From Overwhelmed to Empowered: One Woman’s Wardrobe Story
When she first contacted me, my client didn’t say, “I need more clothes - help me shop.” She said: “I don’t lack clothes. I just don’t know what to do with them anymore.”
Her wardrobe was full — beautifully colour-coded — but absolutely packed. She kept items spanning decades, shopped secondhand, volunteered at jumble sales, and had recently discovered Vinted… which was meant for selling, but quickly became another place to “accidentally” buy. She wasn’t alone in feeling overwhelmed. Life had shifted, and her wardrobe hadn’t caught up.
In the past five years alone, she’d:
Gone from brunette to a striking platinum/silver blonde
Said goodbye to the daily dog-walking uniform after 13 years
Started weight and strength training — her shape was changing
Semi-retired — bringing more invitations and social events
Gained a new sense of self… but lost confidence in how to dress for it
She didn’t want to look “mumsy” but she also didn’t want to feel like she was trying too hard. And she absolutely didn’t want to buy more clothes! Instead, she wanted clarity. So we talked about our aims and identified the goal for the session.
Our Challenge - 10 Events. One Wardrobe. No Shopping.
We started with the goal: pull together outfits for 7 key events over the next few months. Which, after talking, became 10. These included:
A family funeral with a ‘no black’ dress code
A beachside festival
Two more outdoor music events
Her 30th wedding anniversary party
An elegant lunch at The Savoy
A romantic hotel stay with wine tasting
A weekend away with friends (think country walks and pub dinners)
We didn’t go near the shops. Instead, we shopped her wardrobe. And between us, we found looks for every occasion — all using what she already owned. She even added little tags to remind herself which outfit was for which event, removing the stress of last-minute decision-making. We discussed the right shoes and accessories and how she might have options and versatility should the weather or tone of the occasion change. No more “What do I wear?” panic. Just calm confidence.
Rediscovering Her Style, One Try-On at a Time
After sorting outfits, we naturally started working through the rest of her wardrobe. She tried on items in real time — some fit, some didn’t, and some no longer suited her new colouring or lifestyle. By the end of the session I would ask “And why don’t you feel great when you wear this?” and she would reply, seeing the undertone mis-match for herself, which was wonderful to see.
We quickly identified which colours were no longer working now that she’d embraced her natural silver tone. She also let me assess her body type and I was able to give her custom shape and fit advice for future styling.
The result? “I never thought this would make such a difference!” she said. Mission accomplished.
She now knows what shapes flatter her. She feels clear on what colours light her up. And she walks out the door knowing she looks like herself — not a version of who she used to be, or who she thinks she should be.
The Real Win? Confidence.
Best of all? She didn’t need to buy a thing. In fact, the pieces we removed from her wardrobe have already paid for her session — either by being sold, returned, or donated.
“Shelley helped me remember that I do know how to dress — I just needed a little guidance.” And she was absolutely right - so much of her wardrobe was perfect for her, she just needed to see the combinations that worked in what she already owned.
This is the power of personal styling that starts with you — your life, your wardrobe, your story.
If you’re standing in front of a full wardrobe thinking, “I have nothing to wear,” maybe it’s not about buying more. Maybe it’s time to rediscover what you already have.
Let’s find your Colour Story.
With my thanks to Ophelia who took the time to write her story for me as a testimonial and is the basis for this post. What a pleasure it’s been to work with you, gorgeous lady!
