On the Sustainable Style course

Participants on the Sustainable Style course came for tips on building a wardrobe that works. They took home the keys to their own style and vintage clothes.

Helsingin aikuisopisto organised the loveliest style course of the autumn, led by stylist, author and loveliness coach Sohvi Nyman.

The aim of the sustainable style course was to learn to highlight your best features and wear clothes that make you feel wonderful. This requires recognising your own style and creating a wardrobe that works.

The right colours and sizes look and feel right

In the first session, each participant’s colour palette was identified with the help of blusher and fabrics.

“The right colours make a person glow,” Sohvi advised.

Participants learnt to recognise the body types A, Y, H, O and X and heard what is good to favour and avoid. Clothes of the wrong type and size distort the body’s proportions and feel uncomfortable.

“The secret of a wardrobe that works is that pieces can be combined, are comfortable and versatile.”

Sustainable style means quality

Sohvi advised shopping rarely and carefully – with your head, not your heart. New purchases should fit in with your existing wardrobe.

“You can restyle an outfit chosen for work on the go for an evening out, for example with scarves or bags or by swapping your high heels for boots.”

It is good to pay attention to caring for your clothes so that they last as long as possible. It is worth investing in quality, and participants got good practical tips on how to recognise it.

“Slow fashion is a more sustainable principle than fast fashion,” Sohvi stated.

Treasures from the UFF vintage shop

At the second session at UFF in Töölöntori, a new selection had just arrived in the shop, and the stream of customers matched it.

Although most customers are women, according to the shop manager, on the evening of the course there were also stylish young men in the shop who, among other things, emptied the rail of Marimekko Jokapoika shirts.

“The most sought-after vintage fashion right now is leather jackets and boots,” the shop manager said. “Levi’s in particular fly off the shelves, and all kinds of flared trousers go quickly too. In outdoor clothing, nineties-style neon all-in-one suits are attracting the most interest.”

Touching and trying on

Sohvi had picked out styles from the new selection that represented elements suitable for different body types. Participants looked together at how the clothes fitted, and everyone received feedback on their choices. Some good finds ended up in shopping bags.

Not without mishaps

Participants left their own coats on a rail at the back of the shop. As the session ended, the journalist was looking for her missing coat until she spotted it at the till just as it was about to go to a new owner. The goods really were flying off the shelves.

Explore Sohvi’s courses

Sohvi runs popular fashion and make-up courses at Helsingin aikuisopisto. Find out more about the courses and register.

Get to know Sohvi in her introduction video (in Finnish).

Fashion and beauty

Text: Kristiina, Helsingin aikuisopisto

Photo: Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash