MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

A versatile, hardworking wardrobe should have at least one casual jacket – ideally in a neutral color that works with everything.

That jacket should be a step up from a knit, (i.e., a cardie) not a coat, nor something you’d wear hiking, exercising, or feeding the chooks on the farm.

It should be a piece you can dress up or down and wear anywhere from a picnic to school pick-up, to going shopping, watching your kids play sport, to lunch, to work…to dinner. Each time, changing and adapting its look.

The khaki jacket, or parka (Army green jacket/Military jacket) fits the bill.

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When you’re visiting the stores as much as I do, and you’re seeing how various pieces work on different people (over and over) you start to have favourites.

Jeans that are a great color, have the right amount of stretch, that sit exactly where you want them to on your tummy and have ideal back pockets.

A skirt that isn’t too short or long, sits right on and highlights the waist, doesn’t crease across the hips and is in a color that goes with everything.

An ankle boot that finishes just on the right part of your ankle so it works beautifully (ie looks flattering) with skirts/dresses and pants/jeans.

A t-shirt that has a neckline that works for most people, no matter what size bust you have, that highlights the waist but still disguises a tummy, in a fabric that doesn’t cling and with a flattering sleeve.

This dress is one such favourite.   It’s a goodie – from the length, to the neckline, to the waist, to the sleeve, to the fabric.   Several of my clients have bought this one.  It’s a handy little dress to have in your wardrobe because of it’s versatility.

With a pair of pumps and pearls for an interview or a funeral, with a sexy strappy heel and sparkly earrings to an event or with an ankle boot and your leather jacket on a date.

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Don’t just save your trench for work..or good, try wearing it casually with your jeans and a smart pair of sneakers.

This could be a good casual Friday outfit. Casual, yet sophisticated. Just pop your shoes on when you get to the office. ( I used to keep an array of shoes under my desk when I worked at the bank)

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Sometimes making a few tweaks, can make a big difference.

By slightly changing how you wear something, you can make one item of clothing work for difference occasions.

Take this shirt for example.

It could be worn with a pencil skirt for work or with a full length skirt to an event, but in this case it’s worn casually with a pair of chinos.  It’s been styled with the idea of a look in mind.   (Maybe “subtly sexy, smart casual”)

– the collar has been popped up (Framing the face)
– the hair’s been put up to highlight the popped collar and lengthen the neck
– the shirt’s been buttoned to expose skin (or a hint of lace bra or camisole)
– the sleeves have been folded so that the cuffs poke out the top (Exposing some skin, highlighting the waist and lengthening the legs)
– the shirt has been half tucked into the pants