MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

If you bought a pleated skirt in summer and you thought you’d have to pack it away now til next year – it’s not the case at all.

When it was warm you may have worn it with a cami, blouse or tee and sandals, now in autumn and then into winter, try winterfying it by teaming it with a knit, jacket, tights and boots, pumps or brogues.  (If it’s warm enough – or you don’t feel the cold like I do – you can even wear it with bare legs and sneakers)

Like all things fashion, this style won’t work for everyone, but if you like the look, don’t be afraid to give the pleated skirt a try.  Some of my clients, who were not completely sold on the idea at first, have been very pleasantly surprised that, with clever styling (on top and on the feet), the right fabric, length and fit (you want it to skim rather than cling over the hips) it has worked beautifully for them and has added an interesting and versatile piece to their wardrobe.  (I’d wear mine to a wedding, to the races, out shopping or to lunch. I’ll try and remember to show you on Instagram.)

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..add a brooch or two to your jacket.

Something old..

Something modern..

Something old with something modern..

A glamorous pin will add an individual touch to your work jackets, but it needn’t just be for the office. Try wearing a brooch with your blazer, jeans and a t-shirt.

Remember, it’s the decoration that helps demonstrate your unique style and add oomph to your outfits.

TIP – Wearing a brooch (or two) is a great way to draw attention and focus up to your face.  (Perhaps away from something else, that you’d prefer to draw attention away from)

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Even if you were wearing a beautiful dress from Chanel, there’s no way you could look stylish wearing a shoe like the one pictured above.  (Which I must say, is not mine)

I’m a big believer that the shoes are the most important element (apart from the underwear) of the outfit.

So…in preparation for the colder months of autumn and then winter, this is your Weekend Wardrobe Challenge.

Take out all of your autumn/winter shoes and (ruthlessly) go through each of them one by one, to decide..

1. If there are any shoes that need repairing or a good clean (This includes sneakers)
2. If any of them are outdated and need to be retired
3. If any of them are no longer required for your lifestyle
4. If any of them no longer work for your personal style and represent the image you want to portray
5. If any of them are too small, too big, too uncomfortable – and send them on their way
6. If any of them are unflattering.

This week I took these shoes to my local cobbler and (for $18) had new heels put on.  I then gave them a polish with Mr Sheen to shine them up.  I know that I’ll be wearing them through the next couple of months and well into winter so I need them in good shape and ready to go.

Next up…

Make a list of the various areas of your life (For example, work (weekdays), work (casual Fridays), weekend (casual during the day), weekend (going out), etc, etc)  Determine whether your shoes cover the areas you need them to.  Make a list of any gaps you need to fill.

Take a good look at what you have and consider what could be added to your shoe wardrobe to create more outfits with your existing clothes.   (ie a pair of knee high tan boots to wear with some of your dresses or a pair of white sneakers so you can wear some of the dressier pieces in your wardrobe, more casually)

If you are having trouble deciding what’s still current, what’s not, what should stay, what should go, what needs adding or ditching, and would like some help, you can book in for a Wardrobe Overhaul here (or read about it here)

Something to leave you with..

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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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