beauty

Spring 2025 Colors & Fashion Trends

March 6, 2025 by Bethany Siggins

For me, spring always starts with color. Mother Nature brings forth her most colorful blooms this time of year, so it’s only fitting for us to do the same. As in years past, we are seeing a mixing of colors (fall colors in spring and vice versa). This season is much the same with a lot of earthy tones and orange taking center stage, colors most often seen in fall.

Top Colors from New York and London Fashion Weeks

First, behold the top colors from both New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week. You’ll notice some overlap with the browns and khakis, as well as with brighter blues and greens. There are pops of pink-ish reds and orange, as well. Buttery yellow is one of the big color stories of the season. I recommend avoiding yellow if your coloring is mostly cool. If your coloring is cool, try yellow in a small pop like a shoe or bag.

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Creative Color Combinations

As for creative color combinations, I’ve provided several to get you started.

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BrownOrangeSpring2025 - Spring 2025 Colors & Fashion Trends

YellowBlueSpring2025 - Spring 2025 Colors & Fashion Trends

GrayPinkSpring2025 - Spring 2025 Colors & Fashion Trends

BlueTealSpring2025 - Spring 2025 Colors & Fashion Trends

PeachKhakiSpring2025 - Spring 2025 Colors & Fashion Trends

Top Spring Trends

Top spring trends are included in this collage. We continue to see a mix of masculine and feminine, lace, transparent fabrics, lots of preppy, volume, and glitter/shine.

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Spring Shopping Catalog

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To start you on a path forward, I have created a shopping catalog celebrating these color combinations. You’ll see many of the pieces in the above collages in this catalog. Another spring shopping catalog is in the works, and it will be distributed to my newsletter subscribers later this month. If you’d like to get on my newsletter list, visit the home page of my website. Scroll down to “Get the Scoop!” Enter your name and email. That’s it. You’ll be on the list from now on, and you’ll receive my robust spring shopping catalog once it’s ready.

Shopping for Basics?

GAPCatalog - Spring 2025 Colors & Fashion Trends

If you need to add some solid basics to your wardrobe, take a look at GAP. I’ve created a GAP shopping catalog of some of their best offerings right now. My closet always has GAP pieces.

Need Help Editing and Shopping?

Email me via my website to chat with me about my edit/style service, along with my personal shopping service. Both services will help you get a fresh start on your wardrobe and style for 2025. I’m here to make the wardrobe and shopping part of your life easy and stress free.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Wishing you a great start to your spring season!

Shop Your Wardrobe: A Guide to Loving What You Own

January 16, 2025 by Bethany Siggins

Here’s the thing. We don’t need more stuff. Most of us already have what we need in our wardrobes for just about anything that comes up.

I understand the pressure to buy new clothes regularly. New fashion trends come at us at lightning speed. We see someone with new things, and we want them, too. As someone who works in fashion, it’s easy for me to justify a purchase with the excuse of “fashion research.”

For now, let’s pause the pursuit of more things to celebrate the abundance that is there. January is the best time of year to shop your wardrobe. With fewer social engagements and healthy habits starting back up, enjoying what you have is right in step.

Top Benefits

Shopping your wardrobe benefits you in several ways. Here are a few.

Sustainability: This has been one of my main focuses for the last handful of years. Buy less, buy better. The longer you wear your clothes, the lower your carbon footprint.
Financial Benefits: Focusing on what you already have in your wardrobe, frees up your budget for other priorities.
Personal Style Development: Shopping your wardrobe encourages you to experiment and discover combinations that reflect your personality. Most of the time, it is not what you are wearing but how you are wearing it. Get in there and get creative.

How To

Let’s talk through the practical steps of getting our wardrobes shaped up for the New Year.

Step 1: Declutter and Rediscover

Start by editing your wardrobe. As you look over what you own, separate items into three categories:

Keep: Pieces you love and wear regularly.
Maybe: Items you’re unsure about but see potential in.
Donate or Sell: Clothes that no longer fit your style or your needs.

You would not believe how many times a client has found a forgotten treasure when I’m going through their wardrobes with them. Often, they are delighted to rediscover it. Place the keeps back into your closet, donate items right away, and email me to help you with the “maybe” items.

