PMT Power

I don’t know about you, but my god PMT and dressing when I’m on my period really really really becomes a challenge and used to be something that just went straight out the window. I just get into a funk for about 12 days (7 PMT and 5 period days) where I have to REALLY push myself to get dressed properly and ignore my mind that tells me I have put a million pounds of bloat on, acne that is just pure mean and moods that would challenge a monster. Plus, what’s with the tiredness and inability to think?!

When Aunt flow eventually shows up, the cramps make me so sensitive to anything that touches around my ovaries and lower back, all I want to do is wear a massive sack and curl up and hide. Even my activewear feels too tight. I basically want to do all the wrong things that actually make me feel worse. I absolutely used to do this until I sussed out a way of tricking mother nature (yeah that’s right I’ve tricked her!) into my way of doing things. It’s taken ages but its time for me to share the ways!

Here are my 5 top tips for not only surviving the tricky of each month but also thriving!

Knowledge, prep and discipline (sounds brutal IKR)

Get an app like Flo and record your symptoms because A, its great to learn more about your cycle and where you are in it and B, by knowing where you are in your cycle, you then have the time to start prepping for the dark time of the month and getting ahead of the game.

But what do you have to prep I hear you ask?! Your outfits of course! I’m not saying prep 12 outfits (I mean, by all mean please do) But I don’t know anyone who has the time or the motivation to do that! But, now you have the knowledge that she’s on her way, the pressure of having to prep before she gets here will kick you into action because you know how dreadful she can be. Having one less thing to think about when you are on will take a huge weight off your shoulders, trust me! If you are anything like me, I find everything a bit too much on the run-up to my period so small changes and actionable plans really make the world of difference. More on this later…

Where do you start?

As with any style update, its baby steps (oh the irony…) Something as simple as avoiding certain colours and replacing them with lighter tints (colour with white in) or calming colours can create a huge impact with minimal change.

My top colours to wear for PMT

Green - is the colour of balance, harmony and is very reassuring for when you have days where you feel a bit ‘all over the place’ and don’t quite know how you are feeling or what to do with yourself. It is the best colour to wear if you flush easily or get PMT acne as it calms and neutralises the red because it is on the opposite side of the colour wheel. Magic!

Blue - releases oxytocin, the feel good, warm fuzzy feeling hormone so perfect if you get upset or overwhelmed. It is the perfect colour to calm you down if you are feeling agitated, stressed or want to snap at your partner for not putting the squash away ever(guilty) It is very diplomatic, approachable and portrays honesty and trust.

Light Pink - compassionate, supportive and has a wonderfully emotional and flirty side. Wear if you need cheering up or need to put a smile on someone’s face. It’s also good if you have a lot of listening to do!

AVOID black and neutrals – Why?! They lack any warmth, emotion which can leave you feeling subdued and this is when you need a boost!

Red – releases adrenaline and if like me, you are guilty of either a frustrated or angry outburst red will release the adrenaline that will enhance the emotions and make you explode. Chose a lighter pink or peach instead if you have low energy and need a boost but want to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself!

Ultimate combo is Blues and greens will keep you balanced, calm and harmonised. A beautiful pair if you get anxious and stressed very easily.

The best colour’s to wear when you are on your Period (this will vary from person to person, check out this blog to read about the benefits of every colour)

Orange - is fantastic for communicating, it is very sociable, dynamic and shows great warmth, wear if you need to interact with lots of people, and struggling to face the thought of it!

Yellow – aids clarity and stimulates our minds so that we can concentrate. It evokes confidence so wear if you are having a wobbly day and want to bring some joy and sunshine into your day.

Purple – is a fab mix of cool blue for calm and warm red for an energy burst, it aids creativity and helps to mediate. It oozes luxury, purpose and helps with leadership, all things we deserve whilst we bleed!

Red – be weary – only wear if you calm and need a boost because you’re tired or lack motivation, if you are feeling firry, go for orange or yellow instead!

Ultimate combo – orange and purple so you can communicate and lead the way through your busy schedule.

AVOID black and neutrals – The same as above, they lack any warmth, emotion which can leave you feeling subdued and this is when you need a boost, especially with energy boosts. But a neutral can be great for breaking up your outfit so make sure it’s the best colour for your complexion.

Chose your fabrics carefully – comfort is key here

Comfort doesn’t mean huge, billowing and floaty dresses that hide every inch of you. You may feel like that is what you want to do but I promise you, it won’t make you feel any better.

Fabric is VITAL. Choose ones that have movement and stretch, so essentially they move with you and your body rather than staying in one awkward, uncomfortable shape. Fibers like jerseys and fine knits and clothes with pleats, side ties, or rushing are flattering and very comfy too. For your bottom half, wide-leg trousers, soft waistbands with elastic backs, and floaty skirts and dresses (cinched in) will help you feel feminine but also avoid causing you any more aggro.

AVOID – tight denim with no stretch, starchy rigid fabrics, leather, boxy over sized shapes

Essential - sure you have pockets for tampons or sweet treats if you have a sugar low or aka craving.

Finally, back to planning, now you have gotten your head around colour, fabric and clothing put together a little PMT clothing ritual to follow so you don’t have to make more decisions than necessary. It could look as simple as the following…. (Print it off and stick it up in your wardrobe so you don’t forget about it!

Day 1 PMT – Wide leg trousers and green side tie top

Day 2 – Stretch jeans and blue soft knit top

Day 3 – Wrap dress – Light pink

Day 4 – Floaty Skirt and wrap top – green and blue print

Day 5 – Back in your wide legs and jersey T with green and pink logo

Day 6 – Floaty shirt dress, elastic waist band blue

Day 7 – Soft and floaty skirt, soft knit top Green

Day 1 period – Wrap dress purple

Day 2 period – Floaty skirt and side tie top orange

Day 3 period – stretch jeans and wrap top yellow

Day 4 period – Floaty shirt dress purple and orange

Day 5 period -  Wide leg trousers and wrap top red

Ta dahhhh – easy peasy, once you have tried it, I assure you there will be ZERO going back. You can use this simple version as a template and tailor it to the length of your cycle, your body shape, style personality and of course the right colours that suit your complexion.

If you feel like you would still like a helping hand, please do get in touch and we can come up with the ultimate, PMT busting solution for you.

Big stylish wishes and thank you for reading, here’s to finally outsmarting aunt flow!

Sian x

I am Personal Stylist based in London. I am a colour analysis expert, wardrobe stylist, and personal shopper. I specialise in body shape style, wardrobe edits, and shopping for clients. I am also a virtual stylist. I do online styling, online style advice, virtual body shape workshops, virtual wardrobe edits and online personal shopping. Fashion Stylist in London. Personal Stylist in London. London stylist.