MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

I came across this image recently and thought it was fabulous.

The guy is the Chairman and CEO of G.E. and the woman, Clara Gaymard, is the head of G.E. France. They’re off to meet with French President, Francois Hollande, to discuss G.E.’s $13 billion bid to buy a French energy unit. Fairly serious meeting I’d imagine. …and look at what she’s wearing.  A leather motorcycle jacket.

Clara is also an author, a mother of 9 and has been listed by Fortune magazine,  as being one of the fifty most powerful women in business, in the world.

After working at a Collins Street stockbroker and investment bank for more than 20 years I know exactly what corporate style is here in Melbourne.   To be honest I think it’s often a little safe and sometimes bland.  I know there are policies and restrictions (and so there should be) but there should still be room for individuality.

Certainly a leather motorcycle jacket might be pushing it a little far in some environments, but corporate/office style can be so much more than a pair of black pants and a top.

What do you think of the leather jacket worn to a business meeting? Appropriate or not? Do we need to wear corporate attire to perform our jobs well and be perceived as being professional?

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If you’re someone who likes to wear color (and remember you don’t have to) perhaps you have some outfit combinations staring back at you from your wardrobe, that you’ve not considered before.

In this case, have a look through your clothes and see if there’s any pink and navy in there and then experiment with combining the two in an outfit (or two).

• navy pants with pink shoes
• a pink blouse with a navy skirt
• a navy cardigan over a pink dress
• a pink coat with a navy clutch bag
• a navy silk camisole under a pink jacket

If you love pink but sometimes feel when wearing it, that it seems a bit young and girly for you, adding a splash of navy will make it more sophisticated.

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When was the last time you tried something new?   A new lipstick, a new hairstyle, new reading glasses or a new style of jeans.

They might not work, but that’s fine. You’ll know then, that they’re not for you. But at least you tried.  Be prepared to experiment and make mistakes with your style.  Have some fun.

It’s when we do the same thing all the time, that we find ourselves in a style rut.

It’s ok if you never…

• wear belts
• paint your nails
• color your hair
• wear makeup
• carry a handbag
• wear color
• wear heels
• wear pants
• etc

You should do whatever makes you feel great. BUT…if you don’t feel great in your clothes, then maybe it’s time to start challenging some of those “never’s“.

Even Victoria Beckham, who once mostly wore black,  has freshened up her look and started wearing a bit of color.

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I know, … it’s not exactly a sexy topic, yet it’s one we really shouldn’t ignore.

As I’ve mentioned previously, details matter.

In fact details can sometimes be the difference between whether an outfit looks shabby, just ok or great.

In this instance, the detail in question is, the collar.

Because the collar is so close to your face it appears right in the eye line of others.

So it’s hard to miss a collar that is dated, stained, crumpled, frayed or *flying.

If you have one that sits in any of the above categories, I’d encourage you to remove it from your wardrobe and send it on it’s way.  ASAP.

*If you often wear a blazer/suit jacket with a shirt, tuck those collars in.

Like this..

Not like this..

It’s ok if they pop out a bit but don’t purposely spread them like wings. (Like Miranda has done above)  More than likely, they’ll make your outfit look out-dated.

Keep your look modern and fresh. Flying collars can appear a bit 90’s.  (Unless of course that’s the look you’re going for)

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