Sensitive Canberra: Your guide to chronic illness inclusive sensitive style
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Living with chronic illness can make dressing each day a challenge.
From navigating unpredictable symptoms, to sensitivities, and energy levels, (not to mention body changes and uncomfortable days) it can feel draining. But style can be an empowering, confidence building act of self-care and expression.
That’s why this month, we’re talking about sensitive style – a chronic illness inclusive approach to finding your style and feeling like you, whatever your health needs. Discussing everything from the simplicity of a capsule wardrobe to how to reduce mental load when getting dressed, here are some tips and tricks to chronic illness inclusive style.
Self-care through style
Take the time to choose an outfit each day with chronic illness. Nurtureyourself from the outside in, and set a ‘I-got-this’ tone for the day. It’s about being kind to yourself, accepting your body’s needs and choosing supportive looks, because you’re worth it!
Having a few outfits go to outfits to suit regular chronic illness “moods” is a great tip to avoid nothing-to-wear overwhelm in the morning.
The Look Good Feel Better cancer support program offers workshops and Confidence Kits, encouraging people to feel more confident by practicing self-care. I love this approach, whatever chronic illness or challenge, because when you feel like you, you are empowered to navigate every hurdle with a little more ease.
As a designer, I’ve always loved fashion. Living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), severe immune and digestive issues, my wardrobe needs to be comfortable, affordable, hypoallergenic and chic. Think neutrals with a pop of hot pink and gold, and elevated pyjamas that can take me from couch, to desk, to a coffee walk.
Adaptive clothing and style
Adaptive clothing is defined as “clothing designed around the needs and abilities of people”, including chronic conditions. There are many wonderful designers and fashion businesses, such as Jam the Label. Some are NDIS aligned, all are working to make fashion more inclusive and daily life less challenging.
Thoughtful design features may include stain resistant fabrics, magnetic or velcro fasteners, certain shapes or ways of putting on and removing garments, plus accommodating medical devices or supports. Standard styles can also work such as wrap dresses, cardigans, elastic waist or loose-fitting pieces,
Each person’s style needs are as unique as their condition, and learning your specific needs can make building your supportive wardrobe easier. Just like size inclusivity is becoming increasingly available, awareness of accessible style is improving.
My illness affects my skin, immune system and digestion so adaptive clothing means natural, soft, breathable, natural, hypoallergenic fabrics like cotton, tencel or modal, and seamless compression pieces for swelling.
Comfortable and supportive footwear is non-negotiable. Forget pinching heels or constricting boots, go for supportive sneakers or flats with arch support. Regular visits to your podiatrist ensures you are fitted properly, and they can provide guidance around putting shoes on and off, when mobility is limited. There are now many stylish orthopaedic friendly brands, such as FRANKIE4 in Manuka.
Caring for your clothes, naturally
Many of us need to use fragrance free, natural cleaning products, that are kind on sensitive skin. Caring for clothes helps to make them last, and now many brands offer hypoallergenic options to clean, prevent mould and dust mites.
Ecostore was mentioned in the self-care article. Their fragrance free Ultra Sensitive range is verified by the Sensitive Choice program. Koala Eco is available at Harris Farm, and Scoop Wholefoods in Kingston offers bulk cleaning products.
Gentler washing cycles and lower temperatures protect natural fibers and reduce wear. With fatigue ever present, skip items that require too much ironing or handwashing. Easy care is the way. There are also old-fashioned remedies you can search online for specific fabrics such as using white vinegar as fabric softener.
Dry garments in the fresh air on coat hangers whenever possible to prevent shrinkage and damage. Sunlight acts as a natural brightener and can help to keep whites looking fresh without the need for bleaches, but long sun exposure can fade coloured items.
Dressing for Canberra’s seasons
Since moving here, I‘ve been inspired by Canberran’s elevated style, as I’ve been learning to dress through the seasons.
From false autumn to the spring of deception, and everything in between, the art of comfortable layering is your secret weapon with chronic illness. It’s not only the weather that changes unpredictably, but many conditions also come with internal temperature shifts. Start with a soft base layer, think a camisole or high tech thermal tee, add a cardigan or a light sweater, a breathable outer layer like a soft jacket or a wrap, and the standard Canberra black puffer.
Tight, restrictive clothing? No thank you. They can exacerbate pain, limit movement, and feel constricted. Loose silhouettes are chic. The elegance and relaxed vibe of wide-leg trousers, and the cosy embrace of oversized knitwear, allow for layering, movement, not to mention accommodating oh so glamorous bloating or swelling.
Finding your style with chronic illness
With chronic illness, the more sensitive aspects of dressing can be intensified, such as feeling confident in your skin, knowing how to dress your unique body, so having a stylist’s support can be invaluable to take getting dressed from a challenge, to an intentional, positive and even empowering self-care moment.
