Accessing Style – by Deborah (www.accessingstyle.co.uk)
Having professionally dressed countless agency models on set, then having become a wheelchair user myself, means I recognise, first hand, that although some clothes aren’t as comfortable or flattering, there are still many items within the high street that look fantastic when sitting.
A key thing to remember when shopping is to focus on your hair, face, and shoulders. Sitting can make thighs appear a little wider than they are and this can be balanced with structure or details at the shoulders. Because sitting can make your stomach protrude a little more than it naturally would (and can make you appear shorter waisted) your aim is to decrease your stomach’s appearance and boost your bust using a comfortable bra. Your legs are out in front, so to keep the focus on your face, work on the principle that dark recedes and light highlights. Therefore, wear your lighter colours near your face and shoulders and your dark colours on your legs.
Today I am going to look at two current trends that are seen on the catwalk and worn by celebrities.
The peplum:
Another alternative to a dress is wearing stretch peplum tops with a stretch pencil skirt. There are plenty on the high street without any fastenings. Belts of course are optional, but if you choose a belt, always opt for skinny to mid-size, as it’s flattering to create as much space as possible, For skirts without fastenings that are slightly below knee, I have found River Island usually have a good selection. Also, check out the tall ranges in shops.
Skinny jeans:
Replicate looks with soft, stretchy, comfortable material and choose material that does not crease easily. Up-sizing is a great way to gain more movement and comfort in the clothes (especially as lycra is so flexible and it makes it much easier to take them off). Finally, always make sure you can self-propel in clothes comfortably before committing to buying.
Thanks Deborah for your expert less able fashion tips!
Accessing Style is a great place to go, for readers, if you want more advice.
Absolutely love this! I’m printing it off and keeping it. Absolutely love the outfits. They are so wearable. Have just ordered the dress and just off to get most of the other bits. I can’t wait! Never thought I could wear this stuff, and certainly didn’t know how to make it work.
Thank you for this article and for featuring a stylist that actually understands fashion for disabilities and gets it SO right. I would have never figured out half of that and I have been a chair user for a long time. I think my daughter will be pinching my clothes now!
Thanks BBS for running this article. You are great.
absolutely great! useful tips!
This is brilliant I absolutely love Deborah’s work she is our girl Gok! I love these tips and outfits so much. I wish she would start doing a column in a magazine. Great article. x x
I had to report back! Firstly to say I shared this link on fb and not only did all my wheely friends love it and loved your site and fantastic guides, but my friends without chairs also loved the outfits (for themselves!) and are also replicating/buying the looks. At first I felt a bit miffed thinking this was ‘our’ article but then it struck me that this was the first time I’d ever felt such inclusion within fashion. We are all going to look great, and to think that able people want what I am wearing is finally such a buzz.
Anyway, I’ve managed to get all but 1 thing and I feel a million dollars. I will be living in these 2 outfits till I find another of Deborah’s articles so thank you for running such an amazing feature BBS.