It’s important to actually try on your wardrobe items and outfits from time to time. Instead of relying on a distant memory, you should get an accurate and up to date impression of how they look, fit, feel, and suit your lifestyle. This knowledge will allow you to get more from your wardrobe. 

Retry formal pieces and other wardrobe items that are worn infrequently. And it’s important to not just look at them, but actually try them on. This is the only way to know if they work with the sartorial preferences, comfort requirements, and body you have today. Avoid the frustration of thinking you have party pieces ready to wear, but finding out at the last minute that they no longer work for you.

Try on altered wardrobe items as soon as they’re back from alterations to make sure they fit correctly. Don’t be caught trying on an altered occasion outfit right before you need it, and things don’t fit. I had to help a groom get a new tuxedo the day before his wedding because he trusted that the tuxedo that he had altered for the big day would fit. It didn’t. Thankfully we got a new tuxedo, and things worked out.

When you create a new outfit or colour combination in your head with existing wardrobe items, try it on to see if it works and you like the vibe. When you’re putting together a travel capsule of outfits, try them on before you pack unless the outfits are tried and tested and you know they look great. Don’t be caught on a trip with a set of outfits you thought would work, but don’t in practice.

When I’m working with clients and their wardrobes, they work hard because I make them try items and outfits on at home and in stores. We do not rely on past perceptions and preconceived ideas because they aren’t always right. Things change, and it’s best to be thorough.

Solid wardrobe items tend to be more popular than patterned ones. Usually, wardrobes are rich in solids with patterns in some tops, skirts, and dresses. It’s rare that I work with clients whose wardrobes are more patterned than solid. 

Occasionally there’s a client with an extremely patterned wardrobe. They typically enjoy pattern mixing, and wear patterns every day. 

I also have clients who are pattern-averse. Their wardrobes are either void of patterns, or the patterned items are few and far between and in very particular pieces. The patterns in their style are subtle, and just enough to amp up an outfit. If you’re a subtle pattern person, these outfits might inspire you.

1. Snakeskin Shoes

A pair of cinnamon trousers is paired with a blue shirt. A cognac leather coat tops the lot. Snakeskin slingbacks are the pop of pattern amidst the solids. Their neutral palette world well with the blue and earth tones. I see a black, brown, or tan bag complete the look.

2. Geometric Bag

A column of colour is created by combining a solid black top with black pants and a black moto jacket. The shoes can be any colour, like black, cream, red, green, grey, or blue. The geometric patterned bag with slogan strap provides the subtle addition of pattern. That said, the high contrast of the pattern colours, and the contrast it creates against the black clothing, make it bold and the focal point of the outfit.

3. Striped Scarf

A solid monochromatic column of red is created by combining red pants, sweater and topper. A red and white patterned neckerchief adds subtle pattern, personality, and becomes the focal point of the outfit. The sweater has a very subtle white stripe on the neckline too. White sneakers pick up the white in the patterns. Add a bag that works with the palette.

4. False Plain Jacket

Last, a solid chocolate midaxi skirt is paired with a black turtleneck sweater. Black boots match the top. A taupe tweed jacket with black buttons complements the earthy and black palette. The texture of the tweed is pattered in a subtle way, like a false plain. Add jewellery, bag, watch, and eyewear as desired.

These bottoms have been winners on some of my friends and clients. They are sustainably and ethically produced, and will probably be available at a discount price soon. Versatile items if you like to wear jeans and Summer pants. 

1. Boden Barnsbury Chino Pants

These cotton chinos are fabulous in both silhouettes. There are relaxed straights and wide crops. The fabric composition is 98% cotton with 2% stretch, which feels lovely against the skin. It doesn’t crease nearly as much as linen and holds up well in the laundry. The white versions are not see-through. Fits have ease through the thighs, hips and seat. Rise isn’t too high. Works on a range of body types. Sizes run from US0 to 22 across petite, regular and tall in a range of colours. I have the relaxed straight version in white. For me, they are perfect ankle-bearing, lightweight Summer pants that look casually neat and tidy with coverage for sun protection.

Boden

Barnsbury Tape Chino Pants Woodland Green

View Info

Top Pick

4

Boden

Barnsbury Tape Chino Pants White

View Info

Top Pick

7

Boden

Barnsbury Tape Chino Pants Oatmeal

View Info

Top Pick

3

Boden

Barnsbury Tape Chino Pants Navy

View Info

Top Pick

1

Boden

Barnsbury Tape Chino Pants Almond Pink

View Info

Top Pick

2

Boden

Barnsbury Tape Chino Pants Blue River

View Info

Top Pick

4

Boden

Barnsbury Crop Chino Pants Soft Jade

View Info

Top Pick

3

Boden

Barnsbury Crop Chino Pants Navy

View Info

Top Pick

4

Boden

Barnsbury Crop Chino Pants Hazelnut Brown

View Info

Top Pick

1

Boden

Barnsbury Crop Chino Pants White

View Info

Top Pick

4

2. Western Levi’s 501s

In the early ‘90s, Levi’s 501’s were THE jeans. They were very expensive across the globe, but more affordable in the US. Back then, there was ONE unisex fit that varied only in waist and length measurement across the washes. If they were too big on the waist, you reined them in with a belt. For length, you wore them long with scrunch, or cuffed them shorter.

These days, there are many Levi’s 501 fits. They vary in leg width, seam length, rise length, and piece-detaling. On the one hand, this complicates things. On the other hand, the variation assures a better fit across a range of body types. If the original Levi’s 501 was ill-fitting, you’ll probably find one that fits better today.

These Western Levi’s 501s are a super duper fit on a curvier bottom half. They fit a narrower waist and have ease through the thighs like a relaxed straight leg silhouette. That said, they look great on a straighter figure too (might need to size up). You can wear them with a bit of scrunch at the hems, cuff them to showcase some ankle, or wear then without a break line. The Western front and back yoke detailing is awesome, and amps up the look. I preferred the faded denim to the dark blue in this style because it accentuates the yoke. There’s a button-fly, and no stretch so you’ve been warned. Available from US23 to 34 across two lengths. I got these to replace a blue pair I passed on. Nostalgic, a playful horsey integrity, and can’t go wrong. Love them!

You bat for Team Natural if you’re sporting your natural hair colour. You bat for Team Dye if you’re altering the colour in some way. You bat for Team Natural if you’re in the process of growing out dyed hair so that you can sport its natural colour. You bat for Team Dye if you highlight, lowlight, or balayage your hair. 

Until three years ago, I was highlighting my pixie with platinum blonde streaks. I’ve been doing that for twenty years because cloudy Seattle didn’t give me the sun streaks that I was accustomed to. In January 2022 I decided to grow out my pixie and stop dying my hair. It was hubs Greg who suggested I sport my natural colour, and I haven’t looked back. I’m thoroughly enjoying my dark blonde hair. I find it very versatile, easy to manage, and I like the change. I might dye my hair in future, but for now I bat for Team Natural.

You should neither feel pressured to dye your hair, nor sport its natural colour. Wear the hair colour that makes you happy, and enjoy it. It might mean dying it on this leg of your style journey, and wearing it naturally on another. Go with what works for you. Change things up when your mood shifts.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Natural or Team Dye? Tell us why, and no batting for both teams. If you can’t pick a side, there’s a hot caesar salad with grilled salmon, hot crusty bread, spicy Brussel sprouts, and chocolate mousse for those on the bench.