I’ve been inspired by Justina Low, an experienced personal stylist and founder of Beyond Styling. She helps her clients discover a way of dressing that suits their life, what they love and need do, how they want to feel and who they aspire to become.
I love Justina’s view of your wardrobe as a ‘safe haven’. Your own inviting space, sparking all the joy. It’s a reminder of your unique style, and the fuller life you are working toward – even on flared, leggings, comfy tee and heat pack days.
This process combines the practical aspects of dressing, with capturing your personality – finding your colour palette, patterns, fabrics, textures, fit, shapes and proportions, and the art of creating outfits that feel like you.
A stylist can help adapt your Pinterest inspiration into day to day outfits. Love the oversized blazer trend? Pair it with soft, comfortable trousers and supportive flats. Pinning a particular silhouette? Look for it in a chronic illness friendly fabric.
Creating your capsule wardrobe
An overflowing wardrobe can be overwhelming with the mental load of chronic illness. Steve Jobs was right about a uniform reducing decision fatigue. You don’t have to be a minimalist to enjoy a capsule wardrobe. It’s not so much the number of pieces, but the concept of an edited wardrobe to mix and match for every situation. From underwear, to activewear, base layers, basics, outerwear, warm and dressy pieces, a few pairs of shoes and bags.
Accessories add a pop of colour and personality to basic outfits, like a beaded necklace, lightweight earrings, a bracelet, scarf, belt or bag. Sun protection is important so have a hat and long sleeves on hand for time outside.
On the subject of bags, minimising the amount you carry day to day, and finding bags that fit comfortably can help reduce strain, fatigue and pain.
Medical jewellery
In emergency situations, having medical information on bracelets, tags, necklaces, bracelets or other identifying pieces, can literally save lives. Your GP can advise you on the appropriate level of medical ID you need, ranging from a simple engraved piece, to a subscription service where your jewellery comes with 24-hour phone staff who will convey your confidential medical details to emergency workers.
Don’t worry fashionistas, there is a range of beautiful designs available, including gold and silver.
Sustainable style
When you delve into the world of fashion, you’ll find a dizzying array of terms and standards relating to the design, production and fabrication. Slow, sustainable, organic, ethical, natural, fair trade and more. It’s up to us as consumers to decide if and what we value most, and support businesses that align with those concerns.
For many of us chronic illness warriors, budget is a top priority with the cost of health care, so supporting sustainable fashion may feel lower down the list. But as Justina says “Choose well, so you can choose less.” Investing in versatile, good quality pieces can stretch your wardrobe’s life, reduce waste and mental load.
Here’s where to shop:
Canberra Centre
From fatigue to fragrance sensitivities, shopping in person can be difficult with chronic illness, sensory or fragrance sensitivities. But the Canberra Centre is such a treasure trove of stores it’s worth an outing each season.
I focus on visiting just the stores I love most, then if I have energy, I can have a browse! Brands that emphasize thoughtful, comfortable, classic designs, like Big W for basics, Witchery, Commonry, Country Road and Sportscraft.
LSKD has recently opened and it’s inspiring to see this Australian brand supporting diversity. Their mission is to “inspire our community to be 1% better every day. The 1% can be found in all areas of your life; personal, professional, health, relationships”. That’s the essence of chronic illness chic.
There are also some gorgeous Canberran creators, who are full of inspiring style and advice, such as @thestyleside_co @debbyharrington_ and @thisisgenevieve_.
Goldfinch the Label
There are many beautiful boutiques throughout Canberra. I adore Goldfinch the Label in Kingston, created by designer Megan Luhrs, “for women who value sustainable and ethical fashion pieces that last”. Speaking with Megan about style for chronic illness, her passion for transparency, design, quality, health and educating both her team and clients on the nuances of sustainable fashion was clear.
I was born with chronic illness, and for a long time struggled to find clothes, much less beautiful pieces. So, to visit a boutique with not only OEKO-TEX approved linen styles, many Australian made, along with jewellery and some more natural self-care products is a treat, for me and loved ones I buy gifts for.
Style and community
In all the words above one thing was missed: style is supposed to be fun! When you find pieces that make you feel good, getting dressed can be a pleasure, along with sharing your style with friends and even online. There are social media groups dedicated to chronic illness style, connecting with others who understand the challenges, providing inspiration, advice, and inclusive brand recommendations.
Sensitivity doesn’t mean letting go of style, it’s about finding creative, chic and comfy ways to express yourself.
Until next month, we’d love you to share your Sensitive Canberra tips, and your favourite style moments. Connect with Lisa on Instagram @chronicillness.chic or by email at simplicity.canberra@gmail.com
Disclaimer. These articles don’t include medical advice. Please consult your medical team, or Sensitive Choice (National Asthma Council Australia) for verified allergy inclusive products.
