Pantone Cloud Dancer Pantone, we need to talk about your terrible choice of Colour of the Year for 2026, Cloud Dancer, aka white. White can be a good neutral (for some of us, who it suits), and it’s fine for a bride at a wedding, as it makes her stand out from the sea of…
Have you ever brought home something new, full of excitement, only to realise a week later that you are wearing it in exactly the same way every single time? Caroline sent through a similar question, and it is something I hear often: Why do I keep styling new pieces the same way, even when I…
Ever found yourself wandering the shops, feeling completely uninspired by what’s on offer? You know your colours, you’ve done the work – but suddenly everything on the racks is beige, black, or bright orange. None of it suits you, and all of it feels like a compromise. This was exactly Helen’s dilemma: “My challenge is…
The question came from Penny, but it’s one I hear time and time again: “I struggle with intimidation and a nonapproachable effect. I’m tall, high contrast, and have a classic, dramatic look. Lately I’ve been dressing in muted tones and low contrast to seem more approachable – but it feels less like me.” First, let…
How to Stay True to Your Flamboyant Style When You’re a Busy Mom One of my readers asked a powerful question that so many women quietly wrestle with: “How do I balance my natural flamboyance with the practicalities of being a mom of four?” Here’s the truth: no rule says motherhood and style expression are…
If you can’t afford a professional colour analysis, here are some tips to help you find some of your best colours. How to Find Your Best Colours (Even Without a Professional Colour Analysis) If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror holding up a top and wondering, Why does this make me look…
How to Organise Your Wardrobe So the Perfect Outfit Is Always Within Reach A lovely reader asked, “How can I organise my closet so the perfect outfit is always at my fingertips?” Closets are fascinating because how you organise yours depends so much on your personal organising style. But there are a few principles…
One of the biggest shifts that happens as you mature and really get to know yourself is moving from trying to follow fashion rules to learning how to read your own body. When you understand what works for your unique proportions, you stop second-guessing yourself and start dressing with quiet confidence. Kate recently asked me,…
How to Stop Second-Guessing Your Style Purchases (And Give Yourself Permission to Buy the Good Stuff) Have you ever stood in a store, holding something beautiful, but put it back because it felt too expensive or too risky? Michelle did. In fact, she wrote in with a question I hear all the time: “I have…
Understanding How Your Archetypes Influence Your Style Have you ever stared into your wardrobe and thought, “Who even am I anymore?” You’re not alone. That thought comes up far more often than you might imagine, not just from women going through style ruts or body changes, but from psychologists, coaches, and type practitioners. Because style…
Small holes appear on knitwear. Particularly around the waist and also on sleeve cuffs? Now sometimes it is moths in your wardrobe, but frequently it’s because of wear and tear. Often, jeans buttons and zips may sometimes catch the fabric and create a hole. Sadly, it’s more common these days as fabrics have become thinner…
Transitioning from Corporate to Smart-Casual Style in Retirement When you’ve spent years dressing for meetings, presentations and professional credibility, retiring or pivoting into a new season of life can leave you staring at your wardrobe wondering: “What do I do with all these tailored jackets and structured dresses now?” You’re not alone. Many women I…
When your hair starts turning grey, it can feel like your wardrobe no longer makes sense. The colours you once loved may suddenly feel too harsh or too dark. You might find yourself wondering, “Do I need a whole new wardrobe?” or “Why don’t my favourite colours suit me anymore?” If you’re in this in-between…
There’s a moment many of us know well: standing in front of the mirror, already tired, maybe even sad, and feeling like whatever we throw on our body won’t help us feel any better. If anything, it might make things worse. Donna asked a powerful question recently:“What are some tips to look stylish on days…
How to Find Clothes That Fit Your Body (Without the Frustration) If you’ve ever stood in a change room surrounded by rejected piles of clothes, you are not alone. Most women over 40 tell me they feel frustrated trying to find garments that fit well and flatter their shape. The good news? It’s not your…
How to Confidently Mix Colours and Patterns Without the Overwhelm Do you ever open your wardrobe, pull out a few pieces, and then put them straight back because you’re not sure how to put them together? You’re not alone. Many women I work with—even highly intelligent, accomplished women—tell me they struggle with mixing colours and…
Especially If You’re Over 40 Every new season brings a wave of trends—some exciting, others bewildering. And if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Should I be wearing this?” you’re not alone. A lovely reader recently asked, “How do I incorporate new trends into my existing style?” It’s a brilliant question—and one that taps into something…
If you’ve ever bought something that looked amazing in the store… only to find it sitting in your wardrobe unworn, you’re not alone. In fact, research shows most of us only wear about 10-20% of our clothes 80% of the time. The rest? Guilt, clutter, and wasted money. But it doesn’t have to be that…
Petite and Stylish: Why the Problem Isn’t You—It’s the Pants You’ve done your part. You’ve browsed every petite section, tried every cut of trousers, and experimented with tops that are supposed to “flatter.” Still, nothing fits quite right. And if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Is it just my body?” this is…
Many women tell me that they’re hesitant about adding colour to an outfit, sticking with all neutrals because it feels safer, and they’re unsure how to mix colours together successfully, so they avoid it altogether. In honour and memory of one of our brilliant 7 Steps to Style members, Lynne, who sadly lost her battle…
“I’ve Gained Weight—Can I Still Be Stylish?” A lovely reader wrote to me recently with something so many women whisper quietly to themselves: “I struggle because of my weight. I’m 30 kilos overweight, and even with doctors, nutritionists and gyms, nothing changes. Clothes just don’t look good.” If you’ve ever stood in front of a…
