MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

I’ll often ask my client while we’re doing a Wardrobe Overhaul, what their favourite color is – and I’m regularly surprised to learn that they have none (or very little) of that color.

If you love red, orange, yellow, blue or emerald green, find a way to add some to your wardrobe.

It doesn’t need to be an orange pair of pants or a yellow shirt (Which may not look great next to your face), it could be something subtle, like a casual yellow bag, an orange scarf – or even orange lips or nails.

Red is my favourite color and last year I realised after doing a good edit and analysis of my wardrobe, that I didn’t have enough of it – so I consciously set out to add more.

Red isn’t just a color I like to look at, it’s a color that makes me feel good when I wear it.  (I particularly wear it if I need a boost of confidence.)

Here’s your challenge – Think about what color you love. The color should not only visually please you, but it should make you feel happy, confident, sexy, attractive, fun, chic, joyful (whatever’s important to you).

Next, go through your wardrobe and see what you have in your favourite color.  If there’s none, find a way to add it.  If you do have plenty of the color but are neglecting to wear it often (Why would you not if it makes you feel all of the above?), plan some outfits incorporating that color.

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Around this time each year I pull out all my old coats and jackets and assess what I have and consider what I might need when the cold weather arrives.

This involves deciding whether I need/want to add something new to my collection, what maintenance needs to be done and thinking about what I could do with them to update them and give them a new look.

This year, unless something amazing catches my eye, I’ve decided I don’t need a new coat – I’m going to focus my attention on giving some of my old one’s a makeover.

For some it might be big (like cutting it from knee length to hip length) and for others it might be a little change (like adding a sparkly vintage brooch).

If you’re creative, there are many ways you can give new life to an old piece. (See how I did it here)

In the photos below and above, I’ve shown you how, by swapping over the belt your jacket came with with something different, it can give it a whole new fresh look.

(If belts are not your thing, try something else)

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That’s it!  I need a colored leather jacket.

I bought this one and this one last year (investment pieces that I intend to have and wear for 20 years – at least) and thought perhaps this year I could add either a maroon/burgundy, red or navy.

When I came across this photo of Jane Fonda in Net-a-Porter’s magazine, I decided immediately to start the search.

I think she looks fabulous, don’t you!

In case you’ve been wondering, you’re never too old for leather.  (Like everything, it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it)

UPDATE:  I’ve since added this one and this one to my collection.

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Not everyone will have classic pieces in their wardrobe – and that’s ok.   Not all of us like to dress classically.

But for those of you who do have classic style, (ie traditional, tailored, clean, simple)  with a wardrobe of pieces to complement it, the thing to keep in mind is that while classic clothes are often described as being timeless – realistically they are not.

Classic clothes date like everything else.

Here’s your homework…

Pull out all of your classic pieces and throw them on the bed.   They might be…

Classic blue jeans

Classic white shirt

Classic navy blazer

Classic black pants

Classic grey pencil skirt

Classic beige trench coat

Classic blue sweater

Classic tailored dress

Classic black pump

Now, one by one, try them on and assess whether they are still current.

Give away’s will be, the size and width of the shoulder, where they sit on your torso (ie low or high waisted), the size of the collar and/or lapel, the width of the sleeve, where the pants finish on your leg, the width of the leg, the shape of the skirt, the length of the armhole and the shape of the toe of your shoe.

*If you have a suit you bought in 1992 from Armani or Anthea Crawford, despite it being beautiful fabric and quite possibly still in impeccable condition,  it’s more than likely out-dated.  Before you decide to toss it consider whether it can be reinvented by a tailor.  Don’t however, keep hanging on to it, wearing it, just because it cost you a lot of money 20 years ago.  Revamp or let it go!

While you certainly don’t have to wear clothes that are trendy, you do not want to wear clothes that are outdated.  Tired and outdated is aging.  Modern and current is youthful.

If you’re unsure and having difficulty determining what has and hasn’t dated in your wardrobe, consider booking in for a Wardrobe Overhaul and I will help you.

You can read what styling services I offer here

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