Long before the 90-Day Wool Habit, personal stylist Anna Mewes was helping me see new possibilities in the clothes I already owned.
Wearing the same dress for 90 days is giving me plenty of opportunities to think differently about my wardrobe. But my introduction to “shopping my wardrobe” began a few years ago, during lockdown.
I first met Yorkshire-based personal stylist Anna Mewes around ten years ago at a local women’s business networking event. We stayed connected online, and my cousin started following her after seeing me interact with her. When lockdown happened, we both joined Anna’s monthly online styling group. It became a bit of a lifeline: something enjoyable to take part in together, with a chance to learn and experiment at a time when everyday life had become rather restricted. There weren’t many places to go, but there was still plenty to discover in our wardrobes.
Learning what I actually liked
Through the group, we learned about our style personalities, body shapes and how to put clothes together. Anna encouraged us to look again at pieces we already owned and try combinations we might otherwise have overlooked. That was when we first started to “shop our wardrobes”.
It sounds simple, but it’s easy to get into familiar habits: this top goes with those trousers, that cardigan belongs with that dress. You can have plenty of clothes and still feel stuck when deciding what to wear. Having someone encourage you to try something different can open up possibilities you hadn’t considered.
Lovely clothes, but what went with what?
After lockdown, I had an in-person styling session with Anna and had my colours analysed through Colour Me Beautiful. I discovered I was “cool and clear”, and that my style personality was romantic. The romantic part made perfect sense. I love patterns, bows, embellishments and an interesting sleeve. Those are the details that catch my eye.
It also helped explain what was happening in my wardrobe. I had lots of lovely pieces, but they weren’t always easy to wear together. What I was missing were the basics.Plain tops had never been the things I was excited to buy. They were, frankly, a bit boring!
So my shopping mission became buying some plain white and black items to give the clothes I already owned more versatility. That experience changed my purchasing habits: I could see why an apparently unexciting addition might be exactly what my wardrobe needed. The basics gave those patterns and pretty details something to work with.
Putting those lessons into practice
Fast-forward to the 90-Day Wool Habit, and I’m drawing on those lessons again. My navy British wool dress is a simple foundation. Over 90 days, I’m exploring how it works with different layers, colours, textures and accessories, while also documenting its wear and care.
There’s plenty of room for my love of decorative details. A simple dress gives them somewhere to shine. Working with Anna on the styling has brought the story full circle. The conversations that began during lockdown are now helping me explore how one garment can fit into working days, dog walks, meetings and evenings out.
A different way to look at your wardrobe
You don’t have to wear one dress for 90 days to try shopping your wardrobe. Pick a piece you enjoy wearing and see what else might work with it. Try the shirt you usually save for something else, a different pair of shoes or a layer you’ve never considered.
And if, like me, you’re drawn to the interesting pieces, it might be worth looking at what would help you wear them more often. I’m still much more likely to get excited about a beautiful sleeve than a plain top. But I now have a much greater appreciation for the pieces that help bring an outfit together.
I’ve also asked Anna to share her approach to styling the dress, her favourite ways to refresh familiar clothes and what she hopes we’ll learn by day 90. Look out for our conversation in an upcoming post.
