled their entire wardrobe.

New for this autumn

I often get told “I can’t find my colours” at x time of year. So, I decided to set up four Zoom calls of an hour each to help each season find their colours at this time of year. I will go through at least 8 common brands of clothing and pull out items in the correct colours for you. They will be able to be recorded for those who can’t attend, but for those who do attend we can discuss style (if time permits), current fashion, as well as colour. If you want to book your place, find them on Eventbrite here (for autumns); (for springs); (for winters); and (for summers).

So, what do you do?

I’d love to know whether you change your wardrobe over, and if so how are you planning to cope with the changing weather?

If you’d like some input from a self-confessed hoarder [I won’t demand that you get rid of a lot of your favourites, but I will help you think about wearing them differently] then please get in touch.

Fiona

Your [16 years’ experienced] Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

A Guide to Layering

1st April 2024 by Fiona Mobbs Leave a Comment

Layering is one of those trends that come in and out of fashion from time to time, but which can also serve a very practical purpose too. Whatever the season, layering clothes can help you go from indoor to outdoor or day to night with ease, and without having to plan a different wardrobe for every eventuality. It also adds interest to your clothes and multiplies the number of potential outfits you have in your wardrobe. To layer well (and not look like the Michelin man) just takes a little thought. Here are my tips.

Start with your base layer

Think of your first layer like your canvas: it should provide a comfortable, smooth foundation for the rest of your outfit to build on. In summer, you might choose a breathable camisole and, in winter, a lightweight long-sleeved t-shirt. Your base layer should fit you well. It is probably worth choosing a neutral colour for your base; whether you intend it to ever been seen or not, you don’t want it accidentally dominating the rest of your outfit.

Colour x Pattern x Texture: pick one to play with

If all your following layers were different colours, patterns and textures, it may look like you got dressed in the dark – unless you are deliberately making a statement of course! To bring your layers together and make them look like one outfit, it’s usually better to not vary all of these too much.

For example, if your layers are dramatically different textures (which they might well be if you’re putting a chunky knit over a silky blouse) try to choose from the same colour palette or colour tones/depths. Equally, if you want to be brave and mix different patterns in your outfit, it will look more polished if those garments share similar colours and didn’t vary too much in texture. Consider the overall balance of your outfit.

Think about proportions

Think about proportions in two aspects. Firstly, you probably want to wear bigger, chunkier garments on top rather than as your base layers. Just practically, in terms of the size of your clothes, a tighter-fitting top that you’ve squeezed on over a chunky jumper just isn’t going to look right. Many of us tend to buy jumpers or cardigans in sizes larger than tops or blouses for exactly the reason that we expect to wear something underneath them.

Secondly, you can choose to play with proportions but still retain a figure-flattering look. For example, a fitted top paired with an oversize blazer will look comfortable and casual; an oversized top with an oversize blazer could make you look bigger than you are and is likely just to look like a poor fit. Use proportions – and different lengths – to help balance your outfit.

Use accessories to good effect

Again, accessorising comes down to balance. If you have a very busy outfit, with lots of texture or pattern, you probably don’t also want to pile on overly large or colourful scarves, handbags or jewellery as well (unless that’s your “clothing personality”). However, if you have gone for a more pared-down look (think ‘Stealth Wealth’ quiet luxury in creams and tans, perhaps) you can probably afford to go with a quality, statement piece alongside it.

It helps if you have a full-length mirror to hand so you can assess your whole look before you leave the house. And, play or practice when you have time, and snap a photo to remind you of these looks for when you’re getting dressed in a hurry. Keep a folder of your clothing ideas somewhere handy – a specific folder in your phone, or printed out and near the wardrobe.

Build your layering wardrobe with versatile classics

Building a wardrobe that layers well is a bit like building a successful capsule wardrobe; you’ll want to buy classic items that will last and will go with many other garments in your wardrobe too. Look for lightweight cotton cardigans in a range of plain or neutral colours, for example, to provide a year-round layer when you need it. Look at versatile scarves – extra warmth in winter, sun protection in summer – that can help dress up other items.

