Here at the Healthy Back Bag, we believe that style and comfort should go hand in hand, and no one embodies that ethos more beautifully than colour consultant, personal stylist and long time friend of HBB, Fiona Ingham. With her expert eye for colour analysis and a deep understanding of how wearing the right hues can lift your look and your mood, Fiona brings a fresh perspective to styling our crossbody backpacks.
Colour analysis is all about discovering the shades that naturally enhance your skin tone, hair and eyes and that principle doesn’t stop at clothing. Your choice of bag colour can be the finishing touch that pulls your outfit together or adds a pop of personality.
Fiona shows us how to wear our colours with confidence, styling her own Healthy Back Bags in a way that suits both her practical needs and her Autumn colouring. From vibrant everyday bags to luxe leather neutrals for more polished settings, her approach proves that practical can still be stylish.
Fiona wears Microfibre Small Bag in Tropical Green
You’ve had a long and successful career as a personal stylist and colour consultant, what first sparked your passion for colour and style?
I had always enjoyed clothes. When I had my colours analysed I realised that the reason I often felt I looked pale and tired when I felt fine, was because I was choosing unflattering colours. It was so logical and wearing the right colours worked so well I decided I wanted to share the benefits of colour to make others look and importantly, feel great!
As someone who helps others feel confident in their clothing choices, how important is comfort when it comes to personal style?
Comfort is vital , both psychologically so the item has to align with our personality, but also physically. Before buying, move about, sit down, wave your arms, make sure you like the feel of the fabric, are the fastenings fiddley? If it doesn't pass these tests, however lovely it looks, it will probably end up in the unworn part of the wardrobe, creating waste.
You often speak about the power of colour. Do you think the colour of your bag can impact how you feel or how others perceive you?
Yes, a colourful or patterned bag can enliven and complete an outfit.
What do you love most about the Healthy Back Bag, and why do you recommend it to clients?
Apart from the lovely range of colours, I love the practicality of the Small bag. On a recent trip to Morocco it held everything I needed to travel. For days out with loads of walking, a wonderful baglett held everything I needed, including my vitally important lipstick, leaving me hands free. I'm a great believer in Pilates and believe that my HBB benefits my back and helps my posture.
Fiona wears Recycled Nylon Small Bag in Marine Blue
How do you style your own Healthy Back Bags? Do you go bold and bright, or stick to timeless neutrals?
I tend to use bright bags in my Autumn colours for every day. For more formal professional meetings where I used to use a brief case, I use a luxurious bronze leather bag, which works a treat.
As someone always on the move, how important is practicality in your everyday accessories?
Yes, practicality is vital. I like hands free. When I do use a handbag nowadays, maybe for a wedding, I like it to have a strap or chain. Or be crossbody. I rarely use the many handbags I have, apart from clutch bags for evening events.
Healthy Back Bags are designed to look good and feel good – does that philosophy align with your approach to fashion and wellbeing?
Yes, it's vital that our clothes and accessories make us look good and importantly feel good.
What’s one style myth you’d love to bust?
‘Every woman looks good in a little black dress'. Only Winters look great in black. Other seasons can choose: navy, the fashionable chocolate brown, dark olive green, grey, damson, forest green as a dark neutral which does the same job of working with all their Colours, and makes them look good.
Fiona wears Textured Nylon Small Bag in Limoncello
You’ve helped so many people discover their personal style. What’s one piece of advice you always give?
Whatever your age, always be aware of fashion trends, but only go for those which align with your colouring, body shape and personality.
Finally, what’s your favourite colour?
That's a dreadful question! I love to see my clients make different colours look great. I enjoy wearing my whole range of Autumn colours but particularly enjoy wearing the greens and the colours that often people in the UK are frightened of wearing - buttercup yellow and flame red!
Textured Nylon Small Bag in Orchid, styled with Fiona's Summer colour swatches
Interested in Colour Analysis and styling inspiration?
Follow Fiona on instagram @houseofcolourfionaingham
Looking for stylish crossbody backpack that's also comfortable?
Take a look at our full range of crossbody backpacks here.