Step 2: Organize it

Now that you have the extras out of the way, you can see what you love to wear. When adding items back into your closet, I typically suggest organizing by type (shirts, pants, dresses) and color. Once organized, it is simpler to mix and match outfits.

Step 3: Style It

Now that you have edited and organized, it’s time to experiment. Here are some ideas to refresh your outfits:

Layering: Combine different textures and lengths for unique looks. For example, layer a summer dress with a turtleneck for colder months.
Accessorizing: Scarves, belts, and jewelry can take a basic outfit from good to “wow.” Don’t forget to edit these categories, too.
Repurposing: Adjust the tailoring on items to make them perfect for you now and find ways to make them new. I change buttons on blazers, for example. I also use a button-down shirt as a lightweight jacket to give it another use. If you have items you only wear for work, can they be used for date night or weekend? Give your pieces more jobs.

Step 4: Address Wardrobe Gaps Strategically

Most wardrobes have a few gaps. Instead of impulse-buying, make a list of what you need and look for the best quality of those items within your budget to complement your wardrobe. Consider secondhand or sustainable brands when shopping. Take your time finding the right things. Close enough is not good enough. Some items will elude you, and that’s okay. It took me years to find the right pair of dressy leather boots. But I waited for the right pair rather than settling for something that wasn’t quite right.

Benefits Beyond Style

Shopping your wardrobe isn’t just about clothes. It’s a mindset shift that can extend to other areas of your life. You’ll likely find yourself appreciating what you have and being more mindful about future purchases. This intentional approach leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and confidence.

Final Thoughts

For 2025, instead of trying to keep up with trends and buying more, let’s discover the joy of authentic style using the best of our wardrobes. Open those closet doors and start exploring—your next favorite outfit is waiting for you!

Want help? I’m here for you. Email me to get started. Time with me is a great gift to yourself.

The Summer Dress: Easy Elegance and Style

June 18, 2024 by Bethany Siggins

This time last year, I was feeling the pangs of jealousy over all the pretty dresses I saw on my friends. Every wardrobe is a work in progress, mine included. I am a pants gal. It is no secret I love a great pair of pants and jeans. However, my jealousy told me it was time to find dresses and skirts that would add easy elegance and more balance to my wardrobe.

As we closed out 2023, I resolved to nip my dress jealousy in the bud by focusing on dresses in 2024. When I have a wardrobe assignment, I execute! Halfway into the year, I have added several dresses as you see in this post, as well as two fun skirts that add spice and interest to my daily rotation. To purchase the skirt below (available in many colors), go here.

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I am loving this switch to my summer look. If you need more convincing that the dress is a good idea for your wardrobe, keep reading.

Comfort in the Heat

Many of us have already experienced our first summer heat wave, although the official start to summer is still two days away. Since COVID, the same word comes up with most of my clients: comfort. Unlike pants, dresses allow for better air circulation. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton, Tensel, and linen are breathable and help with temperature regulation. This makes dresses an excellent choice for staying comfortable in sweltering heat.

Versatility and Style

Dresses are always an appropriate choice. Regardless of the occasion, there’s a dress to suit it. Beach or pool party – check. Lunch or brunch – check. Cocktail or a formal event – check. Some styles are easier to find right now than others. My style is not frilly or overly feminine, and the current selection in many stores and boutiques lean in the “poofy” and “baby doll” direction. Depending on your style, it may require more hunting to find a dress that effortlessly expresses your personal style. But the hunt is worth it.

Easy Elegance

Another recurring theme besides “comfort” that comes up in my conversations with my clients is they need it to be easy to get dressed each day. There is truly nothing easier than a one-piece outfit. Add your favorite jewelry and sandals, and you are done. With separates, there’s always the question of which top goes with which bottom. The simplicity of dresses not only saves time, but it also ensures that you always look put together with minimal effort. I think this is what I was loving about my friends’ dresses outfits. They looked so chic and pretty. The inherent elegance of a well-chosen dress can make you look and feel polished and sophisticated, even on the hottest days.

Freedom of Movement

While shorts or pants often come to mind when getting dressed for outdoor activities, many things we do outdoors are dress friendly: picnicking in the park, strolling through the farmers markets, or spending the day at the beach or poolside. As long as your dress is flowy and looser-fitting, it is a smart choice for active summer days.

Boost in Confidence

Honestly, wearing my new dresses has put a little pep in my step. Dresses are a confidence-booster when you choose the right shape for your shape. When you feel great in what you are wearing, it changes how you interact with others and how you tackle your tasks. Many dresses come in fun colors and playful patterns, which bring a sense of joy and lightness to your image.

Eco-Friendly Styles

It would not be a proper “Bethany Siggins” post without mentioning brands that offer eco-friendly options. A few of my favorites include Cleobella, Mille and Faherty. Natural fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp are better for the environment and comfortable in hot weather. Whenever possible, shop sustainable brands first. For your convenience, I have created a summer dress shopping widget here. The two dresses I’m wearing in this post are sold out; however, the cream dress above is available in a shorter style, which I linked in the shopping widget.

Which Shoes?

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Dresses go well with a variety of shoes (even sneakers!), although once is it warmer, my go to style is a comfortable, sporty sandal like Sorel (photo above) or a flat sandal by Frankie 4 (photo above) or Sam Edelman. For your ease of shopping, I have created a widget with a variety of sandals from Sorel and Sam Edelman. Shop the widget here. If you want a closer look at the boots I’m wearing in these photos, go here.

Finish with a Woven Bag

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Like shoes, there are many styles of handbag that work beautifully with dresses. However, my current personal favorite styles are woven leather bags, as well as straw and raffia. Shop my woven bag widget here. The handbag here is the Esmeralda by Mirta, purchased for my birthday three years ago.

Need Help?

If the idea of adding dresses to your wardrobe appeals to you, but you are not sure where and how to start, message me. I am here to make the style part of your life easy and stress free. Wishing you a comfortable, stylish and effortless summer season!

Shopping Widgets

A note about the shopping widgets provided in this post. Some of the links in the widgets pay me a small commission when you purchase directly from the links. This is always appreciated and one small way of supporting my business. Thank you.

Embracing Sustainable Style for Earth Month

April 2, 2024 by Bethany Siggins

April is Earth Month! While Earth Day is April 22, there’s no reason to wait to celebrate, starting with our wardrobes. If you’ve followed me the last few years, you know I am passionate about fashion sustainability. In today’s fashion landscape, it’s not just about what you wear, but also how you wear it. As we become increasingly aware of our environmental footprint, we must rethink our approach to clothing and style.

Caring for our planet through our fashion choices eventually becomes second nature as I’ve personally experienced. In the beginning, it took a lot of reprograming on how and where I shopped. If I can do it, anyone can!

My Top Sustainability Tips

Buy Less, Wear More

The first step towards being more sustainable with our style is to break free from the cycle of constant consumption. My advice: understand your weak spots and tackle them head on. For me, it’s seeing the item. If I see something I love, it’s difficult for me to not buy it. So, guess what? I don’t look. When I need to tap the brakes on my consumption, I don’t browse online, and I don’t wander into shops. While I must shop for my clients and stay on top of trends and brand offerings, that does not mean I need to shop with myself in mind.

Another tip: adopt an empowering mantra to keep you on course for less consumption. Mine is: “There’s always something beautiful to buy.” This helps me remember that I am not “missing out” if I don’t buy it. There will be something later when the time is right.

Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking you need something new for each occasion. Look at your wardrobe and wear everything again and again. No one remembers that you wore a certain top or dress to dinner last month. And who cares if they do? Wearing a piece over and over is chic, in my opinion. It shows you love it and want to enjoy it as much as possible.

By buying less and wearing more, you reduce your environmental impact and cultivate a more mindful approach to dressing. This is your first step toward sustainable style.

Recycle Old Textiles

Very little of our clothing donations makes it to a charity shop and is purchased. To assure your clothing stays out of landfills, send your pieces to companies that are committed to recycling anything that cannot be sold. These companies include ThredUp, Retold Recyling, and For Days. For underwear and bra recyling, send them to Subset.

If you have a piece you aren’t wearing any longer, consider handing it over to a local designer to repurpose it for you. An old pair of jeans can be painted. Patches can be sewn onto jackets, and fabric from a full skirt can be used to cover pillows. Get creative! It’s fun to give an old piece new life.

Swap parties are a fun way to pick up something new and get rid of items you aren’t using. A small group of my friends did a jewelry swap party last year, and the extra pieces were taken to a local women’s shelter. Everyone wins!

Support Sustainable Brands

When I started keeping a list of sustainable brands, I thought I’d have a concise two-page list in my Word docs. 14 pages later, I continue to add to this list! Two good places to look for sustainable brands are The Good Trade and Good On You, which provides ratings based on the brands’ sustainability efforts. From using organic and recycled materials to prioritizing fair labor practices, sustainable brands are leading the way towards a more responsible fashion industry.

Some brands I’ve recently supported thinking they are sustainable are not. So, do your homework. I will, too! A few brands to look at are Fortress, Cleobella, Baukjen, and Nadaam. See my shopping catalog for a handful of items by these brands and a few others. By supporting these companies, you send a clear message to the market that sustainability is our new direction. Plus, you add pieces to your wardrobe with meaning and great value because of the sustainable efforts behind them. Vote with your wallet for a greener, more ethical fashion landscape.

Book an Outfit Session

While it may seem like a shameless plug, one of the best things you can do for fashion sustainability is to work with me to create fresh outfits from what you already own. Often, you don’t need more things but simply a fresh set of eyes to show you how to wear your pieces in new ways. While wardrobe edits are one thing I am known for, I am available to make outfits for you without editing. The same goes for vacation packing. In this session, we create a travel capsule that works for your entire trip without the extras. This saves room for souvenirs, naturally.

Additionally, I can assist you in making informed choices when adding new items to your wardrobe, guiding you towards sustainable brands and timeless essentials that complement your personal style. Message me to get started.

What is Sustainable Style?

At its core, sustainable style is about embracing conscious consumption and cultivating a deeper connection to the clothes we wear. It’s about recognizing the impact of our choices and making decisions that reflect our values. By buying less, wearing more, recycling old textiles, supporting sustainable brands, and creating fresh outfits in our closets, we make a huge impact. Every effort matters.

Sustainable style isn’t a passing trend. It’s critical for each of us to be more mindful and responsible. By adopting practices that prioritize the planet alongside personal style, we create a wardrobe that looks good and does good. It’s fashion with a purpose, one conscious choice at a time.

To book that outfit session, send me a note! I look forward to assisting you!

Spring 2024 Trends & Colors

March 8, 2024 by Bethany Siggins

Top Trends

Spring 2024 brings a fusion of classic styles and modern twists, catering to diverse tastes. There is something for everyone this season. Cropped jackets offer a contemporary take on outerwear, not to mention their leg-lengthening effects. Stripes dominate this season, whether in bold, high-contrast or softer, subtle tones. Preppy is coming in hot for spring with it clean lines, tailored fits, and a nod to collegiate chic.

Pastels offer a soothing palette cleanser this spring, blending beautifully with bright pops. Wide leg denim, cargo denim and looser fits are the hot trend in jeans. They offer a stylish alternative to slim jeans. Gold and silver metallic accessories add a touch of glamour to outfits, elevating any ensemble and reminding us that this trend is year-round and not exclusive to holiday.

Mesh shoes and flat Mary Janes are the hot shoes this spring. They make a “sharp-casual” statement, the perfect touch of intrigue and fun. Floral prints are in full bloom, along with funky, artistic “vacation-inspired” prints. Overall, this spring offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation, catering to every style. Visit my spring catalog to purchase some of these trends.

Top Colors

The entire spring 2024 color palette is here. As you see here, we have the usual bright pops of orange, cerulean, yellow, and mint. Alongside those colors are grounding earth tones like chutney, mushroom, tarragon, and watercress (Pantone names). Beautifully blending into the palette are several softer, soothing tones like chambray, lilac, gray, and deep blue.

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Blue & White

Blue and white is everywhere you look from tees to jeans to dresses and bags. This is one of the freshest spring/summer color combos, always appropriate. It’s a fashion no-brainer!

Visit my spring catalog to shop these pieces.

Bright Pops

It would not be spring without a few bright additions to the wardrobe. If bright colors overwhelm your personal coloring, try small additions like a sandal or a bag. For those whose coloring can support it, go ahead with a mint green top or an orange cardi jacket.

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Shop my spring catalog for the pieces in this collage.

Soft & Earthy Tones

The colors of Mother Earth bring us back to reality. Luckily, earth tones work beautifully with all the bright pops on the palette. There are several soothing, softer tones on the palette, as well. If brights aren’t your thing, there are many pastel offerings.

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See my spring catalog to shop the pieces in this collage.

Spring Shopping

Now is time to get started on your wish list. Don’t have a wish list? Email me at bethany@bethanysiggins.com to set up a short chat. I’d be happy to help you. Many stores have fully transitioned to the new season, so right now is when you will find the best selection.

All of the items in the collages in this post are in my Spring Shopping Catalog. This catalog will jump start your wardrobe refresh for the season. Just a few new pieces is all it takes for your whole wardrobe to feel new again. Enjoy the browse, and let me know what you get!

My Beef with Black

February 6, 2024 by Bethany Siggins

Note: This article was originally sent to newsletter readers in July 2010. While the article has been updated for this publication, the advice is mainly the same.

I have been critical over the years about wearing black. As a trained expert in custom color analysis, I can’t help myself. I observe how color appears on others. I notice what a color does to their hair, skin, and eye colors. If a color detracts or is otherwise unsupportive of you, it has no place in your wardrobe. Black is notoriously difficult to pull off, yet it is found in most wardrobes.

I am not completely against black. It has its time and place (at formal and black-tie events, for instance). I have been wearing several black ensembles so far in 2024 as I’ve shared on social media and in this post. However, for the most part, most of us need not wear it.

Here’s why black is not the best choice for your wardrobe:

It does not enhance you.

Regardless of your skin tone, light or dark, black generally does nothing to enhance your natural coloring. If you have shadows or dark circles on your face, black may emphasize them. Be honest and look at your face in a mirror with black held up to it. What does black DO for you? If you are fair haired and fair skinned, black washes you out. If you have dark hair and dark skin, black causes you to fade into the background.

It is not the only slimming color.

It is true that dark colors are recessive and cause things to look smaller. However, black is not the only color that can accomplish a slimming effect for you. Instead, try chocolate brown, navy blue, charcoal, wine or dark green. To be honest, the most slimming results come from clothes that have a proper fit and shape regardless of color.

It is difficult to pair with other colors.

Think about it. What looks great with black? Very little. Black pairs well with pastels (like baby blue), camel, white, and raspberry. We often pair black with white because it is one of the few combinations of black and another color that work well. White and black worn together creates a high contrast. If your hair and skin tone are not as contrasting as white and black, wearing them together (especially near your face) will overpower you. If a “power” message is your goal, black and white is a good combination.

It says little about your personality.

Your clothing and your style should tell a story. They tell us who you are, where you are going, and how you expect to be treated. Black becomes a default for many, and it takes over wardrobes because we don’t know what else to wear. This is where a custom color analysis is helpful! It opens your eyes to a world of colors, a real style game-changer!

It sends a negative message.

Black is the absence of color, the absorption of all light. It is cold, intimidating, and unfriendly. Is this your intended message? There are countless other colors that help us appear more attractive, interesting, and approachable.

Your Challenge: Go on a black diet. Black is everywhere in the stores and very easy to buy. Don’t. If you own a lot of black, make a conscious effort to insert color, even if it is just with accessories and shoes as a starting point. Color is a conversation-starter, a vehicle to open doors, and a wonderful way to boost your mood. You can do it!

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Always be yourself.

If you love wearing black, and you feel your best in black, keep buying and wearing black. My articles are intended to educate and to inspire. However, I am not super rules-y myself. I own clothing colors that are not personally flattering, including black (as you see here). Sometimes we need to draw outside the lines. So, don’t let me stop you if you love wearing black. I want you to love how you look and feel!

If you want help choosing the right colors, or if you need help editing, email me at bethany@bethanysiggins.com. I’d be happy to speak with you about your style goals this year. You can learn more about me on my website at www.bethanysiggins.com.