And embrace your outer wear – your coat or jacket – as an extra layer too. A leather jacket, classic trench or stylish winter coat can provide extra style to your overall outfit as well as extra warmth when you need it. With classic items like this, it can often be worth considering them an ‘investment’ piece, perhaps paying a little more than you’re used to for a timeless piece that will last you well.

Some tips for practical and elegant Christmas fashion

23rd November 2023 by Fiona Mobbs Leave a Comment

To quote American model and actress Lauren Hutton “Fashion is what you’re offered…by designers. And style is what you choose.” (She turned 80 in November and still looks fabulous so she clearly knows what she’s talking about!)

The distance between fashion and style never seems to be as great as at Christmas. The shops are full of everything from colourful Christmas jumpers to sequined evening wear, things that might be fashionable but what if they are just not your style? And I think we all want to look stylish and comfortable at Christmas. Even if you’ve spent Christmas morning in the kitchen, slaving over a hot turkey, we would all like to emerge looking immaculate and cool as a cucumber!

In my view, the secret to stylish and comfortable Christmas dressing comes down to one thing: a little advanced planning. The good news is that ladies ‘of a certain age’ generally know better what suits them and what they feel comfortable in so we have a head start over our younger sisters! After that, it’s down to planning ahead. Here are my suggestions on what to focus on.

Get the basics right

Particularly as we age, there are some little, personal grooming points that can make the difference between looking effortlessly elegant and just thrown together. Things that might have looked ‘boho’ or trendy when we were younger just don’t do us any favours as we get older.

Three words: hair, nails, undies. If you have a hectic holiday season ahead, whether you’re entertaining at home or away visiting family or friends, invest a little time ahead in getting these right. Does your hair need a trim or a colour touch-up? How about a shorter mani/pedi in a nude colour to help survive chips or breaks? And have you got comfortable but supportive lingerie to go under each outfit? These should be ‘bankable’ items that you can take off the ‘things to worry about’ list.

Plan a Christmas wardrobe

Look ahead at what you’re likely to be doing each day and plan for it. Think about the practicals: Will I be sitting, standing or walking? How hot/cold will it be indoors/outdoors? How dressy do I want to be? Often times, layers and accessories can be key allies in coping with all these eventualities. Could you quickly dress-up a more casual outfit with a statement piece of jewellery if unexpected guests arrive? Can you peel off some layers (and keep your modesty!), if all that partying raises the temperature?

The principles of a capsule wardrobe – where most pieces go with most other pieces – can be really useful, especially if you’re going away. Not only does it help save packing space but it will give you flexibility of knowing that you can dress to suit almost any eventuality.

Have an emergency outfit on standby

Whether it’s gravy splashes or red wine drops, increased sociability increases the likelihood of unfortunate accidents. Plan ahead to avoid panic! If you’re away, have a pretty scarf or light cardigan rolled neatly in your bag that you can quickly slip over any unsightly marks. If you’re at home, you can have thought ahead of time which other top goes with this skirt/trousers (or vice versa) so you can nip and do a quick change without missing the fun. (And remember to treat the mark as soon as you can before it becomes a permanent stain!)

Don’t let your shoes let you down

As we age, we tend to get a little boring (dare I say it!) with our choice of footwear. Whilst I completely understand that we might have bunions to cope with, or we just don’t feel steady walking in high heels anymore, that’s no excuse for boring shoes! There are so many styles, sizes, widths and colours to choose from these days, don’t let your footwear age you prematurely. If there was ever a time to splash out on some sequined espadrilles, for example, (flat, comfortable and festively bling!) Christmas is surely it!

