MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

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If you want to update your work look but don’t want to buy a whole new suit, there’s a couple of things you can do.

The first is to have a close look at your suit. Could it be rejuvenated by a tailor? Could the shape of the pants be modernised? Could the skirt be slightly re-shaped or hemmed to a achieve a more flattering look? Does it need some maintenance?

Secondly, think about what you wear under your suits. Have your shirts seen better days? Are they becoming outdated? (ie the fabric/the collar) Do the shirts you normally wear to work reflect your personality? Could you add a pattern or some color? By adding one or two new tops it will instantly freshen up the look of your suits.

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Finally think about how you’re decorating your suits. The shoes, the bags, the belts, the jewellery…..even your makeup. If you’re feeling bored with your work look, chances are you’re wearing the same black shoes, with the same black bag and the same black belt with the same black pants…every day.

READ: How to wear your collar  here 

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The skirt that universally flatters most body shapes is the A-line.

An A-line skirt is a skirt that is fitted at the hips and gradually widens towards the hem, giving the impression of the shape of a capital letter A.

This particular skirt shape will highlight the waist, skim over the hips and can visually balance your frame if you have broad shoulders or a large bust.

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Of course, this doesn’t mean every (or any for that matter) A-line will work for you. When you try this type of skirt pay attention to the length, where it sits on your waist, the fabric, the fit, the pattern and the pockets.

*If you want to accentuate your waist and lengthen your legs, make sure you’re wearing your skirts at the most flattering  place on your waist and finishing at the most flattering part of your leg.

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

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Who’s hitting the sales?

Do you have a shopping strategy (i.e. a list) or will you just hope for something to jump out at you?

I generally shop the sales with a clear idea of what my wardrobe needs, with my wish list in hand and I’ll be happy if I discover something unexpected and fabulous along the way.

The thing to always remember is that a bargain is not a bargain, unless you actually wear it.

If you buy an amazing designer piece that was heavily discounted and it sits in your wardrobe with the tags on, unworn – it’s a waste of money. (Think about the pieces you’ve bought in the past that you never wore.  Did you ask yourself all the questions in the changeroom before you decided whether it would fit into your wardrobe and work for you? Did you get talked into it by a friend or salesperson?)

Over this sales period (including online overseas and in the stores here) a few things I have on my list are:

– a white cotton shirt (thick & not too fitted)
– black pants (slim leg/cropped at ankle)
– a black crew neck sweater
– underwear
– exercise clothes
– trainers
– a handbag (red or black)
– black and red wedge espadrilles (lace up the ankle)
– black sandals (block heel)
– a casual watch
– sunglasses (Rayban Wayfarer)

*Notice I try to be as specific as I can be when I’m shopping with my needs in mind, to make shopping easier.

I may find all of the things on my list or I might not find any of them.  I won’t buy anything unless I love it and it’s within my budget.  Always keep in mind that it’s ok to come home empty handed when you shop.  Don’t just buy something for the sake of it. Be patient and wait til you find just the right thing.

You should also consider this before you start shopping at the sales.

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

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When I left my job in banking to pursue a different career, I found myself with a wardrobe full of clothes that didn’t really fit my new life.  There were tailored suits, crisp shirts, wide leg trousers, fitted blazers and classic pumps.

At the time I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on buying a whole new wardrobe, so I had a good look at what I had and came up with ideas for how I could use my corporate clothes in different ways.

Some of my work pants, still in very good condition, were taken to my tailor to be remodelled and modernised, shirts were worn casually by rolling up the sleeves and accessorising with more jewellery than I would normally have worn to work and blazers were teamed with jeans (sometimes belted).

My change in lifestyle and lack of clothing budget at the time forced me to come up with different ways to wear what was in my wardrobe until I had the budget to start adding more pieces.  It made me look at my clothes in a way I hadn’t considered previously.  It felt challenging and creative and it meant that I wasn’t quite as desperate for new clothes, as I thought I was.

*While the image above might not at all represent your style, I hope you can take some inspiration from it.  What’s hanging in your wardrobe (maybe a structured, normally only worn to work, blazer) that could be worn in a way you might not have thought about before?

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

..& Instagram here