MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Even buying shoes, you want to think about your personal style.

For example, my client wanted white sneakers.

We were in DJs and got it down to two contenders.

Both were plain white, (which was a criteria) but one was very simple, timeless with no detail, and the other had some tiny features, a small platform, and was a bit edgier and perhaps more fashionable than classic.

While my client was trying each sneaker on, the person working in the store came over to ask if we needed any sizes and offered her thoughts. She suggested the brand she worked for (they were two different) was a lot more elegant than the other one – which she felt was better and what my client wanted.

In fact, it wasn’t.

While my client was trying both sneakers on, we talked about her style. I asked her which one she felt best represented the direction she wanted her style to move in and the look she wanted to achieve. The ones that were slightly chunkier and cooler, were it.

So, there are a couple of takeaways from this…

All white sneakers are not the same. When you’re shopping for a pair, think about what it is you want. Sporty, non-sporty, chunky, elegant, leather, canvas, details, embellishment, no details, etc. It’ll make it so much easier for you to find them.

Know your personal style, and you won’t buy or get talked into buying something that isn’t right for you.

Take your time when you shop. Have a good think about the piece before you make the purchase. Don’t feel rushed to make a decision.

Follow me on Instagram here

You can read what styling services I offer here

If you’ve got a pair of white jeans sitting in your wardrobe, that you only ever wear in summer, pull them out and see if you can make them work for you this winter.

Sometimes when we feel bored with our clothes or like we have nothing to wear (despite a wardrobe full of clothes), it’s because we’re not using what we have in different ways. We have this idea in our head that, that top only goes with that skirt, or that dress is only for weddings or christenings or those pants can only be worn with those shoes.

Try and expand that thinking a little bit. Maybe the lovely silky shirt you bought when it was hot could be worn under a sweater now that it’s cooled down. Perhaps you could layer pieces over that strappy little dress you love but hardly wear, with tights, a jumper, a jacket, and boots. And maybe those white jeans can be worn in winter with knits, coats, boots, pumps, loafers, or sneakers.

Contrary to popular belief, white jeans can be worn by all of us. (Here’s my Mum wearing her white jeans) Like all jeans, it’s just a matter of finding a pair that works for your shape and getting a pair that have the right fabric and the right fit. (i.e. not too thin or too tight)

Follow me on Instagram here

You can read what styling services I offer here

I get so much inspiration from looking at what everyday people are wearing on the street overseas. (Particularly in Paris and Milan) I devour as much as I can from anywhere I can.

They’re not necessarily fashion people or influencers paid to wear the clothes – they’re just wearing what they like, in their authentic and unique way.

It could be from Zara, a vintage store or op shop, the latest designer piece, or something that belonged to their grandmother.

As I’m flicking through the photos, I look at and think about things like…

The bag. The color chosen for the outfit, its style, and even how it’s being worn.

The shoes. Same as above.

The jeans. What style they’re wearing – length, shape, color, and cut.

What colors they’re combining in the outfit.

What jewellery they’re wearing and how they’re wearing it.

Are there any pieces I’ve noticed worn regularly? (i.e., perhaps a trend we might see here)

Are there any styling tweaks that are new to me?

Are there any ideas for me to wear something I have in a new way?

Is there something I could add to my shopping list? (Maybe a cream pleated skirt for spring.)

Follow me on Instagram here

You can read what styling services I offer here

These images are from @milanesiamilano.

Basics are the key to your wardrobe.

When you’re building an outfit start with the basics first and think of them as a blank canvas.

For example, a pair of blue jeans and a white shirt is the canvas, which you then add to, to create a look.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here