The frustration of creating clothes that stay in the cupboard
Picture this...
You chose a modern fabric from the rack, carefully selected the pattern, meticulously sewed each seam, and it even turned out as you imagined.
But then, disappointment sets in.
They don’t wear it.
“It’s just not me,” they say, and the garment gets relegated to the back of the cupboard.
Have you experienced this frustration? If so, you’re not alone.
Many who sew face the challenge of making clothes that don’t end up being worn—not because they don’t fit, but because the colour doesn’t suit.
Stuck in the colour comfort zone?
At my son’s recent birthday party, a mum told me she couldn’t find anything tastefully bright for her boys. All the styles she liked were blue, black, or grey—with "camo" thrown in for good measure.
It’s tempting to stick to the basics. They’re safe, reliable, and easy to match. But they can also become monotonous, limiting creativity and style. Worse yet, they might not flatter your skin tone or personality.
On the flip side, exploring trendy colours like Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, can feel overwhelming. What if it
doesn’t look good on you? What if it clashes with the rest of your wardrobe?
For many, the fear of “getting it wrong” is enough to keep them firmly in the colour comfort zone.
This frustration often stems from sticking to familiar colours or being unsure how to incorporate something new into your wardrobe.
How mismatched colours can take the fun out of sewing
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When the clothes you make don’t get worn, it can feel disheartening
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Hours spent crafting a beautiful shirt only to realise it washes out his complexion and doesn’t match his favourite jacket.
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Sticking to safe colours might seem like the answer, it can lead to a different problem: the joy of sewing gets overshadowed by practicality.
You’re not alone: Why colour confidence changes everything
Thankfully, there’s a way to reclaim that joy—by learning how to confidently choose colours that work for you and the clothes you’re making.
I’ve been there, standing in front of fabric shelves, overwhelmed by options and unsure of what to choose.
I’ve always been fascinated by colour. I can spend hours mixing and matching hues to create cohesive fabric collections. Over time, I’ve developed a system to make sense of it all—and I thought, why not share it with you?
There are countless sources of colour inspiration for fashion and fabrics.
For example, WGSN / Coloro’s 2025 Colour of the Year, Future Dusk, is a deep, rich purple that exudes sophistication
Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, is a warm, earthy brown that evokes the rich tones of coffee and the indulgence of chocolate mousse. However, if you’re a fan of Fisk, you might find it reminiscent of her iconic pantsuit—perhaps not the most flattering association for everyone.
Unfortunately, these colours don’t suit everyone. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the trend.
With a little colour knowledge, you can adapt the shade to flatter you—whether that means going lighter, darker, warmer, or cooler.
This isn’t about strict rules or perfection. Getting it 80% right is better than not doing it at all. It’s about building confidence in
your choices so you can sew with intention and style.
Once you understand your colour type, even bold trends like Pantone’s Mocha Mousse become easy to adapt and incorporate into your wardrobe.
If nothing else, it makes getting dressed well in the morning quick and easy—even if it’s just to pop up to the shops for a coffee.
When you look good, you feel good.
Here’s how to make the 2025 mocha trend work for you
To show you how colour type knowledge can transform your
sewing, let’s explore how Pantone’s Mocha Mousse can work for different colour
types.
Each colour type has its own hues, ensuring brown doesn’t feel like a compromise but a stylish addition to your wardrobe.
That’s why I created the Fabric Formula. It helps you understand which fabric colours, pattern scale, and density suit you. I’ve even created a colour palette printable on fabric, so you can take it shopping with you.
It takes the stress out of getting it right—especially when you’re sewing for someone else.
Mocha Mousse alternatives based on Colour Type
What to wear with the Colour of Year
There are two things to think about:
- What proportions
- What colours
WHAT PROPORTIONS
The 60-30-10 Rule
Design and maths go hand in hand. One common colour rule in personal styling is 60-30-10. Here’s how it breaks down:
- 60% Base Colour: Mocha as the main fabric for a jacket or pants.
- 30% Secondary Colour: Pair it with a neutral like cream or charcoal.
- 10% Accent Colour: Add a pop of cherry red—like a vest or on-trend sunglasses.
This could also look like a mocha suit, a white shirt, and a bright paisley tie. Or, for a bold approach, go 90% patterned suit and shirt with a neutral shoe—just make sure your smile stands out first!
WHAT COLOURS
Colour Combinations
There are many colour combinations but these are three classics that you can use anytime.
- Analogous
- Complimentary
- Monochrome
Before choosing your combinations make sure you have your hue of brown based upon your colour type. The Colour Of The Year might not suit you.
The following examples are illustrated with a colour type = DEEP.
COMBINATION 1
Analogous (harmonious)
These are next to each other on the colour wheel:
- Deep Brown (base colour)
- Dark Blue (secondary colour)
- Deep Red (accent colour)
COMBINATION 2
Complimentary (contrast)
These are opposite each other on the colour wheel:
- Deep Brown (base colour)
- Gold (secondary colour)
- Dark Blue (accent colour)
COMBINATION 3
Monochrome (interest)
These are tints (white added), shades(black added) and tones(grey added) of a single hue (colour):
- Brown (base colour)
- Deep Brown (secondary colour)
- Deep Mocha Mousse (accent colour)
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Getting it 80% right is better than most people.
You will see significant benefit even at 80% right. Many haven't taken the time to grasp the basics and that is why there are so many wonderful stylists and designers out there helping us.
You don't need to be perfect with this. There is always room for creative license.
Learn More About The Fabric Formula
This article focuses on brown, but there are so many more colours to explore.
If you’d like to know which colours work best for you, the Fabric Formula gives you a unique visual tool that stays with you for life.
It’s as indispensable as peanut butter and jam (or brown and deep purple!).
Knowing your colours—and theirs—isn’t just about following trends; it’s about creating clothes that make them look and feel their best.
Don’t waste another stitch on clothes that won’t be worn. Learn how to make colour work for you and create garments that everyone will love.
Warmest,
Jane x
That is right
You can make him clothes that make him feel good and look good.
What a gift.
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Proven Formula
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Simple Steps
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Tailored Results
