At Sophie Robinson’s Colour Workshop the other day we were discussing our colour ‘personalities’ when it comes to decorating. As I watched Sophie talking about her own love of a multi-colour mash-up while wearing a beautiful rainbow skirt, I thought, ‘you’re describing how you dress, not just how you decorate’.
And then I looked down at my own outfit (‘pink as fuck’ fluffy hot pink t-shirt, black skirt, mental trainers) and realized that my ‘winter’ interiors colour personality (love of extreme colours, user of black, enjoyer of controversy) was there for all to see in my wardrobe.
But that hasn’t always been the case. In my teens and twenties I had the kind of clothes collection that looked like it belonged to at least six very different people. I had my ‘sporty’ clothes for hanging out in the pub with the rugby crowd. I owned a few ‘I’m with the band’ type t-shirts for the times I went to clubs with my muso mates. And of course there were the ‘sexy’ clothes if I fancied a night on the pull (on the pull! I haven’t used that phrase for about 15 years!). I hadn’t worked out who I was yet – wasn’t confident enough to lead rather than follow - and my wardrobe (and my décor; my student digs were a confused, futon-based eyesore) reflected that fact.
Now I find that the more confident I become in my décor style, the more streamlined my wardrobe (sadly for the Pink House Husband, the bodycon dresses have been replaced by wet-look black dungarees #manrepeller). And in fact, I often find some of my best interior inspo comes from the clothes I choose to wear. Before you know it I’ll have ‘pink as fuck’ made into a neon sign and hung in the family room.*
However, that’s not to say that you can’t be sure of your style and dress entirely differently to how you decorate. There are those whose homes are a riot of colour and pattern, but prefer to slip on a simple Breton stripe. And I have a super-on-trend friend whose wardrobe is full of fashionable clothes, but who likes to keep things white-wall-simple when it comes to interiors.
So in the spirit of research – and a desire to have a nose around some stunning homes and wardrobes – I asked a few of my fashion and interiors favourites whether their décor personality affects how they dress, and vice versa.
To kick things off (such was the quality and quantity of my interviewees, this is the first in a mini ‘do you dress like you decorate’ series) here’s fashion editor/blogger/stylist Alex Stedman from The Frugality (who is also renovating a house - swoon!), fashion blogger Amanda Davies from Honey Pop Kisses, and, of course, Sophie Robinson herself, all showing us their decor and their dress sense, and pondering how one relates to the other…
*The Pink House Husband would like to state for the record that this will never happen
ALEX STEDMAN, THE FRUGALITY
Alex Stedman from The Frugality at home
This is how to dress a bump (praise hands emoji)
How would you describe your dress style?
This is hard...I’d say classic with a twist - that sounds a bit cliche! I love jeans but usually with a good tailored coat and a slouchy jumper - bit J Crew preppy but always with a pop of bright colour accessory - like leopard or red.
How would you describe your decorating style?
I’ve become a lot bolder in recent years but I still don’t do brights - I love navy, grey and whites still but have experimented with different ways of using the paints lately. I love mixing it up with dark skirting boards in a light room or doing a more dramatic totally dark room [like Alex's new study, below].
Alex looking chic in her F&B Hague Blue study
Does the way you dress affect the way you decorate, and vice versa?
I’m quite classic in my style so I try to pick colours and styles that won’t necessarily date. We can’t afford to keep decorating so we’ll need to still love this in 20 years time! I approach my wardrobe in the same way.
Why do you think you do/don’t dress like you decorate?
I suppose it’s my innate sense of style - it runs through everything I do. I’m quite precise in the way I work, too - so this is reflected in my creative decorating and styling side.
Alex rocking monochrome PJs in her monochrome bathroom
Do you prefer fashion or furniture? Why?
At the moment - definitely furniture! I love that it serves a purpose and you can really fill a space with something perfectly considered. There’s never really a gap in my wardrobe I ‘need’ to fill, so it’s definitely not as satisfying (although can still be fun!).
For classic-with-a-twist fashion and interiors, check out The Frugality blog and @thefrugality on Instagram
SOPHIE ROBINSON
Sophie's not scared of a pattern mash-up/Photo: Alun Callender
How would you describe your dress style?
I’m an out-and-out colour lover so I choose clothes that have bright saturated hues and lots of pattern. I’m a maximalist so there’s always plenty of oversized accessories too. I do love a large tassel earring it has to be said!
How would you describe your decorating style?
I love to be playful with colour and pattern and enjoy mixing and matching. I think it makes a home feel unique and layered. I get a buzz from seeing beautifully designed textiles all jostling against one another. Needless to say you cannot move on my sofa for cushions.
Sophie does shelfie/Photo: Alun Callender
Does the way you dress affect the way you decorate, and vice versa?
I think once you have found your style tribe the the two things do cross over. I’m passionate about people creating authentic homes that are a true reflection of them. So I think once you have tapped into your own style and found your palette of colours then it makes sense that these cross over into all areas of your life. It’s all about finding out what makes you happy!
Why do you think you do/don’t dress like you decorate?
I totally dress in the style of my home. It's eclectic, colourful and bright and I don’t take myself or my home decor too seriously so there is always a relaxed element too. I’m not so fussed about keeping up with the trends but do like to regularly update my wardrobe and home in a playful way.
Do you prefer fashion or furniture? Why?
I prefer furniture as it doesn’t feel too tight after I’ve eaten all the pies.
If you'd like some help delving into your own colour palette and style, I can highly recommend Sophie's brilliant Colour Workshops. Click here for more info.
AMANDA DAVIES, HONEY POP KISSES
Amanda: pink hair, REALLY care about colour everywhere
How would you describe your dress style?
Apart from colourful I'd say I dress quite eclectically. I wouldn’t say I had a specific look; when I like something I wear it.
How would you describe your decorating style?
I love colour, especially in my house. I wouldn’t class myself as a maximalist but I do love creating a cosy, welcoming room with loads of personal details.
Does the way you dress affect the way you decorate, and vice versa?
I would definitely say my love of colour started with clothing and the progressed into my decorating style. This is the first house we have rented that I’ve felt I could really put my stamp on.
It was unclear whether Amanda actually liked pink...
Has anyone seen Amanda?
Why do you think you do/don’t dress like you decorate?
My love of colour is universal. The way I dress and the way I decorate are both influenced by similar things. I wear things that inspire me and make me feel good, and the same goes for decorating. I love to surround myself with trinkets from travelling, art and loads of plants.
Do you prefer fashion or furniture? Why?
I don’t think I could choose! I love finding unusual and stand out pieces, whether it’s something to wear or something to sit on...
For more pink-centric fashion and interiors inspo, head to the Honey Pop Kisses blog or @honeypopkisses on Instagram
