Does it matter what you wear?

Does it matter what you wear? Why I do care…

As part of a style consultation one of the questions I’ve been to parties in the personality quiz we ask is whether you are feeling incredibly interested or not interested in clothing/shopping. self-conscious and This might seem an odd question as you must surely unable to fully enjoy be, to be in the room in the first place? Well, not the occasion feeling entirely. You may hate clothes shopping, have no uncomfortable in desire to wander about shops at all but you still my chosen outfit. want to look and feel good. It still matters to us, How I’ve winced at whether that’s because we have a role that means photographs… The we are under the spotlight and want to look right or money wasted, the because for our own sense of wellbeing we want to time lost, the anxiety feel good in what we wear. created. I have always cared, always been interested in It’s incredible the effect clothing can have on us, shopping and clothing and fashion. My parents yet when we shop it can all be lost on ‘that’ll do’. have always believed in dressing smartly to We’re overwhelmed, unsure, limited on time and demonstrate that you care about yourself and the lack clarity as to what is right, then we’re making work you do. It’s a sign of appreciation to a host that snap decisions just to get it done. Soon we have a you have dressed for the occasion, marking the effort wardrobe of clothes that give us a slight (or even that they too have made in their hospitality. Thus severe) sinking feeling. clothing is and has been a signifier to others. We My own revelation was to understand the why. may not like that view, not subscribe to it and yet it Why, though I loved the tweed jacket on lots of might be hard for us to iron out the way we judge people it wasn’t ‘doing it’ for me when I put it on. others internally based on what they’re wearing. We Oh the joy to know that I needn’t worry about it any can’t really help ourselves. longer, a classic jacket was never going to work. Of My driver has always been how clothes made course not. I can walk away, enjoy looking at it on me feel. I have always liked to think that I looked others. There are other things out there for me and my best, although on many occasions struggled to they definitely make me feel good, whatever the understand whether that really was the case. I’ve sat occasion. I know what will do and what won’t – so uncomfortably in offices, pulled at clothes, left things could you. that I thought were lovely sitting in a wardrobe for ever thinking that one day I would find the perfect By Jennie Billings, occasion to pull them out. I have saved lots of things Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour ‘for best’, which never came, only to realise years www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings later that they were now never going to be used. e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk 18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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Video calls with loved ones, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or having a stretch in an exercise class are just some of the things residents have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, at Knebworth care home. Add to that delicious home cooked food from our in-house chefs, tailored care delivered by our fully trained and experienced teams, and amazing activities, and you can see why we’re the ideal choice. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, we’re here for you. To arrange a virtual tour or one-to-one video chat, please call 01438 893103 or email paula.brown@careuk.com Knebworth care home 59 London Road, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6JE careuk.com/knebworth WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS