Whether we like it or not, we are judged by how we look and what we wear. That’s often the reason people shop for new clothes because they want to look right, wearing pieces specifically designed to be together.

But as image consultant Rita Noon says, fashion companies don’t design clothing ranges with you specifically in mind. Fashion looks great on models but we are all different – and don’t have to be slaves to what is on-trend and in-store this season.

My op-shopping hobby enables fun and affordable experimentation with colours, shapes and textures. Playing with individual style is what I’ve done for years and I’m putting it out there with Sew it Again 2014. 

When I met Rita Noon recently, I learned Vertical Figure Shape determines which styles most flatter our body shape (based on leg and body length) and understood there’s science in the process of clothing selection rather than just following instinct about what looks best. 

Rita says that when you make wardrobe selections that combine your best shape with your best colours (based on skin tones) and lifestyle requirements, dressing well becomes a whole lot simpler.

I know this vintage tangerine wool jacket is not my best colour but I bought it anyway from an op shop in Tasmania a couple of years ago. After I hand washed it recently, I noticed the hem needed repair with a few hand-stitches. I questioned the gold buttons but stayed with them and searched the stash for a skirt that complemented but toned down the glitz. I made this black, gold-embossed velvet skirt a while back and upcycled it by changing the hem which provided two-fold benefit (less-fussy finish, better length for my short legs!). I felt comfortable wearing it to a committee meeting last night after a cold windy day out.