Looking Stylish with Mobility Aids

If you need to use a mobility aid, the changes are that your posture and balance have changed and the amount that you move around when seated has reduced.  You may have given up wearing high heels or, if you are using a wheel chair, you may have rediscovered them if you no longer need to walk in them. 

All of these change what you need to think about when choosing clothes has changed too.  

Your mobility aid itself may also change the way you need to dress.

Practical Style When Seated

Whether you are seated more because you are in a wheelchair, or because walking makes you more tired than you used to, it is worth thinking about the following when choosing what to wear or purchase.

• Pockets and seams on the backs of trousers and jeans can cause pressure sores if you are seated in the one spot for too long.

• Trousers need to be longer if you want to avoid showing your ankles or socks.

• Shorts, skirts and dresses may also need to be longer. Shorts and skirts that are too short can create rub points leading to pressure sores.

• You may also want to wear longer skirts and dresses so that they cover your knees when seated.

• Tops and jackets may need to be shorter so that they don’t bunch when you are wearing them.

• Wear colours that don’t blend with your seat if you want to stand out.

• If you are seated (almost) all the time consider purchasing some seated pants. These are designed specifically for sitting in and are longer at the back than the front. This prevents material bunching at the waist.

Practical Style When Moving

Whatever mobility aid you are using consider how your clothes and accessories could interfere with it when moving.

• Keep scarves and necklaces shorter so they don’t interfere with your aid. You may want to pin scarves with a brooch so they don’t dangle if you bend over to walk.

• Avoid loose bracelets and billowy sleeves that can catch on your mobility aid.

• Consider wearing shorter and narrower trousers and maxi skirts and dresses to avoid them interfering with your mobility aid and so they don’t become a trip hazard if you stoop.

Keeping it Stylish

All of these practical considerations can mean that outfits that once looked good on you may make look look and feel frumpy.  Here are some tips that may help:

• If you have shortened your bottom half, consider shortening your top.

• Draw attention up to your face with an eye coloured top or necklace.

• Create the illusion of width with horizontal lines in a print.

• Consider incorporating your mobility aid into your outfit. Gone are the days when mobility aids only came in black.

If you would like some more advice book a wardrobe edit or join my style support program.