Have you ever uttered the words: “I hate shopping”?

Or “I  can never find anything I like and come home from the shops empty handed.” Or “It will do.” But in fact, you don’t really love it and it bores you to bits.

Fiona Keary shops a lot. It’s her job. The Canberra stylist specialises in helping women—particularly those aged 35-and-over—find the perfect pieces to create wardrobes full of outfits they love wearing.

And with more than 10 years in the field, she’s heard a lot of comments over and over again. Those common frustrations are what prompted her to create a free retail guide 35+ Where to Shop, which she’s just relaunched in time for SS18.

“As you become ageless (and oh so much wiser), you’re often more confident in yourself and the way you want to look,” explains Fiona.

“But sometimes it’s tricky to find the clothes that really express who you are. Shopping may have become an overwhelming experience for you because you’ve found the usual go to’s don’t work anymore. You don’t know where to look and it’s really frustrating and disheartening.”

So, what’s the answer?

Before you even hit the shops (or open your browser), Fiona recommends that you do a review of your wardrobe and determine three things: your style personality, the colour palette that you’re going to work to and your body shape. Once you’ve determined those you can start to narrow down the brands that are going to be right for you.

Style Personality

You know those pieces that are sitting in your wardrobe, never worn (perhaps the tags are still on them). You liked them in theory, but every time you put it on, it never makes it out the front door. It just doesn’t feel like you. 

“Style Personality is key and the number one mistake I see in clients’ wardrobes,” says Fiona.

“Brands very much identify with a style personality (or a combination of)—if you think of Review, it’s predominantly feminine in style with a good measure of creative thrown in.”

Defining your style personality means that you can discount some brands straight away, knowing that their style is perfect for someone else, just not for you.

Colour Palette

“When you look in your wardrobe, notice the tones of colours that you prefer,” advises Fiona.

“Are they cool, blue-based colours or warm yellow-based colours? For neutrals do you prefer navy/grey or camel/taupe?  When you stick with a colour palette (warm or cool) everything will mix and match.”

If it’s filled with black, that’s a whole different conversation and Fiona says she is available to stage an intervention if required (unless you’re rebellious, then black is your thing).

Body Shape

“Size isn’t important—and guess what? Body shape doesn’t really matter either!” says Fiona.

“What’s most important when putting together a killer outfit is proportion”.

When things look in balance and proportion you will look great. However, body shape does come into account when trying to find the right fit, and each brand caters to different body shapes—understanding yours will help you narrow down the search for the perfect pair of pants.

“What I’ve found is that brands make for particular characteristics—by defining yours, you’ll be able to put aside places that are not going to be right for you, and discover the brands that will become your new go-to’s”.

So where do you find your perfect fashion match?

Fiona has done the hard work for you. Her free guide 35+ Where to Shop classifies more than 80 retailers by style personality, colour palette, body shape and dress code to help you focus your search and come home with WINS.

No more traipsing around the shops trying to find the brands that are right for you. You can make a beeline straight to the winners and create a wardrobe full of outfits you love.

Visit www.35pluswheretoshop.com to download your copy.