“When we’re stressed, we are likely to opt for simple solutions, and dark shades can extend to our wardrobe. Having dark-coloured clothing can be easier to mix and match and wear on repeat as it’s less noticeable,” Mair offered as another example.

Although I felt a sadness when realising the potential reason behind my new colour palette, it also served as a signal that things really needed to change, and perhaps I could use my wardrobe to help bring my confidence back. So out come the coloured trousers, cream jumpers and my favourite feel-good pieces as I start to strip back the black and become less accustomed to blending in.

“Most people say comfort is a priority when choosing clothing. Comfort is both psychological and physiological, and stepping out of our comfort zone can demand courage, but the results can be a fantastic confidence boost,” finalised Mair and it seems like this could be the first step in trying to claim my confidence back, one item of coloured clothing at a time.

How I lost my confidence and the colour from my wardrobe