MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

When I changed careers several years ago, my clothes needed to change too.

I was working at an Investment Bank so most of my wardrobe was made up of suits, crisp shirts, blazers, and heels, but when I started my Personal Styling business, my needs were different. My style was still classic, but it needed to transition from corporate classic into a more casual, fashionable classic.

Before I invested in new clothes I made the conscious decision to simplify my wardrobe, and how I dressed and also decided that I would build a wardrobe around a color palette, of black, white, grey, and navy.
Having these colors as my primary base means that everything works together, and therefore dressing is easy.

Over time, for variety, I would add bits and pieces in other colors – red, orange, cobalt blue, fuchsia – that would complement the neutral basics.

I’m now ready to introduce a new neutral. One that I know will work well with all the others, as well as some of my colored pieces. This autumn, I’m keen to incorporate some khaki into the mix.

What are the primary basic colors you’ve built your wardrobe around?  (For you it could be beige, charcoal, cream, white, etc) If you haven’t (and your wardrobe is only made up of lots of colors and patterns) it could be one of the reasons you find putting outfits together difficult and you feel like you have nothing to wear.

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“Tell me about this floral (pink, yellow, green, orange, red, blue) top”, I ask my client during her Wardrobe Overhaul, “Do you love it?”

“No”.  She responds. “I bought it because I thought I should add more color to my wardrobe.” “I hate it!”

There’s a misconception, I’ve discovered since doing this job, that to look interesting, you need to wear lots of color and pattern – but it’s simply not true.

In fact, stylish and sophisticated looks can be achieved by simply wearing black and white.

My tips to make sure your black and white outfit looks chic, rather than bland, are to:

• Keep the black, very black, and the white, very white 
• Make sure the fit is (really) good. (Because black and white is so clean, an ill-fitting silhouette will be highlighted)
• Keep the cuts and styles modern (Rather than outdated)
• Put plenty of thought into how you decorate your black and white pieces (Don’t let down an otherwise great outfit with a daggy, sensible shoe or scruffy handbag)

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Don’t let anyone tell you you “should” or “need” to wear more color. It’s perfectly fine (and in fact chic) to only wear grey, black, white, camel, beige, cream or navy.

Always wear what makes you feel authentic and confident.

Don’t ever feel pressured to wear anything that isn’t you…and your style.

Just make sure you keep it interesting and stylish with textures, shapes, fit and decoration.

You can read what styling services I offer here

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When I’m working with a client at her home,  helping her overhaul her wardrobe, our aim is to be left with only clothes that work.  Pieces she loves, pieces that are flattering and pieces that represent her style and the image she wants to portray.

If together we decide something is a keeper my next challenge to my client is that she comes up with at least 5 ways to wear it.

(What often happens when people get bored with their clothes, is that they go out and buy new ones. When in actual fact what they could be doing is playing around with the clothes they have and coming up with new outfits)

Check out these images of French magazine editor, Virginie Mouzat and take some inspiration from what she’s doing with her clothes.   *She may not have the same style as you, but you can still be inspired by how she’s using her clothes.

In all five of the photos Virginie is wearing the same pair of khaki cargo pants BUT not once is she wearing them the same way.

You don’t need to have lots and lots and lots of clothes.  You just need to learn how to wear what you have in several varying combinations.

So next time you reach for that red skirt, blue dress or patterned pants, come up with a way to wear them differently to how you wore it last time.

Challenge yourself to wear each piece you have hanging in your wardrobe at least 5 different ways.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here