Go easy on the make-up

At Christmas, particularly if we’re going out to parties, it’s tempting to go a bit heavy on the make-up: dark colours for drama on both eyes and lips. However, dark colours can be quite aging, and no one wants to have eyeshadow clumping up in their laughter lines! Instead, go with one statement feature (either eyes or lips) and go with a more paired-back glam everywhere else. Bright lipstick in a shade that really suits you will help detract from any dark circles caused by late-night gift-wrapping sessions. At this time of year, we can all get away with more metallic, sparkly nudes (either gold- or silver-tones, depending on your season), which look festive and far more effortlessly elegant.

Two Christmas items I never go without

Finally, there are two items that I always keep to hand at Christmas, whether I’m at home or away. The first is a large scarf or pashmina, probably in some of my subtle but festive colour(s). It can help dress up any outfit when required or provide an extra layer if it’s got chilly. The second is a smart pair of slippers. Again, I don’t like cold feet so they are practical first and foremost. But whether I’m at home or staying away, I also don’t want my ‘old favourites’ dragging down the look of my Christmas outfits. There are so many comfortable but festive and sparkly choices out there now, there are no excuses for not having warm and stylish feet, even when you’re indoors!

Read about dressing for Christmas parties here.

Fed up with black? Get some more colour into your Christmas wardrobe here.

Don’t forget, if you want some personal help, I’m here if you’d like to contact me. Although I will be enjoying festivities leading up to Christmas, I do love helping you if you are needing some input. Message me and I’ll reply as soon as I can.

Fiona

Your Colour & Style Consultant: 07469 246722

Choosing to go cruising?

28th October 2023 by Fiona Mobbs 2 Comments

The adverts on are TV already: book your 2024 summer holiday now! Not that I mind watching images of sun-soaked beaches or glorious European castles, of course, and the change in weather has me dreaming of warmer climes and holidays, too.

Increasingly, cruise holidays are becoming a popular choice and for an ever-widening cross-section of people. Disney Cruises from Southampton, for example, are specifically designed to appeal to families with young children, not a demographic who would traditionally have considered a cruise. And the list of popular destinations is interesting. I spotted this article in Good Housekeeping which listed our top ten cruise destination searches during 2023: Norway topped the list, followed closely by Italy and Spain.

If you’re thinking of booking a cruise, I have a few tips for you. Not all cruise lines or cruise holidays are the same and a little advanced planning will help ensure you don’t spend your whole holiday worrying about whether you’ve packed the right things!

What to pack for your cruise holiday?

Dress-codes, in-cabin facilities and activities all vary between ships and cruise lines. Take something as simple as ironing or laundry services: some ships have self-service launderettes on board, some only have the (paid) housekeeping laundry service. Many seem to have banned irons (including travel irons) as they are a fire hazard (where they are available, make sure you take a cotton tea towel to iron through to protect your clothes from whatever the last person left stuck to the iron!).

Then there’s the baggage-limit presented by flying to join your ship. If you’re leaving from a UK port, you will be able to exploit the (almost) unlimited baggage allowance that cruising offers. However, if you’re flying to your departure port, you will be limited to whatever your airline’s luggage limit is. That can bring a whole new dimension to your packing.

Making the most of your carry-on bag is another great tip. When boarding your ship, you will usually leave your baggage in the terminal and walk on with just your bag – and it could be a few hours before your cases are brought up to your cabin for you. Most cruise ships seem to operate an informal dress code for dinner on the first day out, so you may not need to squeeze an evening dress into your handbag. However, planning the contents of your carry-on bag to get you through your first day without your other cases can be a real asset.

My essential cruise tips

The packing essentials for any cruise should include:

Something to change into that meets your ship’s dress code for dinner
A simple first aid kit, and your own medications
A light jacket, cardigan or pashmina that can get you through unexpected weather
A waterproof jacket in case excursions encounter rain
Comfortable shoes (whether you’re spending your time on- or off-board!)
Sun and insect protection
Chargers for your devices; check if you will need adaptor plugs on board

Of course, this list is also a useful prompt to ask your cruise line what their onboard conditions are. For example, many check electrical items (like multi-plug extensions and adaptors) for surge protection, as this can be a hazard on board. Anything that is confiscated will be returned when you disembark but better to know the limits in advance!

Help in planning your cruise wardrobe

If the idea of packing for a cruise is putting you off, the good news is that I can help! Typically, I offer help and advice on:

Shopping for your cruise: help with covering your ship’s dress-code and the activities you’ll be enjoying.
Utilising your existing wardrobe: you may already have your cruise outfits; I can help you plan them.
Capsule wardrobe planning: how to get multiple looks from the least combination of clothes.
Tips on packing and storing your clothes so that you and your wardrobe arrive looking your best.
Make the most of your carry-on bag so your first day on board is smooth sailing.
Planning for the weather: from departing in English weather to arriving in Alaska or the Caribbean, I can help make sure your wardrobe will cope.
Colour and style consultation: if you’ve never been colour- or style-analysed, this essential service can help get all your wardrobe planning off on the right foot.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, planning your first fly-cruise trip, or are a seasoned traveller departing from a home port, my advice can help make your holiday.
Find out more about my cruise wardrobe planning services here.

What is sustainable fashion?

24th September 2023 by Fiona Mobbs Leave a Comment

For me, the word sustainable means a couple of things:

The first aspect of sustainable fashion is durability. Buying clothing that stands the test of time (in terms of the material, stitching quality and style), can be worn many times and still look current or like new is a sustainable choice. Coco Chanel’s Little Black Dress (LBD) is perhaps the classic example.

But sustainable fashion also encompasses the production process. For example, that the material is sourced in a way that doesn’t harm future resources, that workers are paid fair wages to sustain them and their future production skills, and that the finished products aren’t sent too far, creating a negative environmental impact.

Things we can do to be more sustainable and prevent clothing waste:

Buying new or nearly new

Don’t buy just for buying sake (although that may sustain workers/skills), buy to wear more than once. Different accessory choices can help a garment look fresh and be more versatile. (Remember “price per wear” and if you haven’t heard this, ask your consultant.) Have you heard of Roberta Lee’s #100wears concept? If not, read about it here.
Before you buy, research how and where products are made (this information is more readily available now).
If you decide you now don’t like an item for any reason (within the return period) return it for someone else to enjoy.
Buy with a little more forethought: what will it go with? If you know your colour and style, does it conform with that?
It is now fashionable to buy second-hand. This is keeping the life of the garment going, and you can pick up some bargains (and perhaps help a charity at the same time).

Hiring

If you know you only want to wear something once, consider hiring. There are now several options for this, including Hurr (designer dresses, bags and clothes), By Rotation, My Wardrobe HQ and Hirestreet. Celebrities do it (and not just because they believe in sustainable fashion!) so why shouldn’t the rest of us?

Swish/swapping

Swishing is a term for swapping one garment for another. This can be a cost effective way to revamp your wardrobe. Where I live, in Southampton, there is a monthly Clothes Swap (advertised where and when on Southampton Clothes Swaps Facebook Group). I think this is part of a bigger network of clothes swaps around the country, probably easy to find through social media.

Before you let go

When you have decided an item is no longer serving you as it is, could you have it altered in some way or have something added to it to keep it going a bit longer?
Consider photographing your favourite piece if it has just come to the end of its life, or take it to a good dressmaker to get another one made. You could do this if you just love something and want another in a different colour or material.
If you no longer want it, if there is life left in it, consider gifting to a friend or family member, or selling through a dress agency or online. Or donate to charity.
Finally, if nothing else comes to mind, could you have it made into another garment (eg patchwork trousers, cushion, pillow – depending on the material, or use it for practice sewing, or rags)?

(Some further tips on what to do with items when you no longer want them here).

If you are stuck not knowing what to do with your wardrobe items, please reach out. I absolutely love giving you ideas so that you can hang onto your clothes (and accessories) that you must have bought, or were gifted, for a reason. I’m sure the reason wasn’t to throw it away or give it away just because the occasion to wear it (or the problem you found with it) hasn’t been solved yet.

