AN ODE to MY WARDROBE

WHAT DOES it TAKE to HONE a SIGNATURE LOOK? ONE WRITER REVEALS her SARTORIAL JOURNEY

I’ve always had a strong desire to dress up. As a six-year-old, floating about in a pretty gown was just about the only thing I wanted to do. The thought of being big enough to twirl in my mum’s Seventies maxis was, to my childhood brain, the most appealing idea. Putting on a beautiful dress as opposed to a pair of jeans felt special; like I could swoosh into the world carefree. By the age of 15, I was saving up and scouring eBay for dresses in any variation I could get my hands on: abstract prints, voluminous sleeves, pastel palettes… Dresses became the building blocks of my wardrobe. They made me feel good, feminine and fearless.

To some, the idea of building your personal style around a single piece may sound restrictive but, for me, embracing a signature silhouette (flared and preferably full-length) has been liberating. I’ve accumulated a beloved repertoire that not only means minimal fuss in the morning but has become something of a trademark. Taking care of my wardrobe has made a big difference, too. I’ve learned to cherish my dresses so they last longer, using Comfort products to ensure that my favourite pieces stay (almost) as good as new. Now pregnant, with an ever-changing body and an awareness of every penny spent, I’m still dressing like my kid self’s dream. In fact, my predilection has worked seamlessly: more demure perhaps, but just as floaty. I’m rewearing favourites that still fit, now with Veja trainers and great earrings (current choice: chunky gold hoops from Ania Haie) rather than splashing out on a new wardrobe that will be pointless in a few months. Besides, why should I ditch my signature style just because I’m having a baby? In short: dresses still have me hooked. They’ve become an everlasting part of my wardrobe and will always be my style saviour. And hey, let’s be honest, a little twirling doesn’t hurt either. Embrace the positive power of your clothes with Comfort. Visit comfortworld.co.uk

“I’VE ACCUMULATED A BELOVED REPERTOIRE THAT NOT ONLY MEANS MINIMAL FUSS IN THE MORNING BUT HAS BECOME A TRADEMARK”