Why I dress the way I do

The fashion world, honestly, can be something of an overwhelm; there is, quite simply, just so much.

Last week I caught this video Keely shared and it really got me thinking… and subsequently returning this entire H&M order because, whilst that first dress really is stunning, especially for the price, I couldn’t help wondering where it fitted into my life. Where was I actually going to wear it?

And so, much like I do whenever I feel a little lost with my home interior direction, I took it back to some simple principles to keep me on track.

Scroll down to discover the 3 rules I stick to…

WHAT IS MY STYLE

Whenever I get stuck with the house I eventually ask myself, ‘What would Ralph Lauren do?’. Ralph, you see, invariably has the answer. With a portfolio of homes spanning old school, city apartment to rattan infused, beach abode to pattern and texture adorned, timber ranch, he always gets it right. So, when it comes to dressing, who is my Ralph?

Ultimately, I couldn’t settle on one style icon (though interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel rarely puts a foot wrong but she does, naturally share a lot more interiors than fashion). I could, however, define my style by designers like Zimmermann, Ulla Johnson and Sea New York and what they all have in common is a heavy nod to the seventies. So it was settled, if in doubt, does it speak to that era? For me, asking myself that simple phrase makes decision making a whole lot easier – it’s not trend led, it’s my style and has been for quite some time so it’s equally far more likely I’ll still love it in years to come.

WHAT SUITS ME

Coincidentally, I have found that high waists, flares and wide legs suit my shape nicely and maybe that leads somewhat into my love of seventies style. But knowing what suits you saves a whole lot of headaches when it comes to getting dressed. Quite simply, if it suits me, I feel good wearing it. It’s not rocket science and yet…

DOES THIS FIT MY LIFESTYLE

I suppose this one really is the key. Sure, I could curate a wardrobe full of clothes that I love and that suit me but only work if I spend ten months of my year in the South of France. That doesn’t sound half bad but, until that day, I have to consider that the majority of my days are spent in a cold, dreich Scotland, on a lot of dog walks and school runs. Luckily for me, I also have a job that lets me play dress up so there is some flexibility here BUT it did lead me to returning the lovely mini dress and choosing instead this delightfully retro combo. Am I wearing it on the school run? No. Will I wear it for friends coming over, shoots at home and the dry days on the horizon? Absolutely, yes.