Contact Fiona on 07469 246722

Your Colour & Style Consultant

3 lessons from a recent wardrobe review: my own!

23rd April 2023 by Fiona Mobbs 2 Comments

My busman’s holiday

I decided it was time to do my own wardrobe review, which to be honest was long overdue. I had clothes in lots of wardrobes (yes, lucky me) but I was only wearing a small percentage of them, although, to be fair, not all of them fit right now!

Clear out and sort out

It was partly a clear out (although I didn’t manage to give much to charity this time) and partly a sort out. By sort out I mean sorting clothes into spring / summer and autumn / winter wear, and then into sizes. I have to say it was a really nice thing to do. I enjoyed looking at all my clothes again, including ones that I hadn’t worn for a while but would still be appropriate if I could fit into them. A big incentive and exciting prospect.

Shoes and storage

I realised that it wasn’t working for me anymore to store my shoes in their boxes within big plastic boxes. I had several which took up a lot of space but I couldn’t see all the shoes, or grab them easily and go. Queue handy hubby! He built me a shoe wardrobe inside one of my wardrobes (see main picture). Wow, it’s beyond brilliant. I can see all my shoes now! Yes, if you count them, I’ve managed to put 43 in there, and there are a few flip flops in the drawer below. I even found a pair that I had forgotten I had. Joy, especially as my 2023 New Year’s Resolution is to not buy any clothes or accessories this year. I also decided to send one pair off to be re-dyed. (They had been dyed about ten years ago but I hadn’t worn them for a few years because they had become a bit shabby. However, they are still comfortable shoes and have life left in them, so I thought it might be interesting to see how they come back.)

Big shock – and why?

In populating the new shoe wardrobe I uncovered a few sandals that I kept in a drawer in our bedroom. When I pulled them out I noticed something unpleasant… some of them were covered in a fungus (left picture)! Not Joy. As a couple were actually leather, they had to be binned. I binned five pairs in all but managed to salvage two pairs of Ipanema flipflops. Although they are not supposed to be washed in a machine, I tried it and they came out OK. Again, more joy as I discovered a brand new pair of Ipanema’s in a box that would replace some that had to be ditched.

So, the question was, how did they develop a fungus? Queue helpful hubby again. He found me some dehumidifier bags so we could see if there was any moisture in our room (bottom right of the picture). There has been some condensation on the windows, and we know that our bodies create a lot of moisture at night, but how was it getting in this part of the wardrobe?

The shock was how much water collected in this little bag when placed in that area of the wardrobe in just a couple of weeks. We were still none the wiser on how it was collecting there. So we bought a hygrometer and placed it in various places upstairs. The reading was a shock! It gave us the answer: the humidity upstairs was actually conducive to mould growth! No wonder the other dehumidifier bags placed in other wardrobes were also filling with water! It’s certainly a mystery why this seems to have “suddenly” started to happen, and I was so grateful to have discovered it when I did and that it hadn’t spread further. So, of course we could open windows, but seeing the size of the problem, we are contemplating buying a dehumidifier.

The lessons

Lesson #1 is to regularly check your wardrobe contents. In my case it was humidity but it could easily be moths or other problems.

Lesson #2 is to not have too many clothes and accessories that you do not wear. They can get tucked away for a long time, sometimes so tightly packed into your rails that if there were a problem it would spread quickly to other clothes.

Finally, lesson #3 is that I have now vacuum packed the clothes that I cannot currently fit into, so they are safely stored for when I can.

If you’re thinking about doing your own wardrobe review, you might find these other articles of mine useful:

Wardrobe Lessons 1 – reflections on sorting it out

Wardrobe Lessons 2 – thoughts on washing, patterns and more

Wardrobe clearout – what to do with the rejects

If you would like help with your wardrobe, where I can advise on more than just what to keep, please get in touch.

Fiona
#yourcolourandstyleconsultant