There are many reasons why clients ask for my fashion and style assistance. They might need help identifying and clarifying their personal styles. They might love a particular aesthetic, yet struggle to make it work in real life. They might want to know their best colours, how to add and wear non-neutrals, how to add new-to-them colours to their outfits, or create colour palettes for their wardrobes. They might feel overwhelmed and want help editing, reviewing, and identifying wardrobe holes. There may be a lifestyle and climate mismatch where their wardrobes don’t match and work with daily life. They might need guidance on how to transition and adapt wardrobes into a new climate, new job, or retirement. They might seek a hair and make-up refresh. They might need help putting together outfits for occasions, work events or travel capsules. And some simply loathe to shop, and are all too happy to have me point out where they can find items that will work with minimum fuss and expense.

Despite the wide range of challenges, in my almost twenty years as a wardrobe consultant, I have found that two particular style challenges are more common than the others.

1. Fits and Proportions

People battle to find items that create a comfortable and great fit, and are also unsure how items should fit. This includes the fit of footwear and accessories. Frequent weight fluctuations make finding good fits trickier. In some instances, bodies have changed over time, and people need to know how to dress their new shape so that they don’t feel off and awkward. In other instances, items that fit superbly well are unaffordable.

Sometimes people are not sure how to balance outfit proportions with their body shape so that they feel good in their outfits. Changing silhouettes in fashion, and how to wear them in ways that adhere to their personal figure flattering priorities, can also pose challenges.

2. Outfit Creation

Struggling to put together daily head-to-toe outfits that look good, feel great, prevent outfit boredom, and work for the setting and tasks of the day is a perpetual challenge for many clients. People may have a great eye for pieces that work well for their figures, complexion and lifestyle, and have amassed a KILLER wardrobe, yet fall short on how to put it all together.

Rest assured that everyone experiences fit challenges. Models, influencers, and style professionals too. And mixing and matching wardrobe items successfully so that most, if not all outfits hit your fabness-factor is not as easy as it looks. Creativity can be hard work.

Does this resonate with you? What are your biggest style challenges?