A Wardrobe Built on Colour, Memory and Care
From mustard yellow knits to rust-toned layers, Rosie’s wardrobe is shaped by warmth in every sense. Inspired by vintage Paris shopping trips, well-loved jumpers, and the quiet satisfaction of mending, discover how her carefully chosen colour palette and meaningful pieces make getting dressed feel effortless - and deeply personal.
How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Autumnal, boxy, warm
How has your approach to style or shopping evolved over time?
I’ve narrowed down my colour palette in the last few years, now I wear primarily rust orange, mustard yellow and a few neutral browns and ochres. I’ve found that it makes it easier to decide what to wear in the morning if everything is in similar tones!
Do you remember the moment or reason you first started shopping secondhand?
My cousin used to take me to vintage kilo shops in Paris when I was a teenager which I thought was the coolest thing in the world (I still do) and since then I’ve always loved it.
Over the last few years I decided to only buy secondhand knitwear which already had holes in, which feels appropriate as a mender. That gives my secondhand trawls a focus, and it feels very satisfying to extend the life of something which might otherwise have been discarded.
What secondhand piece from your wardrobe do you reach for again and again - and why?
I have a yellow knitted jumper which used to belong to a friend, I borrowed it so much when we lived together in Edinburgh that when I left Scotland, she gave it to me. It was the first piece I properly darned (when the elbows wore through) so it has many fond memories for me, as well as being an extremely warm and cosy jumper.
Do you have a favourite brand you love finding secondhand?
I love finding Folk,Muji and LF Markey pieces. They are so well made, have beautiful branding and all lean towards a ‘workwear’ aesthetic which I really enjoy.
What would you tell a friend who's never shopped secondhand before?
It might use up a lot of time, but it’s worth it when you find the perfect garment!
Rosie Leech is an Oxford based illustrator, designer and mender of jumpers - mostly working with visible repairs.
To hear about future mending workshops with Rosie head to: