yOU ARE THE occasion!
This might sound counterintuitive coming from a sustainable style coach, but here’s the truth: It doesn’t really matter what you wear!
What truly matters is how your clothing makes you feel. Clothes can lift your mood, build your confidence, and tell your story. But to unlock their full potential, you need to be intentional about your choices.
The Emotional Power of Clothing
I first realised how clothes affect my mood during weekly Instagram style challenges with Rachel Renae. One week, I committed to wearing stripes daily. Despite having plenty of stripey tops, I ended up feeling “bleurgh.”
In contrast, a week of fruit-inspired outfits completely reignited my creative spark. Dressing in fun, vibrant looks helped me rediscover the joy of expressing myself through style. This experience taught me an important lesson:
It’s not about owning the “right” clothes – it’s about wearing pieces that truly resonate with you.
I loved thinking outside the box and dressing as a pitch.
Why Capsule Wardrobes Don’t Always Work
For years, I tried building a capsule wardrobe. On paper, it seemed like the perfect sustainable solution. But the problem? Most capsule wardrobe advice centres on neutral basics – and those don’t work for me.
While neutrals are practical, they didn’t make my heart sing. Instead of loving what I owned, I was always searching for “just one more piece” to complete my wardrobe. This endless quest led to overconsumption, even though I was shopping second-hand.
Wearing my hero dress at a super fun photoshoot with the incredibly talented Amina Bihi.
Now, I focus on a wardrobe filled with sumptuous colours that inspire me daily. My clothes reflect who I am, and I’ve embraced the emotional durability of meaningful pieces. For example, an orange dress I bought for my sister’s 40th birthday has become one of my hero items. Every time I wear it, I feel confident and connected to that joyful memory and the more I wear it, the more meaningful memories I build with this piece.
Clothes as a Form of Self-Care
What you wear has a profound impact on how you feel, which is why clothing can be a key part of your self-care routine.
When I’m feeling low, I reach for orange – it’s like wrapping myself in a warm, supportive hug. Many of us naturally gravitate towards certain colours, but if you’re unsure what works for you, a colour analysis session can help you uncover your ideal palette.
A wardrobe that reflects your personality isn’t just practical – it’s empowering. When you dress in a way that feels authentic, getting dressed becomes an act of joy and creativity rather than a chore.
Dressing for YourselF
With more of us working from home, it’s easy to default to joggers and oversized tees. If that makes you feel great, fantastic! But for me, wearing uninspired outfits leaves me unproductive and uninspired.
That’s why I dress for myself, even if it means being overdressed for the school run. Why wait for a special occasion to get dressed up? You are the occasion!
A photo from a recent school run.
With more of us working from home, it’s easy to default to joggers and oversized tees. If that makes you feel great, fantastic! But for me, wearing uninspired outfits leaves me unproductive and uninspired.
That’s why I dress for myself, even if it means being overdressed for the school run. Why wait for a special occasion to get dressed up? You are the occasion!
If your wardrobe feels uninspiring or disconnected from who you are, I’d love to help. Together, we can build a wardrobe that tells your story and makes you feel like your most confident self. Get in touch for a consultation to start your transformation.
Other Creative Adventures
In addition to wardrobe transformations, I’ve had some inspiring experiences lately:
Exploring Vintage Saris
I recently collaborated with talented textile artists Emma Summerscales and Tamasine Seibold to explore vintage saris. While the silks were stunning, it was a deep teal polyester sari that stole my heart. It reminded me that beauty and sustainability aren’t limited to one fabric or tradition. You can see more of our textiles play on instagram.
Playing with gorgeous silk saris
“Conversations” Exhibition at Walker Art Gallery
Seeing this exhibition, curated by Sumuyya Khader, was deeply moving. It showcases work by Black female and non-binary artists, offering representation that is often missing in mainstream spaces. As a South Asian woman, I found it genuinely healing and inspiring. The exhibition is open until March 2025 – I highly recommend visiting!
Final Thoughts
Your wardrobe has the power to uplift and empower you every single day. When you dress in a way that reflects your authentic self, you tell the world your story and build a stronger connection to who you are.
Stop waiting for special occasions to shine. Embrace your style, celebrate yourself, and remember: You are the occasion!
If you’re ready to build a wardrobe that makes you feel confident, creative, and completely you, book a consultation today. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
